By President Bruce Shepard

On Nov. 3, the people of Washington state will have the opportunity to exercise one of the fruits of living in a democracy, that being the right to vote.  With the election fast approaching, I am having more and more people approach me about one of the measures on the ballot, Initiative 1033, and how it could impact Western if it passes.

While I would never consider telling, or even suggesting, how anyone should vote, I think it is important as Western’s president to respond to these thoughtful questions by outlining for you a few of the possible outcomes for our university should this initiative pass on Nov. 3.  First and foremost, I believe Tim Eyman’s latest initiative could present us with some very significant challenges.

I don’t have to tell you that it has been a difficult year here at Western for students, faculty and staff coping with the unprecedented state budget cuts we experienced this past spring. Unfortunately, the state is forecasting additional cuts for the current year and most likely for next year as well because of projected revenue shortfalls. We already are planning to address this year’s cuts, but doing so...

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