Thursday, November 20th 2008

By rohan nair

     This newspaper has a box that solicits the reader to submit information about any factual inaccuracies found within the pages of previous issues. Consider this piece one.

     First of all, the raise for the Board of Directors was not initiated by the BoD at all. Rather, it was observed by the outgoing VP Finance, Remek Debski, that the BoD had not had its wages changed to reflect the inflation and minimum wage changes that every single other MSU paid position underwent. This was brought up to the SRA’s standing committee on Finance where the members voted unanimously to amend these changes so that the BoD’s salaries represented a more equitable and appropriate level.

     As far as the equity sides of things go, the BoD’s wages are now at a fair rate in relation to those of the MSU’s other full-time managers including the editor of this publication. Secondly, the changes made to the BoD’s wages are actually less than the change in inflation within the last 5 years, which was the last time that the BoD had undergone a wage review. In addition, the BoD’s wages are now on par with the wages of the other OUSA member student body wages, reflecting fair market value.

     Let’s move onto something else. I believe that Mr. James Irwin, writer of a November 13 opinion article about the role of the MSU president, is too highly stressing the “President” portion of the President’s Page. First of all, Mr. Azim Kasmani, the president in question, is far from lazy and incapable. While I am not some glowing proponent of his lack of appearances in the president’s page, I do wonder if you, Mr. Irwin, have ever seen Mr. Kasmani in a meeting of the AWWCA holding his composure while being immaturely attacked by irrational members of the community who blame him for drunk students. I ask if you have ever seen Mr. Kasmani carrying heavy bags full of students’ clothing and books while helping evacuate Brandon Hall. I ask if you have ever seen Mr. Kasmani in a Senate meeting representing students. I have seen all these things and far more.

     To me, the president’s page is trivial compared to the things I have seen Mr. Kasmani do in the name of students. He is found at every event thrown by MSU services, whether it is the QSCC Drag Show or the Mac Idol, talking to students to see how he can better serve them. Mr. Kasmani is by no means letting someone else talk on his behalf, and I am proud to have said I voted for him. 

     Furthermore, if Mr. Tiwari, Mr. Finlay, or Miss Kong wish to write articles for the President’s page, I cannot see how you should have a problem, as they are all Vice-Presidents of the MSU and represent us equally.

     Mr. Irwin, your logic and conclusions are both flawed, and unreasonable. Perhaps I am biased because I actually take the time to attend events at the school, but I feel like Mr. Kasmani is a great representative of the student body and has done quite a good job of exemplifying himself as our President and Chief Executive.