INFORMING VOTERS IS CHALLENGE; PARENTS RESPOND TO PROPOSITION B

Proposition B garnered varying reaction from parents of Southeast Missouri State University students who visited the campus Saturday during the university's Family Weekend celebration.

For some, like Kenneth and Virginia McNeal of O'Fallon, Proposition B, the tax-and-reform measure for education, is a total unknown.

Others have a vague idea as to the measure that is on the Nov. 5 election ballot in Missouri.

A number of parents interviewed said they still haven't made up their minds, and some voiced varying degrees of support for the education measure.

The McNeals said they were unaware of Proposition B, but expressed general support for education. Their daughter, Michelle, is a sophomore at Southeast.

"I'm a firm believer in education," said Kenneth McNeal.

Rich McCabe of Florissant left no doubt where he stands on Proposition B. "I am going to vote for it," he said. "Missouri ranks way down in education as far as money we appropriate.

"Young people in this country are the best investment we've got," said McCabe. "If we are going to spend our money, we need to spend it there," he said.

McCabe's daughter, Elley, is a junior at Southeast. She said she is registered to vote and will support Proposition B.

"I think most students are aware of it," she said.

K.C. Martin, Student Government president at Southeast, said he believes many students may have a better understanding of Proposition B than their parents.

"I think students have a real good idea what is going on, but I don't think they've thought about telling their parents," he said.

Student Government at Southeast last month endorsed Proposition B and the university has sought to register students and employees. Since the start of classes this fall, more than 1,400 students and 49 faculty members have registered.

Martin said a university task force plans to send letters to students and parents this fall as part of an effort to better inform them about the ballot measure.

Donna Simpson of Troy, whose daughter, Kelly, is a sophomore at Southeast, said she has seen little information on the ballot measure. "It hasn't been advertised much.

"Right now, with taxes and all, people aren't too ready to pass things," she said.

Gerald Woehrle of High Ridge, whose son, Jason, is a freshman at Southeast, said he knew very little about Proposition B. "I really haven't gotten into it, yet," he said.

Woehrle said he believes many voters would be opposed to a tax increase.

But whether or not Proposition B passes, Woehrle said he will end up paying for his son's education, whether in the form of increased taxes or increased tuition. "Either way, I'm going to pay for it," he said.

Delbert Duncan of Manchester, whose daughter, Teresa, is a junior at Southeast, said he's more interested in funding for higher education than elementary and secondary schools. "I am biased because I don't have any kids in elementary or secondary school," he said.

Proposition B would provide initially about $190 million in added funding for higher education and an equal amount for public schools.

University officials have said tuition charges have been increased in recent years to make up for state funding shortfalls.

But Duncan finds no fault with tuition charges at Southeast. "Actually, I think it has been rather reasonable."

Lloyd Harfst of Labadie, whose daughter, Darlene, is a junior at Southeast, said he's leaning toward supporting Proposition B.

But he said, "I do feel it is going to be hard to pass the tax (measure), because people are just against taxes."

Mike Stevenson of the St. Louis area, whose daughter, Debbie, is a sophomore at Southeast, said he has not made up his mind about whether to vote for Proposition B.

But he said many people "are tired of hearing" about tax increases. "I'm afraid there's a taxpayer revolt out there that they (Proposition B supporters) haven't seen yet."