10-11-2004, 04:30 PM
Auburn, Alabama may team up to push for state funding
AUBURN, Ala. (AP) — Auburn University, while putting together a new lobbying team, may join with the University of Alabama as part of AU Interim President Ed Richardson's push to get more state funding.
Richardson is having talks with UA System Chancellor Malcolm Portera and hopes the partnership will help increase funding for research programs. UA system spokeswoman Kellee Reinhart confirmed Portera's involvement.
"Research is the engine of Alabama's economy," Reinhart told the Mobile Register. "Our biggest challenge is to ensure that lawmakers and taxpayers clearly understand and appreciate the value of their investment in research programs on our campuses. Dr. Richardson and Dr. Portera share that goal and are exploring ways to deliver an effective message."
Richardson said Thursday that Auburn, which has hired Decatur attorney Sid McAnally as a lobbyist, is also aiming to hire one of Montgomery's most influential contract lobbying firms — Fine, Geddie & Associates.
"I think the story is, for the first time, you've got Alabama and Auburn working together strategically for the good of the state," said McAnally, who signed a $63,000 contract to spend seven months working for Auburn.
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Does anyone know if this mean UAT, or the entire UA System? Just curious...
AUBURN, Ala. (AP) — Auburn University, while putting together a new lobbying team, may join with the University of Alabama as part of AU Interim President Ed Richardson's push to get more state funding.
Richardson is having talks with UA System Chancellor Malcolm Portera and hopes the partnership will help increase funding for research programs. UA system spokeswoman Kellee Reinhart confirmed Portera's involvement.
"Research is the engine of Alabama's economy," Reinhart told the Mobile Register. "Our biggest challenge is to ensure that lawmakers and taxpayers clearly understand and appreciate the value of their investment in research programs on our campuses. Dr. Richardson and Dr. Portera share that goal and are exploring ways to deliver an effective message."
Richardson said Thursday that Auburn, which has hired Decatur attorney Sid McAnally as a lobbyist, is also aiming to hire one of Montgomery's most influential contract lobbying firms — Fine, Geddie & Associates.
"I think the story is, for the first time, you've got Alabama and Auburn working together strategically for the good of the state," said McAnally, who signed a $63,000 contract to spend seven months working for Auburn.
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Does anyone know if this mean UAT, or the entire UA System? Just curious...