In reading the editorials and letters to the editor published in the Northern Star over the past several months, listening to all of the misinformation, disinformation, rumors and innuendos floating around campus regarding the construction and parking situation, it has become painfully clear that no one in the administration sees the necessity for publicly setting the record straight on any of the above. As a member of the Operating Staff Council (OSC), I have listened to several explanations from various offices involved in the parking and construction projects, but unfortunately, appeals from members of the OSC and parking committee to publicize the who, what, when, where and why surrounding this situation have fallen on deaf ears.

The last straw for me was the letter to the editor published in the Aug. 26 edition of The Northern Star from members of the human and family resources department along with the comment apparently called in on the “hotline” [NIU Speaks]. I feel that the attacks made on the Parking Committee and Ms. Nordruft in particular are completely unfounded. Anyone taking a moment to check our pages 43-44 of the “Committees of the University 1992-93” will quickly see that the Parking Committee is strictly an “advisory” committee. They have no power to make university policy, rules or regulations. That power comes from higher up: the president and the vice president of Business and Operations to be precise. I understand that most of the committees on campus are set up in the same manner, namely, that they are only advisory with no power. It is also my understanding that:. Graduate students are not eligible to blue parking stickers.

3. Construction workers were not issued permits after the start of the semester.

4. The State does not finance construction or maintenance of any of the lots on campus.

5. Lastly, I’m very curious as to why the Star has not done any investigation of this matter. You are the “voice” of NIU. You could do a lot to dispel unfounded rumors and misinformation.

Sitting around talking about people behind their backs does nothing to alleviate the situation and makes it very difficult for the rest of us to distinguish between your posteriors and your faces.

Ann Mohammad

Operating Staff Council