Blogs › Out of Bounds
Regents do matter
Posted August 29, 2007
If you didn’t take the time to read Camera reporter Kyle Ringo’s recent series on the state of the CU athletic department, do yourself a favor and make the time.
Excellent reporting, extensive research and great writing went into the effort. If you ever wondered how CU reached the level of problems it faced just a couple of years ago, Ringo’s series provides all the answers.
Now, a couple of thoughts:
— The one thing Kyle couldn’t say is that the “perfect storm” also included a vacuum of leadership, starting with the president and marching right down through the ranks. Buffalo Betsy took Dick Tharp on his word for everything — and they all ultimately paid the price with their jobs.
Tharp and his pals promised a money-making venture with the stadium suites. Then they over-priced them (CU’s original prices were far more than national champion Oklahoma's fans were paying for a similar product), and they didn’t bother to find out that not even the Denver Broncos are selling out their club seats for every game.
If the Broncos aren’t selling all of their club seats, why would anyone think CU could sell all of theirs? Betsy took Dick on his word and sold it to the regents, who gave their approval.
— That leads to the next point. Vote.
The series should make every person with any interest at all in CU pay close attention in the next election. Yes, the regents DO matter. They make decisions that have long-term effects on the university and, as an extension, the entire state.
So, the next time you vote for a regent, do your research. Ask yourself this: do you really want to vote for someone who would, say, vote to retain Ward Churchill?
This site does not necessarily agree with comments posted below -- responsibility lies with the relevant reader alone. Read our privacy agreement.
Posted by buffalo_flyer on August 29, 2007 at 1:04 p.m.
I tried to research the regents last time there was an election and couldn't find anything. Any suggestions on where we can see their votes/hear their stances, etc.?
Posted by AlanOHashi on August 29, 2007 at 3:22 p.m.
you would think that with all the technology available that someone would take the time to live-webcast the meetings. even though the meetings are open, they are are often times not that accessible since they are held during the business day. the other limitation is the 'official record' are the written minutes which are often abbreviated and 'objective' so as to only report the facts. maybe you could find an audio tape of meetings. you would think that regents would have websites that have their voting records etc. during the elections, the camera is pretty good about covering candidates in depth.
Posted by houstonbuff on August 29, 2007 at 7 p.m.
basically dont vote for cindy carlisle.. she has serious conflict of interest issues (read: buffaloed) and she also voted to retain ward churchill
Posted by cubuffone on September 4, 2007 at 7:14 a.m.
How much of his own money did Tharp give to the program? How much is Bohn giving?