On Sunday, The Spectrum's editorial board met with Student Association Treasurer John Martin to discuss the upcoming referendum on the Mandatory Student Activity Fee.
???This Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, students will vote whether to make the mandatory fee voluntary and whether to keep the fee mandatory at its current $79.75 or allow for a $15 increase.
???After a thorough discussion and analysis of all three options, The Spectrum has decided to support the increase.
???The first choice on the ballot is whether or not the fee should remain mandatory. This has never been a significantly controversial issue - SA provides students with a variety of worthwhile services through the mandatory fee. These include free events, movies and concerts, as well as funding for a variety of clubs and a slew of other services. Should the fee become voluntary, these services vanish and the Student Association would likely cease to exist.
???The $15 increase, according to Martin, was decided after looking at the increase in the national Consumer Price Index (CPI) over the last four years. The CPI is a measure of the average price of goods purchased by consumers, which has risen 18.77 percent over the last four years. A $15 increase is proportional, and therefore necessary when you take into account this inflation and other factors such as the rising cost of fuel.
???Martin also noted the unprecedented amount of club budget appeals last year - 36. Clubs were appealing their budgets, he said, because they did not feel as though they were getting the money they deserved. Unfortunately, SA did not have any more money to give. Even if the referendum does pass, Martin said that SA would still have to remain "frugal" for the rest of the year.
???The Spectrum supports the $15 increase partly because it is not frivolous or excessive. It will not provide SA with too much extra money to waste - it accurately reflects the rising costs that SA, clubs and consumers face in the current economy.
???It is also recommended because SA says that if it does not pass, they would likely be forced to cancel Spring Fest for next semester.
???Some students have said that the increase is unnecessary when factors such as an increasing student population are taken into consideration. However, a larger student population does not only mean more funding for SA, but more students for them to accommodate at events and in clubs.
???But students should also not vote for the increase just because SA is holding Spring Fest "hostage."
???Instead, they should look to preserve a major source of UB's spirit. By voting for the increase, students maintain the opportunity to enjoy clubs and events that build character as well as the integrity of the UB community.
Students who are not members of clubs and do not attend SA events for whatever reason will hopefully acknowledge this spirit at UB, and vote to preserve it.
???Criticisms of SA and their money-spending habits are not necessarily invalid, however, they are better reserved for the future - namely, SA election time.
???In the meantime, students should vote for the increase to allow SA to at least maintain their current level of service.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
