UW-Madison to be split from the UW System?

[magdalena]

Is there anyone out there that knows anything about this, and if it is true the reasoning for it?

"Leaders at the University of Wisconsin System say they’ve learned that Gov. Scott Walker’s biennial budget proposal next Tuesday could include a provision to remove UW-Madison from the University of Wisconsin System."

http://www.wuwm.com/programs/news/view_news.php?articleid=7810

AP article with more information. http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-02-16/apnewsbreak-gov-plan-could-spin-off-uw-madison.html

Where does the madness end?

[htuttle]

1. Here's a reason why (from the Bloomberg article)

Spinning off UW-Madison likely would mean it would be run by a separate board whose members could be handpicked by Walker, which could give the Republican governor more control over how the university is run.

They're trying to control a University that has been a thorn in Republican sides for decades. You know that the Koch's gave a whole pile of money to Walker during the last election? We're going to have to fight this guy all year at least (12 months before a recall is possible).

[dragonlady]

2. If he wants it, it can't be good n/t

[mzteris]

4. please explain the part about the 12 mo wait....

that's the first I heard this.

[mascarax]

5. My understanding: WI law states no recall until he's been in office for 1 year

but the official petition can start 60 days in advance so November & December is petition signing time. Just tried to search for the number of signers needed on the petition...it's 25% of voters who originally elected him. And only signatures valid are during this 60 days window.

I read some concerns about the current wacko Lt. Gov. and whether she'd automatically get promoted to Gov. That apparently is not the case as there would be a special election (but I think one of the recall votes needs to ask a question in reference to this).

[dragonlady]

6. Something over 500,000 signatures needed

but the goal should be a lot more because there will be challenges to as many as possible. The petition circulators will have to be well trained and diligent in making sure every signature and address is clear, dates are in order, etc.

Who serves as governor during the recall process? Walker.

Wis. Stat. 9.10(5)(b)
(b) The official against whom a recall petition has been filed shall continue to perform the duties of his or her office until a certificate of election is issued to his or her successor. The person receiving a plurality of votes at the recall election or a majority of votes at a primary when authorized under sub. (3) (d) or (4) (f) shall be declared elected for the remainder of the term. If the incumbent receives the required number of votes he or she shall continue in office. Except as provided in sub. (4) (f), if another person receives the required number of votes that person shall succeed the incumbent if he or she qualifies within 10 days after receiving a certificate of election.

[sybylla]

7. True, but there's a goodly number of state senators we can start recalling now

Maybe that will be all we need to do to rein in this cheese turd.

[midnight]

3. Very concerning.... About three years ago the head of Education resigned

saying the chamber of commerce was going to destroy education in Wisconsin.... I guess this is what he meant.

[MadBadger]

8. Not sure how I feel abou this because Biddy supports it and I like Biddy

I dont like Walker having his cronies on a board though.

[Sabien]

9. What would UW-Madison be called? here's a suggestion

University of Walker - Madison.

Sounds like he'll get to appoint a majority of the board members.

ugh

[snacker]

10. I think he wants to control the research.

UW does a lot of stem cell research, and I'm sure Walker doesn't like that one bit.

[dragonlady]

11. Somewhere I read that Walker would appoint

a majority of the new board of regents. That alone should sink the idea, in my opinion.