Proposed green office fee anything but ‘irresponsible’

You know, we here at the Go Green Alliance appreciate the occasional over-the-top, conservative slap in the face. But in his Monday editorial ["Now is not the time"], Michael Fitzpatrick went too far. If we may first correct his poorly informed argument: One, of course the Office of Sustainability is currently “nonexistent” – the green fee would create it! Two, the Office would include a director, yes, but not at your outrageous salary. The budget includes funding for other staff, benefits, operational costs, programming, and paid student internships. Do your research. We have.

Hundreds of universities across the nation have instituted Offices of Sustainability. Nearly all of our Peer, Aspirational, and fellow SEC institutions are finding that their central offices are crucial in coordinating campus-wide initiatives, streamlining communication, generating funding, and providing some serious credibility.

The Princeton Review recently found that a school’s commitment to sustainability impacts the decision of 66 percent of U.S. college applicants.

This “irresponsible” $3 fee is more than a “noble cause”: We, the 80 percent who voted yes in last year’s referendum, want serious cost-savings in energy efficiency. Implementing long-term green solutions and upgrading old technology could save us more money annually than a $3 fee might raise in a decade.

In that light, not implimenting sustinability in a serious, collaborative way would be “fiscally irresponsible.”

Other schools have used green fees to fund renewable energy, host conferences, and start campus food co-ops or student businesses. Their institutions are gaining national recognition and international spotlight.

We, as students, want internships and environmental education. Faculty want to see multi-university partnerships and sustainability in academic curricula.

Despite all this, there’s still one thing on which we agree: “We should not have to pay the University to develop a sustainable campus.” You’re right, we should not. Just don’t hold your breath. It’s clear that this time, the students have to do it themselves.

Mark Milby
Co-chair, Go Green Alliance

Conduct of police officers Saturday appalling

I am appalled at the treatment I received from the Athens-Clarke County police during Saturday’s game. While driving in extremely sparse traffic during the game, I politely inquired at a road block if I could somehow enter East Campus at another location.

The officer simply yelled, “You should have planned better, there are 60,000 other people here!” and refused to answer my question.

I drove around to the only other entrance to East Campus, and asked another officer the same question. This officer did not even answer me, but repeatedly blew his whistle at me like I was a dog, not worthy of even an acknowledgment.

I understand that some roads need to be blocked to facilitate forthcoming traffic, but I expect my politeness to be returned, and not have the local police get personal or ignore me. How does this attitude portray UGA and Athens to visiting fans?

Alison Perry
Junior, Dublin
Exercise and sport science

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