LOCAL/STATE The Michigan Daily - Monday, September 30, 2002 - 3A ..--.. Museum staffer shoved, fondled A Ruthven Museum staff member of unknown gender reported Thursday night that another staff member pulled him or her into one of the museum's restrooms and attempted to fondle them. DPS does have a suspect, who could face charges for 4th degree Criminal Sexual Conduct if found. Valet-parked car heavily damaged A man who had his car valet parked in the University Hospital Emergency Room lot Wednesday night drove it home early Thursday morning. Upon returning home, he discovered damage to the car's front end that made the car undrivable, according to DPS reports. Hospital worker assaulted by her boyfriend A University Hospital employee was assaulted by her boyfriend when he dropped off for work Saturday morn- ing. He then left the area but was locat- ed in an apartment near Eastern Michigan University. He was arrested by the EMU Police Department and handed over to DPS for domestic vio- lence and non-aggravated assault. DVD player stolen from napping man A resident of Bursley Residence Hall fell asleep Friday night, accidentally leaving his door unlocked. When his nap was over early Saturday morning, he dis- covered that someone had entered his room and stolen his DVD player, DPS reports state. The theft occurred some- time around 3 a.m., according to the reports. There are no suspects. Laptop damages reported at $500 A man in the Art and Architecture building reported Thursday that his laptop computer had fallen off his desk several weeks ago. He decided to make a report after discovering the drop cost the computer over $500 in damages, DPS reports state. Laundry reported stolen, fan parts A fan that was reported stolen from South Quad Friday was later recovered in the residence hall's court yard. The fan was missing parts, DPS reports state. Also Friday, a set of laundry report- ed stolen by a Bursley resident was later found by the resident. The report was listed as "unfounded" and the laundry had never been stolen. Mother calls for ER transportation to silence her son A person living in Northwood II Apartments on North Campus requested early Thursday morning that an ambu- lance come to her home, stating that her two-year-old son was crying and cough- ing uncontrollably. She feared that he was choking or suffering from an asth- ma attack, DPS reports state. The caller was met by both the Ann Arbor Fire Department and DPS offi- cers, who said the child was probably suffering from a cold. The mother then refused transportation to the ER and the fire department called Huron Valley Ambulance to cancel the ambulance. -Compiled by Daily StaffReporter Maria Sprow Campaign finance reform bill subject of candidate debate By Christopher Johnson Daily Staff Reporter Decrying the stifling of democracy from the overwhelming cost of political cam- paigns, a group of political and media notables met in the Gerald R. Ford Library last night to discuss the implementation of a campaign finance reform bill that would allow candidates free air time to voice their positions. The bill, which Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Russ Feingold (D- Wis.) will introduce in the fall, promises to provide political contenders with vouchers equal to the amount of money they raise to purchase advertising time from broadcasters. Paul Taylor, president of the Alliance for Better Campaigns, said the current system "has bred cynicism that has led to low turnouts and political apathy" and the change would offer more information to the public. "In a low-information environment, the people vote for images. In a high-informa- .tion environment, I will put my faith in a jury of voters any day of the week," he said. The bill would provide funds for candi- dates who can raise more than $25,000 but cap the matching vouchers at $300,000 of advertising. The legislation would also require broadcasters to air two hours of cam- paign programming each week, at least half Candlelight vigil1 honors survivors of By Allison Yang Daily Staff Reporter At the Fifth Annual Candle Lighting for Hope and Remembrance on Friday, 450 every- day heroes lit Candles of Hope to commemo- rate those who have struggled with cancer. These everyday heroes not only include cancer patients, but also the friends, family, nurses, health care providers, researchers, support services staff, attendants and volun- teers whose lives have been forever impacted by the fatal disease. "The courage, strength and commitment makes these people the everyday heroes," said Sue Wintermeyer coordinator of the Grief and Loss Program. A video "Everyday Heroes" glued the eyes of all to the television screens to reflect on their experiences with cancer. The video was a compilation of photographs submitted by those who felt the effects of cancer through loved ones. Mary Waldinger, administrative director of the University Comprehensive Cancer Center said the goal of the event was to sponsor a hopeful and uplifting evening that would cre- ate a sense of community among patients and friends. "It's really an opportunity for those who have suffered losses to be in the company of others who also have. Survivorship has brought the community together year after year. It contributes to the community and shows a sense of commitment (from the MCCC)," Waldinger said. Lansing resident Craig Archer said, "Tonight has been very therapeutic for me. It was the first time I really felt like part of something. It made me realize that when you think you've got it bad, you don't really. At least, you're still here." Maxine Solvey, community outreach coor- dinator for the MCCC, is a 16-year survivor of cancer. She first organized the event in of which would appear in prime time. The formats could consist of debates, interviews, candidate statements, town hall meetings or similar public affairs. Taylor said the bill would not infringe on the First Amendment rights of broadcasters because in exchange for freely using the air waves, they act as public trustees as well as businesses. U.S. Rep. Lynn Rivers (D-Ann Arbor) affirmed the need for campaign finance reform, but was skeptical that the new pro- gramming would influence more constituents to vote. "Putting something on television in and of itself is not going to change everything overnight," she said. Chuck Stokes, the editorial and public affairs director for the WXYZ station in Detroit, said that broadcasters already offer abundant air time for campaigns but candidates do not take advantage of it. He cited his own station's solicitation of can- didates in 30 senatorial elections for debates and only succeeding in arranging five. "The frontrunner will usually turn it down without explicitly saying no," Stokes said. "We have pretty good success as long as the candidates are not talking with each other." But Michael Traugott, chairman of the Department of Communication Studies at the University, supported