Letters to the Editor

Peterson misses the point

I would like to take a couple of minutes to respond to the article written by Nate Peterson in the 11/8 issue of the Arbiter. Ridiculous ad hominem attacks aside, he did make a couple of statements that merit response.

With the debate regarding fee increases for next year growing ever more heated, I would ask Peterson to clarify his position. He stated that he would like to cut “non-essential” services and “excessive salaries” as a cost-saving measure for the university in order to circumvent a high increase in student fees.

My concern is that he has not specifically stated what those non-essential services are and who it is, precisely, that should have their salaries cut. He has not put a face or name to who or what should be cut. The administration is currently involved in the difficult task of doing just that. They cannot hide behind glittering generalities that garner popular support but do not address the difficult specifications of what the outcome of their decisions will look like. I would have much more respect for Peterson’s opinion and plan if he were to be able to back it up with details.

Finally I would like to address what Peterson called my “conflict of interest,” that of my husband being a university employee. My husband is also a BSU alumnus, and I myself am a full time student currently in my fifth year of school here. Contrary to Peterson’s statement, I find that I am in the unique position of understanding and appreciating the effort that both students and administrators put into their jobs.

Administrators deal with making the every day functions of the university happen. They deal with the details of student support services, and most of them care very deeply about the students that they are here to serve. Though everyone will have to tighten their belts due to the current budgetary constraints, it is inappropriate to leap for the throats of the administrators without first considering the substantial contribution they make to the university.

Naturally, there are no easy answers to the problems regarding cuts. Any way the budgetary pie is sliced it seems everyone will lose something. My point is not that the administration should be exempt from cuts, but that the administration, faculty, and student body should be working together to find the best solution to the common problem of shrinking revenue.

Tanya Watt

Clubs should seek ways to cut spending

It’s time for our leaders to start earning their keep (this should be a lot easier for President Peterson than it will be for President Ruch . . . about $176,000 easier). We’ve got only a short time to come up with some real solutions for offsetting the huge state decrease.

I was kindly invited to attend an early-morning meeting last week about the state holdbacks. Brooke Baldwin, an outstanding Senator-At-Large, pointed-out that there are more options than just the two most vocalized plans, which are (a) firing our most energetic, learning-minded, fresh professors and (b) blasting 17,000 (literally) poor students with a tuition-hike. Even at 7a.m. our Student Government was showing that they would do their part to help cover the state decrease, save our green, AND hang-on to our favorite professors.

The BSU budget shows an expense titled “Other Expenses” which amounts to FIVE MILLION DOLLARS. Among the many groups that are funded under this category are student clubs and organizations, which utilize these precious monies for activities, service projects, and outings. Student organizations are what make the college experience so enthralling and unique! The easiest way for students to get involved on campus is to join one of the 160+ clubs. This is a great way to boost your resume and tack-on some extracurriculars.

Unfortunately, if we can’t come up with ways to cut our spending, we’ll be forced to increase our revenue . . . As the President of a BSU club, I send a challenge to the other clubs and organizations: Let’s use our creativity in planning ECONMICAL activities. If anyone can set a precedent, it’s going to be the self-starting Club members. These are the students who care about their college experience and have shown that they aren’t afraid to take the ball and run with it. The BSU Italian Club will initiate the movement by minimizing our projected costs for spring semester’s activities by HALF. We promise to do our best in conserving our allotted student-paid funds. I challenge all organizations to do the same.

BSU will start cutting the deficit ONLY when the administration decides to follow our lead. The energy conservation measures presented by President Ruch are a great start. Please talk to your Student Reps about you money -saving ideas! Remember that we’re not alone in our quest to save some green, Nate Peterson is also showing some serious leadership by cutting back ASBSU’s expenditures. He is also working hand-in-hand with Universities statewide to put some power behind the students’ message. I thank BOTH of our Presidents for working together to satisfy the needs of the people that they represent. Not one of us can do it alone, but together we WILL overcome the money void.

Sam Harmer

Unchecked livestock causes collisions

On May 25th my fianc

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