O'Bannon announces goal to improve education levels

By Erica Sagon
Asst. City Editor

Indiana Democratic Gov. Frank O'Bannon rallied the support of local democrats on Thursday at the Purdue Research Park to announce his reelection campaign.

O'Bannon said his challenge for the next four years is to make sure Indiana has the best school system in the United States. O'Bannon said his plan for improving education starts with early childhood development, including special focus on pre—school and kindergarten. O'Bannon also said he'd like to see all children reading by the third grade.

Lt. Gov. Joe Kernan said that special attention will be given to facilities like the Purdue Research Park so that it can provide jobs to graduates of Indiana colleges and universities.

"My challenge is to make sure we have 21st century businesses. If we want cutting edge communities and 21st century businesses and an educated workforce, it all starts with education," said O'Bannon.

Funding will be directed to facilities like the Purdue Research Park in hopes that Indiana will be able to keep up with other states in terms of high—tech development.

"The work done in the research park has caused this University to take some giant steps toward high—tech (development)," Kernan said.

One local city official praised O'Bannon and his administration for their attention to technology.

"(O'Bannon) is the only elected official in the state that has pushed for funding for high—tech (development)," said West Lafayette City Council president Brad Windler, D-1st. "It is really a stellar administration and one we need to keep."

O'Bannon also highlighted other accomplishments his administration has made over the past four years, such as record low employment, no tax increases for 12 years, better roads through the Crossroads 2000 program and improved air and water quality.

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