Pay cuts for highest-paid University employees potential help for budget

I would like to propose an alternative solution to fill in the holes left by the State of Georgia’s proposed budget cuts.

During tough economic times, tough decisions must be made. In the choices laid out in the Summary of Reductions presented to Board of Regents, the University proposes eliminating 1,418 positions.

These budget cuts will certainly leave deep gouges on the more than 1,000 who may end up jobless, but they will also affect many thousands more by reducing availability of community-oriented projects and endeavors supported by the University.

Within the University community, 81 employees held salaries paying more than $200,000 in 2009.

I don’t wish to suggest that such levels of compensation were undeserved, but rather that sometimes individuals need to take a look at what is best for the greater good.

If those 81 persons were willing to take a voluntary 10 to 30 percent pay cut in order for the University to restructure and find other ways to bridge the gap created by our economic downturn, how many of those 1,418 jobs could be saved?

A 10 percent reduction in salaries could save $2,267,607.67, and 30 percent saves $6,802,823.00. I call upon the faculty of the University to consider putting the greater good ahead of themselves.

I would like to see how many are willing to make a sacrifice to save the livelihood of another. I know if I made $200,000, I certainly would.

Roy Johnson
Alumnus, Marietta
Biology

Wrestling team places 6th in national meet

Over spring break the UGA Wrestling team traveled to Virginia Beach, not to frolic with Atlantic sea cucumbers, but to finish its competitive season in the NCWA National Championships at Hampton University.

UGA placed 6th among 46 Division II clubs and 20th overall out of over 100 teams nationally.

Senior Alan Taylor was only one victory away from becoming an All-American. Taylor (157), an exercise and sports science major from Columbus, GA, finishes his college career as the SEC

Runner-up and one of the best middleweights to ever duckwalk through Ramsey’s practice mats.

The overachiever of this season was Frankie Miller, a sophomore history and LACS double-major from Dacula, GA, who fought hard to become the National Runner-up! Miller (125) scrambles into his spot as UGA Wrestling’s very first two-time All-American.

The young Mat Dawgs had a great season, often competing out of state against solid wrestling programs.

The bar has now been reset at a “potentially dangerous” height, but the club’s singlets and philosophy remain unchanged.

Veteran or rookie, anyone interested in practicing the world’s oldest sport is welcome to join the camaraderie of this student run organization.

“It’s lots of fun!” comments junior Mason Deal (149). For more information: please visit uga.edu/wrestling.

An Pham
Sophomore, Homer
Biomedical engineering