the bill in its "in a high-information environment, I will put my faith in a jury of voters any day of the week." - Paul Taylor President for the Alliance for Better Campaigns entirety. "You could think of this proposal as a way for challengers to express their views and a way to hold incumbents accountable," he said. Several participants who attended thought the legislation has merit, but question the pos- sibility of its success. "I think the proposal is very encouraging," said Stuart Heiser, a graduate student in the School of Public Policy. "It's going to be very interesting to see what happens at the state and national level." University alum Mike Kubiak agreed with the bill, but was cynical that it would meet approval in the federal government. "I don't think politically it'll make it far, but it's a good step toward improving our democracy." TONY DING/Daily Eastern Michigan University sophomore Linda Simwenyi chats Sunday before participating in the Michigan AIDS Walk in downtown Ann Arbor. AIDS charity walk fiocuases on awareness By Min Kyung Yoon For the Daily With the sun shining bright and water bottles in hand, more than 400 people walked "One Step Toward a Solution" as they marched through downtown Ann Arbor yesterday afternoon. As music, food and balloons enhanced the festive atmosphere, people gathered to celebrate AIDS aware- ness and raise money to support various groups focus- ing on HIV/AIDS throughout the community. People participated in the AIDS Walk to support the Hemo- philia Foundation of Michigan, the HIV/AIDS Resource Center and the Midwest AIDS Prevention Project, including people from the University commu- nity. The main goal of the walk was to raise "awareness and money, which will go to direct care for people affected with HIV/AIDS and for outreach, which is to raise awareness within the community," Diane Moore, a representative from the HIV/AIDS Resource Center, said. Circle K, Project Serve, Project Community and Women in Science and Engineering were the main rep- resentatives from the University community. Justin Schmandt, an LSA senior and volunteer for the walk, became involved by initially "starting through Project Community and publicizing about the walk by putting up posters around campus, recruiting students and stu- dent organizations such as Project Serve and Alpha Phi Omega to participate." For some, volunteering for the AIDS walk has been a long term process. While some students participated through various student organizations around campus or through friends' encouragement to join, some had been volun- teering for the walk since early summer. Andrea Geiman, a volunteer for Ann Arbor AIDS Walk Committee and a second-year graduate student at the School of Social Work, said she had been involved since June as a recruiter. "I recruited 50 teams, made up of three to four members to 56 member teams." Starting at the Edison Parking Lot, the AIDS Walk was a 5-kilometer walk that traveled through downtown Ann Arbor. "Front Line Church and Ann Arbor Jay Cees were our main sponsors. Local companies, schools, churches and organizations were invited to walk to increase com- munity awareness and raise the funds necessary to sup- port local programs," Moore said. The slogan of the walk was to take "One Step Toward a Solution." Food was all donated by various local stores and T-shirt sales also benefited the organizations. Awards, prizes and more activities took place after the walk. Some students simply participated because the walk presented an important cause to support. Courtney Bonam, an LSA junior and president of the Undergrad- uate Psychological Society, brought her organization to participate because "we feel that it will benefit the community and it is a good cause to support." A couple remembers lost loved ones while at the Candle Lighting for Hope and Remembrance at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center on Friday. conjunction with the March on Washington and candle lighting at Lincoln Memorial in 1998. Although the event was not held in Washington last year and will not be in the future due to Sept. 11 and corresponding security issues, other cancer centers including the MCCC were strongly encouraged to con- tinue sponsoring the vigil. "We are doing anything to bring the bereaved and survivors together. Tonight is very important to me personally because it shows that I'm giving back to all those who once helped me in every way they could," Solvey said. A small group was dressed in T-shirts that had "Kelly 16" printed on the front and "Kelly is our hero" on the back in support of their family member who is a 16-year survivor of cancer. "Tonight makes me think of the people I knew who were lost to cancer. I have lots to be thankful for because I'm still here," Livo- nia resident Kelly Maksimowicz said. In addition to the video, other photographs and mementos of those affected by cancer were set on tables for viewing. Speakers read poems and told their stories of bereavement. The Voices of Healing Choir sang encour- aging songs, and Reverend Joel Beam led responsive readings. Instrumental pieces were played throughout the evening. As the second leading cause of death in the nation, half of all men and one-third of all women in the U.S. will develop cancer during their lifetime. Michigander escapes Ivory Coast uprisings CADILLAC, Mich. (AP) -- When the phone call came last week, Marian Harrison already was optimistic.before her son reported that he had escaped a rebel uprising in Ivory Coast. The Cadillac woman's son Loren Harrison, her daughter-in-law and six grandchildren were evacuated from the International Christian Academy in Bouake on Thursday. "I really thank the Lord for his guid- ance," Marian Harrison told the Tra- verse City Record-Eagle for a story yesterday. Last week, Harrison watched TV reports about the West African nation's deadliest uprising ever. Now, she's waiting for her family to come home this week. The Harrisons' two-year mission- ary commitment ended abruptly when mortar and gunfire broke out debriefing session as early as today, then they will return to their home in Esko, Minn. Vicki Harrison told Marian Harrison in an e-mail that the family had slept in a bathroom at the school during the uprising. "Vicki had always related that she was tired and tense," Marian Harrison said. "Loren was calm, cool and col- lected and the kids were just kids." Marian spoke to her son Friday for the first time since the family left the United States in July. "He sounded like he had just taken a walk in the park. (But) there are many issues that have to be straightened out when he gets home," she said. For now, the family has no place to stay and Loren Harrison has no job. When the Harrisons left the United States, neighbors moved into their Waseda Oregon Programs take North American and international students to the wra i; c Wvr T-.v f,- - Tonn i,-f.eIlfls i b an- c m paatv II ..,.a