Letters to the editor

Nordenberg’s raise inappropriate

If universal outrage can accomplish anything, then… Nordenberg’s raise inappropriate

If universal outrage can accomplish anything, then surely Chancellor Mark Nordenberg will decline the ill-gotten bounty garnered in his new contract.

While individuals are struggling to meet their financial burdens, Chancellor Nordenberg has accepted a staggering double-digit pay raise plus a $75,000 bonus. The $75,000 alone exceeds the income of the average area family. Through this pay grab, Nordenberg has elected to stick his thumb in the eye of every Pitt student and state taxpayer.

One must wonder whether Nordenberg possesses common sense or decency, given the greed he appears ready to propound. Was nothing learned from his predecessors, Wesley Posvar and J. Dennis O’Connor, both of whom left the University in disgrace amidst public outrage over the shameful salary and benefit packages afforded them? Every student and taxpayer is subsidizing this chicanery, as the University always has its hand in our pockets through massive government handouts it receives and tuition, which continues to increase substantially.

There is a solution: Let the University pay Mark Nordenberg as much as it wishes, but rescind its tax-exempt status and halt its millions in state aid. No taxpayer or student should be responsible for the spending orgy inherent in the Nordenberg contract. Few would begrudge Mark Nordenberg a comfortable living. We draw the line when he is deemed eligible to live like a king, his lifestyle funded by us “peasants.”

We shall learn whether Chancellor Nordenberg has any shame, as the drumbeat of public indignation intensifies. Are you listening, chancellor?

Oren M. Spiegler

Upper Saint Clair, Pa.

CWO leader pledges money

I wanted to write to say I will donate $300 if Nordenberg gives back his raise. This is a great idea and I’m so happy someone is doing something about it.

I am the vice president of the Campus Women’s Organization and I will definitely encourage our members to take part. We can even try to get some people to sign up at our next meeting.

Thanks for not letting this be another issue people just fume quietly about and good luck!

Jocelyn Horner

CAS junior