April 3, 2008
Editor,
Hank Sims’ intriguing proposal that the HSU management take a 10% pay cut to eliminate half of the school’s deficit (NCJ, The Town Dandy, April 3, 2008) got me thinking: what if the cut went deeper? 20% would completely eliminate the need for a student fee increase; more would create a surplus!
So here’s my proposal: I would be willing to take on any one of the more than fifty five administrative positions that pay $100,000 or more—at a 70% cut in salary. Yes, that means I will accept the presidency for $89,000!
My qualifications? I have a Masters Degree and have run my own business for many years without going broke. Furthermore, I have a parrot, who loves meetings or any other kind of gathering. I also have a CSU library card and can barbeque a mean Chicken Teriyaki for eight. Finally, I moved to Humboldt County thirty-two years ago because I like it here.
You’ve probably seen me riding around Arcata on my bike; I seldom drive anywhere locally. I’d be willing to pledge never to bring a car to the campus, thus, hopefully, setting a good example for my fellow administrators, at least those who are overweight. If it rained hard or something came up that required a car, I simply wouldn't show up.
If everything works out, I’ll take an additional 10% pay cut after each year. I plan to retire in five years—maybe less-- at which time HSU could offer my job around--or not.
But of course, I’m only one man and we have 55 positions paying over $100,000 a year at HSU. I’m hoping 54 more selfless administrators in the community will step forward.
Yours dead seriously,
Gordon Inkeles, Bayside
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Hey, Gordon,
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting a copy of your letter; the NCJ doesn't carry letters on their website. Having had the (mis) fortune to have attended various meetings with said administrators, I can say that it would be much saner, not to say kinder and much more fun, to have you as an administrator. And your parrot would far more interesting to have conversations with than some VPs I can think of! From Canada, you have MY support! Helen
Can you believe it--they still haven't called to offer me the job! Maybe I started too high in my salary requirements and the present occupants have undercut me.
ReplyDelete