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Local leaders quiz Gov. Kitzhaber The governor offers no details on his plan to close a gap of $850 million in the state budget By JILL BRISKEY Mail Tribune Grants Pass Mayor Len Holzinger wanted to know how Gov. John Kitzhaber plans to strengthen the state's economy. Southern Oregon University President Elisabeth Zinser asked about future investments that would bolster the state's revenue. And Jackson County Commissioner Sue Kupillas wondered when she would be able to see Kitzhaber's plan to balance the budget exclusively through program cuts. More than 75 school, government and civic leaders gathered Thursday at the Craterian Ginger Rogers Theater in Medford to hear Kitzhaber discuss plans to plug an estimated $850 million hole in the state's budget. The event was by invitation. After his speech, Kitzhaber answered only a handful of questions before leaving. And he did not discuss details about his budget proposal, which he created entirely through permanent program cuts. "It's important to balance it in a way that narrows the gap between expenditures and revenue," Kitzhaber said. "The largest issue is how much of this gap we can close through program cuts." Kitzhaber said he will present his proposal for cuts on Monday, followed a week later by another rebalanced budget proposal that includes spending cuts and revenue increases. During his talk at the Craterian, Kitzhaber discussed the state's short and long-term budget needs, and compared the current recession to tough economic conditions 20 years ago. Rogue Community College President Richard Levine questioned promises that the state made 20 years ago to halt cuts in education. He also brought up the possibility of higher taxes. "It seems to me we're not addressing these issues head-on," said Levine. "I'm a little pessimistic on how we will work this out." During a brief meeting at the Mail Tribune after his talk at the Craterian, Kitzhaber said human services would feel the pinch of the proposed cuts, along with public safety and education. The three make up 90 percent of the state's expenditures, he added. "Education is going to take a much bigger hit," Kitzhaber said, and added that Oregon's classroom sizes will likely increase. "It is what it is. But there will still be Friday night football games. We're not going to close Medford High School," he said. "It's not all gloom and doom." Kitzhaber's trip to Medford is part of a three-day statewide tour. Today, he will visit Salem and Gleneden, south of Lincoln City. Kitzhaber told his Medford audience that he will return to discuss his proposals sometime later this month. Reach reporter Jill Briskey at 776-4485, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.