Symington visits Tucson students, discusses education and politics

Karen C. Tully Arizona Daily Wildcat Monica Mendez, a Pueblo High School senior, moderates an interview session between students of Pueblo High School and Gov. Fife Symington Friday. Symington stressed the importance of undergraduate education during the interview.

The 1997 budget was $25.5 million. Symington said the increase represents his elevated confidence in the universities.

After a budget stalemate last year, Symington said the Arizona Board of Regents worked with him to establish a system of greater financial responsibility at each of the schools.

"Now, I'm very happy to support the universities," he said.

Undergraduate education is the area Symington said concerns him the most, and he hopes his budget recommendation will help students complete their undergraduate education quickly and successfully.

Students also asked the governor if he thinks politicians are setting a good example in office.

"In a system as big as ours, you will always have some people doing the right thing and some who don't," Symington said.

Symington, who is facing a criminal trial on fraud charges, said he did not take the question personally and added, "I'm dealing with accusations, and they are just that - accusations."

Juvenile crime, specifically Proposition 102, was another hot topic the students asked about.

Proposition 102 calls for prosecuting juveniles 15 and older accused of committing a violent crime as adults.

Many students wanted to know why more money does not go into prevention instead of punishment.

"We spend a lot of money on prevention," he said. "But society cannot sanction violent crime. In the end we are all responsible for our own actions."

Symington was at Pueblo High School appearing on the school's "Warrior News" program.