UNM workers must do part in time of economic crisis

Editor,

As a general principle, I think people ought to hold their governing bodies accountable, whether elected or not. But holding others accountable needn't and shouldn't preclude taking personal responsibility for one's community's welfare.

It should be too obvious to be stated, but I'll say it anyway: We're in a recession. That doesn't make other problems any less real, but nor should the economic crisis be ignored or only addressed by assigning blame. I make about $30,000 a year, so I can't do a great deal, but I'm glad to do what little I can. I'll keep giving a tiny donation each year, and when I take my next vacation, I'll use two or three days as furlough. Sure, it won't make a big dent, but at least I get to play some small part in keeping the University solvent. If everyone does whatever they can, great or small, it could add up to staving off layoffs or big tuition hikes until the economy recovers.

I work at UNM because I believe in the value of education. I'm sure most, if not all, my fellow staff and faculty can say the same. Surely, we can balance the desire for institutional change with our commitment to serve the University's educational mission to the best of our ability, in every way we can. Another thing I believe in is leading by example. Call me optimistic, but I think if the rank and file set a good example, the leaders might just follow us.

Sari Krosinsky

UNM staff