In my eight years in the Legislature (four years as chair of the Committee on Labor
and Public Employment), I have done my best to ensure the highest funding
levels possible for the university system as a whole, but for faculty in
particular.  Unfortunately, during the recession,
this often meant minimizing damage and protecting hard-earned collective
bargaining rights.

While
the rewards of academic life are primarily intellectual, that does not mean
that the laws of supply and demand are irrelevant.  Other factors being equal, the university
offering the best compensation packages adjusted for cost of living will attract
and retain the best faculty.  With the
worst budget days behind us, I look forward to more competitive benefits
packages for faculty and a sharper focus on moving the University of Hawaii
system forward.  If reelected, I will
continue to advocate for the University of Hawaii and its faculty.