Tucson light rail system Îwell worth the cost'

In its misguided opposition to Propositions 200 and 201, the Wildcat editorial board claims that the success of a proposed light rail system is a "$1 billion gamble." This could not be further from the truth. While the entire plan would cost $1 billion over the course of 20 years, improving many facets of Tucson's transportation system, less than $250 million would be spent on light rail in those 20 years. The board goes on to claim that improved bus service could be achieved far more cheaply. Indeed, if this plan included only improved bus service, it would cost less than half of its current price tag. However, including only bus service would ignore the needs of bicyclists, pedestrians and crumbling neighborhood streets [Read article]

Editor's note: This is the first in a three-part series examining the progress of Focused Excellence.

About 14 months ago, President Peter Likins stood before the Faculty Senate and announced publicly, for the first time, his plan to reshape the UA into a more narrowly focused university.

On that day, and in the months following, he has talked of emphasizing the university's strengths and eliminating areas in which it struggles, while increasing tuition and improving access for minority groups. [Read article]

Homecoming is not all about the football game and riding on floats drunk in the parade. Rather, it is about celebrating the sense of connection each of us has to the University of Arizona. For at least four years, students will claim this patch of urban desert as our home. What is it about this place that will make us want to return each November to reminisce?

Is it the people? The events? The classes and assignments? The buildings? [Read article]