Editor,
Schmidly still doesn't get it. In last week's Monday message, he threw out a few delusional statements so preciously asinine that I'm almost inspired to pity the man - almost.
First, as Schmidly has done before, he reminds us of how honest he's been to the agenda he set with the regents when he was hired. He writes, "I have done exactly what I promised to do. The entire substance of my agreement with the regents has been based upon clearly articulated performance objectives." Schmidly, we are not the regents, and the regents are not us. When we criticize your policies, therefore, we are not criticizing anything we previously agreed to. And you would do well to remember that citing them in reference to your policies is not viewed positively by many within this community. Here's a little secret you may not know that we know: The regents are not accountable to us.
Second, he states without shame that the compensation of upper-level administration has increased 42.1 percent in the last five years. But he explains they deserve this extra money because they are now responsible for a much larger University budget. I don't follow this logic. Remember, these are people who were already making hundreds of thousands of dollars. What hard-working employees, from the janitors to academic advisers and housekeepers to faculty members, have seen this kind of increase? Despite receiving this huge increase in compensation, Schmidly reminds us of his economic hardship. He writes, "Comparing UNM's upper administration to those of our peer institutions, the joint faculty-staff Comprehensive Review confirmed that UNM's upper administrators - just like our faculty and staff generally - are paid at or below market." When the regents selected Schmidly, he was offered initial compensation of roughly $600,000 per year. The U.S. Census Bureau lists the median household income for the United States in 2007 at $50,233. Schmidly is making at least 12 times this amount. So, Schmidly, compared to most people in this country, you're doing quite fine. And, yes, maybe some university presidents are making a cool million, while you're making only $600,000. I'll be the first to throw an arm over your shoulder. Hey, if I ever get a chance to take you for coffee, I'll cover the bill.
Finally, Schmidly, you state near the end of your letter, "I know that the current economic crisis has made all of us anxious and fearful, but I call to mind the words of Abraham Lincoln: 'A house divided against itself cannot stand.'" You're inciting us to join together as a community. What I think you mean, however, is that we need to join you; not that you need to join us. And a final gem from our esteemed leader Schmidly: "There's no doubt I've made misjudgments. Mistakes are inevitable, and the only shame is failing to own up to them." OK, Schmidly, here's your chance: What mistakes have you made?
Be specific, please.
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Sam Roth
UNM staff
