University of Virginia Library

Opposing Assembly Candidates
Urge Controlled Expansion Plan

By PHILIP KIMBALL

Opposing candidates for the state
senate John T. Camblos and J. Harry
Michael, Tuesday agreed that a plan for
controlled expansion should be
implemented at the University.

Speaking on WINA radio's
"Community Conversation" program the
two candidates who hope the represent
Charlottesville urges that University growth
with its related over-crowding effects on the
community should be seriously questioned.

Mr. Camblos stated that, although the
University must grow in order to keep pace
with the rising demand for college trained
people, "growth must be carefully watched, it
should not run hog wild."

"We must take the time to find out how all
those affected by expansion feel before
reaching a decision." he continued to state.

Mr. Camblos stated that he would not
recommend completely barring out-of-state
students from admission to the University
because of the necessity of a rural-cosmopolitan
balance of the student community body.

He did contend, however, that the
out-of-state enrollment should be "pared
down" to reduce the rate of expansion.

Mr. Michael stated that if it were possible,
he would "perform a miracle" that would
reduce the size of the University to what it was
when he was a student there. He added that in
order to do so he would have to reduce the
enrollment by 5,000 students.

Commenting on out-of-state enrollment, he
said that the University has a unique role in
Virginia because of its regional and national
appeal, and that this appeal would be lost if
out-of-state students were eliminated from
admission.

Mr. Michael predicted that, while some
growth is inevitable, as the community college
system matures, and as vocational training
facilities increase throughout the state, pressure
on the University to expand will decrease.

He also contended that as community
colleges increase their percentage of state
college students the University will become
primarily a graduate institute.

Both candidates agreed that priorities could
not be assigned to individual areas of state
spending such as education, highways, and
environment, but that all the budget needs of
the state should be considered as a whole.

While Mr. Camblos stated that tax dollars
should be divided equally among the different
state needs, Mr. Michael said it would be
impossible to concentrate on one particular
area over another adding that it was difficult to,
"even come up with enough money to meet all
the state's needs."

Mr. Michael continued to say that it is
probable that a number of areas needing funds
will be lacking them in the next biennium.

Both candidates also voiced opposition to
busing students solely for the purpose of
achieving racial balance in schools. Mr. Michael
said he did not favor busing because it placed a
burden on the use of a single high school such
as Albemarle High School.

"We must return to the concept of control
of the schools by localities," stated Mr.
Camblos.

He proposed legislation which would bar the
busing of students to achieve racial balance, as a
means of getting the busing question again
before the U.S. Supreme Court, in the hope
that the court decisions regarding such busing
may be reversed.