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Circus returns to Murray State
The Murray State News TheNews.org
April 5, 2013
Vol. 88, No. 27
Student candidates begin campaign Meghann Anderson News Editor manderson22@murraystate.edu
The ad-hoc committee consisted of Curris, ViceChair Marilyn Buchanon and head of the finance committee, Stephen Williams. Dunn’s performance was evaluated in several aspects of the University and its constituencies since his term began in December of 2006. One section of the document, titled Report of the Ad-Hoc Contract Committee to the Murray State University Board of Regents, discussed the relationship between Dunn and the board. The report states: “The board noted the way he handled his candidacy ‘impacted the trust relationship between the board and the president.’ Subsequently, the president has been a candidate for the
Friendly competition describes the political candidacy between the two students vying for Student Government Association president. Junior Meggie Goeke and graduate student and incumbent president Jeremiah Johnson are friends, and now contenders. Campaigning began Monday afternoon and will run until 11:59 p.m., April 16, when the student myGate polls close. Jeanie Morgan, SGA adviser, said it is extremely important for students to get involved in SGA because it is the governing board of the students. “SGA is here to serve the entire student body and it is very important that we have students from all aspects of the student body involved,” Morgan said. “SGA gives students a chance to broaden their horizons and an opportunity to see the inner workings of the University as well as advocate for students.” She said students are given the opportunity to work with people from several areas, including local and state legislators, to create a better environment for students at Murray State.
see CURRIS, 2A
see CAMPAIGN, 2A
Calvina Liebig/The News
Board Chair Constantine Curris addresses Faculty Senate and Staff Congress on the board’s decision to let President Randy Dunn’s contract expire.
Curris responds to criticism Lexy Gross || Assistant News Editor cgross2@murraystate.edu
“The board members did not sit around the table and say, ‘this is how I’m going to vote.’” –Constantine Curris Chair of the Board of Regents
Deckard awaits OAG opinion on denial appeal Staff Report Lexington, Ky., attorney Jim Deckard is awaiting the opinion of Attorney General Jack Conway on a meeting held by the Board of Regents. Board Chair Constantine Curris said five or six Regents met at the home of Regent Sharon Green, where they drank wine and discussed University business among other subjects. The social event occurred the night before the March 15 meeting, where the board voted 7-4 not to renew President Randy Dunn’s contract. Deckard originally filed a complaint against the board, stating the meeting violated the Kentucky’s open meetings law. In the complaint, Deckard asked the board to address what was discussed and revote on Dunn’s contract. One week later, on March 28, Curris responded to Deckard, denying his request to revote. He did agree, however, to address what was discussed at the next board meeting. Since Curris denied Deckard’s request, the attorney filed a complaint with the Office of the Attorney General on Monday. Deckard said the OAG will determine whether the secret meeting of a quorum was a violation of law. From there, the opinion will be sent to both the board and Deckard. “Then, in (Calloway County) Circuit Court, Dr. Curris and others will testify under oath as to what was discussed in private,” Deckard said. “I expect other board members who weren’t invited to Green’s home will testify as to how that impacted the public meeting. If the quorum is found to be in violation of the law, the court can void any act of the March 15 meeting discussed in private the night before.
Board of Regents Chair Constantine Curris met with faculty and staff Tuesday to dispel misunderstandings related to the nonrenewal of President Randy Dunn’s contract. Members from both groups had expressed disappointment in the board’s March 15 decision. Faculty Senate and Staff Congress formed resolutions in support of Dunn and his contract renewal prior vote. Many faculty and staff focused their concerns Tuesday on a report released by an ad-hoc committee charged with evaluating Dunn’s performance since 2006. The report was circulated by Curris to the board two days before the vote.
City asks University to help fund new truck Rebecca Walter || Staff writer rwalter@murraystate.edu
The City of Murray has sent a request to the Board of Regents asking Murray State to assist in the payment of a new ladder fire truck, which would mainly be used for the larger buildings on the University’s campus. The city’s current ladder truck, owned by Murray State, only has the ability to reach a limit of 70 feet and is not able to reach the top of all buildings on campus, including residential colleges Regents, White, Elizabeth and Hester. The new truck would be fully equipped with a ladder which would be capable of extending up to 100 feet, making it able to reach all buildings on Murray State’s campus, including residential colleges and classroom buildings. Since Murray State is the only location within the city with buildings which exceed four stories, the City Council sent a proposal to the Board of Regents requesting for the University to assist in financing the project. According to Matt Mattingly, city administrator, the average 70-foot ladder fire truck can cost upward of $650,000. Factor in the costs for the extra 30 feet on the new truck, and expenses can end up totaling $900,000. Murray State has been requested to help finance $250,000 needed to fund the project. The ladder truck currently owned by Murray State has not been replaced since 1994 and has experienced several mechanical problems within the past three years. Issues have included hydraulics going out, pumping systems shutting down, the water system failing and problems fitting the current fire truck into smaller spaces. “The current truck has simply passed its life expectancy,” Mattingly said. The new ladder truck will be able to ma-
Lori Allen/The News
The current ladder truck used by Murray State has been in used since 1994, and a new one could cost the city and University nearly $900,000. neuver in spaces as small as 10-12 feet, improving on the current truck which needs between 17-18 feet to set up and operate in an efficient manner. According to Matthew Tinsley, assistant chief of fire administration, the maneuverability of the new truck will be beneficial for students of Murray State in manners of safety. “In the event of an emergency, the new truck will be able to access students who are unable to get out of the building, as well as reach a better location on the buildings to best be able to put out a fire,” Tinsley said. Don Robertson, vice president of Student Affairs, said the University is willing to do whatever is necessary to guarantee the safety of students and those on campus. “The last thing I want is to have something happen on campus and (Murray) not have a
WHAT’S
CLASS SCHEDULE
INSIDE
Professors discuss several new Staff asks students to take a classes for the fall semester, 3A stand, 4A
OUR VIEW
truck that can, if need be, reach students at a higher height,” Robertson said. “That is why it is an important issue that needs to be settled as quickly as possible.” If the project is approved by the City Council, the new ladder truck will have to be custom built to fit all requirements and may take up to a year to be completed. The Board of Regent’s Building and Grounds Committee, who is in charge of making the final decision on Murray State’s part in the new truck’s payment, has postponed further discussion to a later date. The committee plans on comparing information of Murray State’s sister institutions before making the final decision. Murray City Council will continue the discussion, including the University in its plan to purchase the new truck.
WOMEN’S TENNIS
LOSING ARMS
Team wins fourth consecutive match at SEMO, 1B
Alumnus lives to tell story of survival, 6B