SEMO cutbacks should start at the very top

To the editor:

Southeast Missouri State University's budgeting woes have been paraded before the public for a long time. Am I the only one who has noticed that the budget was based on funds that weren't guaranteed? This sounds like poor management.

Everyone has to sacrifice for someone else's mistake while those in charge wield the knife. Sure, go ahead and reorganize, cut positions, take away Parker pool and raise tuition again. The teachers and support staff are quaking in their boots, and students stand to suffer financially and will lose in the bargain.

It seems like big budget cuts need to be made starting at the top where all these problems started. If you think things are bad now, raise tuition again, cut staff and cut student benefits and watch all the students go elsewhere.

Tighten the belt across the board, but trim the fat at the top. I challenge the board of regents to initiate pay cuts where it would make a drastic impact instead of hacking away at needed staffing and student benefits.

Force reorganization at the top and cut salaries and perks there first, regardless of what it takes to come out smelling like roses or let them find another job and make room for someone who can manage effectively.

NORMA SWANN

Cape Girardeau