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Wednesday, October 8, 1980
lincoln, nebraska vol. 105, no. 32
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Time mix-up results in solo debate for Warner
By Steve Miller
About 20 members of the Lincoln Chamber of Com
merce Tuesday heard what might be called a one-sided
political debate.
The Chamber of Commerce had scheduled a debate be
tween State Sen. Jerome Warner of Waverly and Everett
Silevcn, Warner's opponent for the 25th district legislative
seat.
The scheduled debate did not occur, however, because
Sileven did not appear for the 7:30 ajn. meeting. A
Chamber of Commerce member said Sileven had misread
his invitation and thought the debate was to be Tuesday
evening.
Instead of debating, Warner gave his views and answer
ed questions. The Chamber of Commerce spokesman said
that to be fair, he would mail Sileven's answers to the
auestions to those present at the debate. Sileven answered
le questions on the telephone.
Warner said that the IS percent cut in state spending,
as outlined by Gov. Thone's Governmental Reorganiza
tion Committee, seems reasonable, but he did not think it
will happen.
Although the state should look at all ways to cut
spending, Warner said, the inflation rate probably would
outweigh a IS percent cut.
He said the biggest question concerning appropriations
is whether emphasis should be given to increased aid pro
grams or to more support of state agencies.
'Cripple agencies'
"I can't support an increase in state aid if such an in
crease might cripple existing state agencies," Warner said.
Saying that he is against repealing the right to work
statute, Warner said he doesn't think the statute is anti
union. The statute prohibits mandatory enrollment in
unions.
"I would not want to be compelled to join any organ
ization, nor do I think anyone else would," Warner said.
Asked to describe what he thought would be fair
taxation, the senator replied, "The one the other guy
pays."
Warner said if he could work from scratch, he would
try to tax as many sources as possible at a very low rate.
"A tax burden becomes unbearable only when it is too
heavy," Warner said.
Sales tax fair
He added that he thinks the present sales tax is fair and
supports retaining the current food tax credit.
In addition, the incumbent candidate said he thinks the
7 percent lid law has succeeded in restraining costs in local
government and has brought about evaluations of
programs thatwouldn't have been done otherwise.
- The main problem with the spending lid is inflation,
Warner said, adding that he thinks prudent political sub
divisions have been hurt.
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Warner said he doesn't expect much to change in the
lid law. However, there might be some emphasis on
exemptions during the next legislative session, he said.
Warner said his position on energy and water resources
may sound like he doesn't take a stand on water issues.
"I support a broad policy. Everybody ought to have
the right to utilize water under their own soil when that
use doesn't decrease a neighbors right to do so," he said.
Warner also said he doesn't support tax exemptions for
energy efficiency because he has reservations on any
exemptions.
He also said he favors keeping state employee wages
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Daily Nebraskan photo
Sen. Jerome Warner of Waverly
down, but would like to see salaries comparable with
those in private industry to attract quality employees.
CU president says nation's economy is fragile
By Kim Hachiya
The U.S. economy is in a state of fragility, according to
a former economic adviser of Richard Nixon, now the
president of the University of Colorado.
Arnold Weber, who was named CU president in Feb
ruary, spoke in the Nebraska Union Ballroom Tuesday
morning as part of the E.J. Faulkner lecture series.
At a press conference before the lecture, Weber said
the U.S. economy's fragility stems in part from high
interest rates, a deflationary tax policy, the effects of an
economic downturn in Europe and outside factors such as
the Iran-Iraq war, the summer drought and other uncon
trollable events.
He said the economy just weathered an intense reces
sion, which was short by historical standards.
"Most post-war (WWII) recessions have averaged
about 11 months," he said. "But this one began in Janu
ary and apparently ended in July. There is a significant
probability that the recovery will be aborted and now into
a period of sluggishness. "
Weber said he doubted the recession will spark the
economy or lower inflation.
"If the purpose of the recession is to dampen inflation,
it was worthless. Lots of people were thrown out of
work and the inflation drop was merely an aberration
of the mortgage rates "he said.
"The recession may have been necessary, but the
economic and social costs were very high."
Weber hesitated to directly criticize President Carter's
recently -released economic indicator statistics.
"It's difficult to speak non -politically so IH remain
silent, you can. draw your own inferences," he said.
"I served during a different incarnation, so it's easy to
stand on the sidelines and make astute comments.
"I think, however, that the timing before an election
creates an understandable sense of unease. I think it show
ed not very good judgement."
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Photo by Mitch Hrdlicka
The display window and framework of B & L Used & New Furniture & Antiques, 1230 South St., was
destroyed Tuesday after a car hit the building. Betty Larson, owner of the store, said the amount of damage
was not yet known. Some furniture was also destroyed, she said.
Weber recommended that the economy attempt to
impose self discipline through a balanced budget and
stringent expenditure policy. He said he also sees a need
for a greater emphasis on capital reinvestment and a
sound energy policy.
He said a tax cut would be inappropriate during an
intense pre-election period, saying it would be difficult
to formulate sound policy due to political pressures.
Weber said he thought his role as an economist had
relevence to his position as the CU president.
"Ten years ago, a university president was picked for
his capacity to deal with student protests. Today, univer
sities are beset with economic problems like other insti
tutions. An economist's role is clearly relevant."
Weber said his management experience was helpful in
handling problems in the CU athletic department, and he
was critical of recent publicity, including an article in this
week's Sport 's Illustrated.
The article concerned CU's recent deletion of six
sports from its athletic program because of severe budget
limitations and outlined a series of NCAA infractions and
alleged over-expenditures by CU Head Football Coach
Chuck Fairbanks.
Weber said, "Most of the events antedated my arrival
on the scene, such as the Fairbanks hiring, and the NCAA
infractions. The publicity makes interesting, but
unappealing reading that hasn't helped the university or
its posture in the state. Much of the public events are
those which we have undertaken to bring the situation
under control.
"The Sports Illustrated article is a rehash and distortion
of five-to six-month-old facts. It has an erroneus and al
most gleeful approach to the facts that high quality pro
fessionals are working on correcting hard times. It may
titillate Sports Illustrated readers, but it doesn't accur
ately reflect the position of our university."
Weber said UNL has been fortunate to "have been
saved by a highly successful football program and the
support of the entire state for University of Nebraska
athletics."
Weber said despite CU's deletion of six sports, the
university is still committed to athletic excellence.
Continued on Page 3
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And if you deposit $1 million: Area banks and savings and
loan companies entice customers through gifts . Page 7
Zoo Story: Manager Larry Boehmer reflects on all the
friendly animals that have made the Zoo a longtime
popular nightspot Page 8
Second String Superstar: I-back Craig Johnson prepares
for his first start of the season, replacing the injured
Jarvis Redwine Page 10