Cartoon ignores context of Hodge's presidency

Your Jan. 20 cartoon of President David Hodge was extremely juvenile. Hodge has worked hard to become president of a prestigious university. Yes, he receives a very large salary ($380,000), but taken in context you will realize he is paid less than many of his peers. The president of Ohio University will be receiving a package totaling $550,544 and Gordon Gee of The Ohio State University makes over $1.3 million annually. Turning down his bonus because of our economic situation was an honorable gesture, one I expect few to make. If your cartoon was questioning the equity of our standing system of professor/faculty versus administrator salary discrepancies, that would be a different argument altogether. However, I felt your cartoon was simply taking pot-shots at a public figure for a laugh.

Steve Helba helbasm@muohio.edu

Tenable security staff fall far short of tradition

Relative to Austin Fast's excellent article on Goggin/Tenable security, I would like to give my point of view as well as that of most alumni I have contacted.

First, let me say that this opinion does not only cover the situation at the Goggin Ice Center, but at Millett Hall and Yager Stadium as well.

After almost a year of having to endure the "cold, unemotional" Tenable personnel, it is time to return to "Miami" personnel at all sporting events. Talking with the Miami University personnel is a big part of the "game experience." Not only are they helpful as ushers at the event, but they are ambassadors for the university. Whether it be Tom, Jerry, Barb, Jim, Howard, Michael, Ron, Dan (Willie J.) or several others that I know by name, they are extremely knowledgeable as to other campus events as well as the game at which they are working. And, they know our names. Many can identify most, if not all, of the spectators in their sections by face, if not by name. They ask us how we have been, about our families and are concerned if we are absent.

I know there are times when there may be more than one event at a time, or overlapping events, but that has been handled well in the past and could easily be worked out now, if there was adequate coordination. Having people who do not know "Miami"-or even care about Miami-cheapens the experience. Yellow and black are not Miami's colors (I do not remember them being added), and they stand out like a sore thumb, almost giving the appearance of, "We are watching you." And mostly when they are not "watching us," they are usually just standing around doing little if anything to make the "game day experience" enjoyable.

I am certain they are paid well. They may be getting minimum pay, but the Tenable company is in business to make money, not just provide a service. If we do not have enough of our "Miami" people, students can be hired-part time-with few if any benefits and would be as efficient. ROTC students are utilized in many of the parking lots. They would be welcome inside as well.

Attendance at hockey is great; football and basketball are not well attended. Please do not give us any more excuses to stay home.

Jim Bodmer Miami Grad '60 jimbodmer@juno.com