I am writing to express my disgust about the results of the Mandatory Student Fee referendum. I'm sick of pouring money to the tune of $160 a year into a corrupt Student Association. How many times have we read articles of misallocated money spent on identical vacations, - I mean, training seminars - in Florida and California, bashed up Mustangs, and money spent irresponsibly on new office furniture?
The main campaign issue involving the mandatory student fee was the support of the 120 clubs here on campus. At least, that's what I gathered during the numerous run-ins with an SA supporter getting up in my face about voting for a mandatory fee in the Union.
These clubs include such organizations as the Anime club and Club Dance Dance Revolution. I personally have better things to do with my money than give it to a bunch of kids who sit around and play video games. Why should the other 16,000 pay for it? Beats me.
Another question raised in Visions was "Who pays a voluntary fee?" I will tell you who. The people who utilize the services this fee supports. To even ask this question shows a significant lack of common sense.
Another argument for the fee is in regards to the concerts and other events that go on around here. Since I am not involved in any clubs I would gladly shell out $20 or $30 for a concert, should I indeed want to enjoy the type of low-caliber concerts that are brought here.
I don't think the undergraduate body was properly informed of what their decisions meant. SA officials spouting off in Visions or The Spectrum preaching about the apocalyptic results of a voluntary fee does not count.
Obviously, students were not properly educated as to the election or what their decisions meant because only 17 percent voted. The other 83 percent didn't refrain from voting because they like throwing $160 a year out the window, it's because they weren't educated.
If you want to be part of something that is currently funded by the mandatory student fee then pay for it under a voluntary heading. The fee should be voluntary.
