As part of a tour of nine college campuses, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Phil Angelides plans to stop at UCLA today to speak to students about a topic that may seem familiar: fee increases.
Phil Angelides
Today, 11:30 a.m. Charles E. Young Grand Salon
Angelides is running against Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger for the governor’s office in the Nov. 7 election, and his visit to colleges across the state has dubbed by campaign organizers “Always on Your Side.”
He has said his priorities as governor will be increasing access to health care, cutting taxes on the middle class and protecting the environment through power and energy reform.
The Bruin Democrats plan to open the event by allowing students “to talk about (the) impact of tuition hikes on their (college) experience,” said Gabe Rose, president of the Bruin Democrats.
In 1991, Angelides became the chair of the California Democratic Party. Since 1998, he has served as California state treasurer.
In his presentation today, Angelides plans to speak about his proposals for lowering the cost of public education in California as well as his vision for the state, said Brian Brokaw, a spokesman for the Angelides campaign. Brokaw added that Angelides expects to focus on such issues as taxes and student fees.
“He will be talking about why he is going to be a governor that (students) can trust and how he will stand up for students,” Brokaw said.
Angelides has said he plans to roll back student fees to the level they were at before Schwarzenegger came to office.
In his speech, Angelides plans to focus on how college fee increases have hurt students, Brokaw said.
Rose praised Angelides for his efforts to reach out to and interact with students, saying the treasurer’s appearance at California colleges demonstrates that he cares about student voters’ opinions.
Tuesday’s event was planned in a joint effort by the Bruin Democrats and Angelides’ office.
The Bruin Democrats communicated with Angelides’ top advisers before the June primary elections, said Kyle Kleckner, Bruin Democrats issues director.
Though Schwarzenegger has not made an appearance on campus, the incumbent said he has demonstrated a commitment to higher education. Each year of his administration has seen an increase in education spending, according to the governor’s Web site, and last year Schwarzenegger bought out student fee increases at the University of California, so the cost of attending a UC campus remains static this year.