by: Eric Grinnell
On November 5th, there is going to be a very new choice on the ballot for the University of Michigan Board of Regents. His name is Mike Bishop, and what makes him so different is that he actually remembers what it is like to be a college student. The young Hartland lawyer was himself a Michigan graduate, and received his Law degree in 1993, only three years ago. With such recent memories of the concerns and challenges of being a college student at the University of Michigan, it would seem that Mr. Bishop would indeed be a voice of change and student concern on the U-M Board of Regents. Says Bishop, "Being young, I feel I am in a unique position, because I still have the memories in me about being a student. I know what their concerns are--much more, I think, than any other person on the board. I will be a great asset to the student body."
And there is no reason to doubt him, if judging by his past record. A history and psychology major that graduated in 1989, Mike Bishop was an active campus leader during his time at the University of Michigan. An active member of campus politics, President of his Fraternity, and member of the prestigious organization, Michiguama, Mike truly has a concrete grasp of the issues at hand here at the U-M, demonstrated time and time again as he discussed the issues, making comment on student housing issues, what's wrong with the Code of Student Conduct, and calling for a halt to the tuition hikes of the past. On tuition, Mike Bishop says, "I don't think it's necessary for any school to raise tuition beyond the rate of inflation. If they have to do that, they haven't done enough on their own side. Once you start (raising tuition) it's too easy to forget what you're there for, and that's to keep tuition affordable."
Mike Bishop's candidacy was a surprise to many, especially in his own party. He could be considered a political outsider, never having held or even run for political office. His motivations seem anything from political, being as he ran for Regent against an opponent endorsed by Governor Engler. Mr. Bishop's concerns are for maintaining the integrity and reputation of his Alma Mater. The candidate agrees with this perception, saying, "Those who know me know that I don`t want to hold any political office. That`s not the direction I want for my life. I just want my children to be able attend just as good a school as I did." When asked up front why he ran for the Board of Regents, Bishop says, "I came out on a platform of fiscal responsibility. I believe that if we are fiscally responsible, we can go farther with the school and serve the students much better." In related conversation he adds, "I am sick and tired of the way my government spends my tax dollars, and one of the ways I'm going to stand up and say, `Hey! I want a say.' is to run for the University of Michigan Board of Regents."
Mike Bishops stand on issues seems very in tune with student concerns. In addition to low tuition, he is very strong in stating the need for student freedom. He has great trust in the student body of the University of Michigan, believing that, ìThe University of Michigan has the cream of the crop students, and by the time we get them here they already know how to deport themselves. We donít need the guidance of the Code of Student Conduct to guarantee that.î
Did he just mention The Code? Yes he did. And what is his opinion of the Code. Put plainly and simply: No. ìThe Code of Student Conduct is just another way the University sticks its nose in the business of the students,î says Mr. Bishop. ìWe as a University have no business imposing more restrictions on free speech than the Constitution itself. . . Likewise, we are guaranteed freedom from double jeopardy as well, and if thatís going on it needs to stop. We know whatís expected of us, and we should rely on ourselves to marshal ourselves.î
Mike Bishop is also supportive of having a student voice on the Board of Regents. He says, ìI personally think that the student body, whether it be the college President or some other student elected by the student body, should have at least an advisory position on the Board of Regents, to voice the view of the students. They deserve it. I think it would be a great addition to the Board.î Mike also wants to free the students from paying for the Universityís political agenda. By funding certain issues of political choice and counseling on such issues, the cost of running the University goes up and the students ultimately absorb the cost. Says Bishop, ìI donít believe that the University should fund and counsel in support of either side of issues of personal choice. They are decisions best left up to the individual, and the University should not impose itself.î
Ultimately, when talking to Mike Bishop, the one impression a person can feel assured come away with is his commitment to this University. ìMy proudest moment was when I graduated from the University of Michigan. It is the greatest asset I have.î In describing himself and his motivations as regards this race, he says simply, ìAbove all, I am a Wolverine.î If he can remember that, it well be of great benefit to us all.