Education, taxes, Iraqi war considered to be important issues

With the presidential election fast approaching, some IU students and Bloomington residents say there are many issues that need to be discussed before Nov. 2.\nBloomington resident Jean Nakhnikian said she donates a few hours each week working for the Monroe County Democratic Party. She said she believes Sen. John Kerry needs to clearly address the problems in Iraq and the economy before November.\n"The economy is only improving for the upper-income class, and we need a new plan to help the middle- and lower-income groups," Nakhnikian said.\nThe president's tax cut plan has been praised for beginning an economic rebound, but others have criticized the plan for only benefitting the rich. \n"Any type of lateral tax cut will always benefit the upper class," said senior Anna Marie Maio. \nThe tax plan that is currently in place gives the biggest breaks to those in the upper-income brackets. Some said they feel this places many at a disadvantage.\n"I would like to see a new tax plan in place that is more proportional than lateral," Maio said.\nWith government spending on the rise, the economy trying to recover and the unstable situation in Iraq, tax cuts could be one of the most important topics for debate.\n"I would like to hear what John Kerry would offer the American people for a tax break," Maio said. "At the same time, I would be willing to hear President Bush's plan for a revised tax plan." \nBesides the economy, the situation in Iraq has many people wondering what the candidates will do concerning the war if elected.\n"We need to have ground troops in Iraq, but it should be more of a worldwide effort," said IU alumnus Joe Rhetts. "I would like to hear what John Kerry and G.W. Bush have to say about getting other countries involved."\nBesides the war in Iraq, Rhetts would like to hear what the candidates'positions are on funding for education. Some have concerns with issues such as No Child Left Behind, which sets a standard for all schools to have mandatory testing to receive funding.\n"President Bush's No Child Left Behind program is not working, and we need a new solution," Rhetts said. "I would like to see more federal money being spent on college students, K through 12 education and college research projects. It will be interesting to hear what Sen. Kerry and President Bush have to offer."\n-- Contact staff writer Nick Pittman at npittman@indiana.edu.