Letter to the Editor (9/26/06)

D. Clark Denison’s article in the Monday, Sept. 25, edition of The Pitt News (SGB denies… D. Clark Denison’s article in the Monday, Sept. 25, edition of The Pitt News (SGB denies funds requests for others, approves funds for self) highlighted two important, albeit contrasting, decisions which Pitt’s current Student Government Board has recently made. In the article, Denison notes that the SGB has recently turned down requests by many student groups for supplemental funding while at the same time appropriating several thousand dollars’ worth of student funds for its own use — against the advice of the allocations committee. These decisions represent both a step in the right direction and, at the same time, yet another example of improper leadership and abuse of power by the SGB.

The decision to be fiscally responsible and not allocate supplementary funds to many groups is a decision I applaud. Student organizations are encouraged to submit a yearly budget request to the SGB allocations committee each fiscal year. The SGB’s decision to curb over spending and turn down many supplementary requests not only saves money, but at the same time teaches student organizations to be more active in their planning processes each year. The SGB’s decision to turn down these requests may be unpopular, but I believe it is a step in the right direction. Leadership involves making tough decisions in order to benefit the greater good, and in this case I believe that is what our current student government board has done.

On the other hand, the SGB has also approved $3,273 for its own student leadership retreat. Well, my dear SGB members, I have a quick leadership tip for you. The best way to lead is to lead by example and make sacrifices. The audacity of the SGB in making its decision to refuse further allocations for other groups while approving more money for itself is astounding. At best SGB’s actions in this case seem hypocritical; at worst they seem downright arrogant and abusive. If the SGB is going to talk tough about tightening its belt and having a fiscally responsible budgeting system, it had better start with its own expenses. SGB’s should come last, after the actual students’ — whom the SGB is supposed to be representing.

Members of the SGB: Please remember that to truly be a leader, you yourselves must be willing to make the sacrifices that you ask of others.

Joseph Gookin

jfg1@pitt.edu