Your Online ASU Legislative Connection
Volume 1 Issue 2

Dear ASU Advocate Friend,

We would like to extend a “welcome” to the new members of the Sun Devil Advocate Network. We look forward to working with you on the many exciting projects/programs we are planning in the months to come.

It’s that time of the year again. Yes, we’re referring to that event close to all our hearts known as the election cycle. After a relatively quiet summer, the election season is in full swing. In order to make sure you and your friends are prepared, we are pleased to pass along some important information and dates to you.

Election and Voting Information

For more information about registering to vote, voters’ rights, voters with disabilities, or any other general voting information, visit the Secretary of State’s Web site at www.sos.state.az.us or call Arizona’s toll-free voter registration hotline at 1-877-THE-VOTE (1-877-843-8683).

Citizens Clean Elections Commission Debates

Arizona State University has once again partnered with the Citizens Clean Elections Commission to provide a series of legislative candidate debates in districts that incorporate the various ASU campuses. The primary debates were very informative and well attended. We invite all our advocates to attend one or more of the upcoming debates. Let’s show those candidates that the Sun Devil Advocate Network is alive and well!

Below is a listing of the scheduled general election debates:

For more information on the debates, visit the Citizens Clean Elections Web site at: www.ccec.state.az.us/ccecscr/home.asp or call toll free 1-877-631-8891.

2004 Presidential Debate

All eyes will be on ASU in mid-October. Why? ASU has been selected by the Commission on Presidential Debates to host the final debate between President George W. Bush and Senator John F. Kerry. The debate will be held Wednesday, October 13, 2004, in Gammage Auditorium and will start at 6:00 p.m. Bob Schiefer, CBS News Chief Washington Correspondent, has been selected as the moderator for the debate.

For complete information on the debate and related activities, visit the debate Web site at: www.asu.edu/debate.

Proposition 102 - Tech Transfer Initiative

This ballot measure directly impacts the three state universities, as well as the state’s economic development efforts. We have included some information regarding this important initiative for your review.

Under the existing Arizona Constitution, the three Arizona universities are permitted to license or transfer technology they develop. However, the Constitution does not authorize the universities themselves to take direct ownership interests in or securities of the companies that license or acquire the technology. This means the universities must license or transfer the technology for cash payments. Many newer and smaller companies do not have the resources to make cash payments for the technology. Generally, only well-established companies, which are large, have the ability to make cash payments to license or acquire Arizona university technology. As a result, innovative, technology business activities based on Arizona university technologies goes out-of state.

Under the proposed amendment, the three universities will be permitted to license or transfer their technologies for ownership interests in or securities of a company. In this way, newer and smaller companies can acquire Arizona university technology while conserving scarce cash resources to fund growth and job creation. This amendment will allow the three universities to deal with many more newer and smaller companies in Arizona.

We encourage our advocates to learn more about Proposition 102.

We hope this newsletter has been helpful and especially informative. As in our past newsletter, we want to thank you for your participation in the Sun Devil Advocate Network. Please tell your friends, co-workers, relatives, neighbors and fellow alums about our new website, and encourage them to become a member. If you have any suggestions, comments or observations you would like to share with us, just click on this link advoteam@sundeviladvocates.org and let us know.

Thanks again

Jeff Grant
Advoteam Leader

P.S.

If you want to become an active member of the ASU Alumni Association, one of the best ways you can give back is through membership in the ASU Alumni Association. The annual dues of $45 offer an affordable way to help build ASU’s reputation. Visit www.asu.edu/alumni/membership or call 1-800-ALUMNUS.

P.S.S.

If you have a different e-mail address you would prefer us to use, just e-mail us at advoteam@sundeviladvocates.org with your new e-mail address and we’ll make the change.

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