2001-03-08 The Auburn Plainsman

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Thursday. March 8, 2001
A SPIRIT THAT IS NOT AFRAID
Auburn University, Ala. 36849 Vol. 107 No. 2.}, :V2 pages
Newspapers file suit against board
By Lauren Glenn
Campus Editor
The Huntsville Times and The Opelika-
Auburn News have joined in a lawsuit against
the Auburn University Board of Trustees for vio­lating
the Alabama Sunshine Law.
"From the first time (The O-A News) got wind
of (the lawsuit), we were 100 percent in favor
and wanted to be involved," said Randy
Kennedy, editor of The O-A News.
Other plaintiffs in the lawsuit are The
Montgomery Advertiser, The Decatur Daily
News, The Anniston Star, The Birmingham
News, The Daily Home (Talladega),The Auburn
Plainsman and the Alabama Press Association.
"They (the plaintiffs) are concerned whenever
a governing body of a state institution appears to
meet in secret," said Dennis Bailey, attorney for
the plaintiffs. "It leads to a disconnect between
the people and those that govern the people.
That's not good for anybody."
Kennedy said there has been discussion of a
lawsuit for more than a year.
According to the law­suit,
"On various occa­sions
during the last two
years three or more mem­bers
of the Board of
Trustees have established
a pattern and practice of
conducting secret meet­ings
for which there was no given notice to the
public.
"During the past two years, three or more
members of the Board of Trustees have conduct­ed
secret meetings at which they discussed mat­ters
other than the good name and character of
individuals and pending litigation."
The suit also contends the board has practiced
polling members by telephone, e-mail or regular
mail.
The Alabama Sunshine Law states no public
governing board is allowed to meet in closed or
secret session.
The law continues to say the only circum­stance
under which a state governing body may
meet in private is to discuss the good name and
character of an individual.
The law requires a fine to be imposed on any­one
in attendance of such a meeting. Fines range
from $10 to $500.
Prior to every official meeting of the Board of
Trustees, an executive session is held behind
closed doors.
The suit states that reporters for the plaintiffs
have attempted to gain access to these meetings
and have been denied access.
The suit cites a specific instance on Aug. 31,
2000, when a reporter for The Montgomery
Advertiser, the lead plaintiff in the lawsuit,
requested access to a preliminary board meeting
and was denied.
Recent events occurring at Auburn University
have served as catalysts for the suit, most recent­ly
the removal of former University President
William V Muse from office.
Bailey said the plaintiffs expect to find evi­dence
there have been secret meetings and that
decisions have been made regarding Aubum
See SUIT, A8
Illustration by Julie Morris/Photo Editor
Eight state newspapers and the Alabama Press
Association filed suit last Wednesday against the Board
of Trustees for violating the Alabama Sunshine Law.
Julie Vtonisl Photo Editor
Bob kldeH;teft, of Richmond, Va., will replace Golda
McDaniel as president of the Auburn Alumni
Association after McDaniel resigned Saturday.
Trustee McDaniel
resigns post as
Alumni president
Alumni delay vote of no
confidence in Board of
Trustees, hold out for more
alumni opinion
By Rachel Davis
Editor in Chief
Golda McDaniel's resignation
from the presidency of the Aubum
Alumni Association comes in a
wake of controversy surrounding
her recent appointment to the
Board of Trustees.
"It is now my intention to carry
on my efforts of helping bring
Aubum people together as a mem­ber
of the board," McDaniel said. "I
believe now as I believed last fall
that communication is the key to
success."
McDaniel submitted her resigna­tion
to the Alumni Association's
executive board March 3, at its
monthly meeting, saying she had
no time to serve as the president of
the association, a trustee and suc­cessfully
run a court reporting
business in Mississippi.
In a prepared statement to mem­bers
of the executive board,
McDaniel said, "I look forward to
continuing to work with each of
you in the years ahead and do
whatever I can to help and support
the alumni association and univer­sity
I love so much."
McDaniel met much opposition
in her election as president of the
Alumni Association last fall when
she admittedly solicited proxy
votes along with help from trustees
Robert E. "Bobby" Lowder and
Paul Spina.
McDaniel has served as president
since last fall. The presidential post
will be filled by Bob Kloeti of
Richmond, Va., who formerly
served as vice president of the
Alumni Association.
The nomination of McPaniel and
Earlon McWhorter has been a cata­lyst
for a series of no-confidence
votes, including a recent vote
passed by the Aubum University
SeeMcDANIEL,A8
legislature for
By Rachel DavlsT,
Editor in Chief
Rachel Davis/fditor in Chief
A crowd of approximately 3,000 students and other supporters of
higher education gathered in Montgomery at the Alabama State
House to protest funding cuts due to proration.
MONTGOMERY — After a two-week special ses­sion
of the state Legislature that ended Monday night
failed to produce any support for higher education,
Montgomery woke up to the sounds of protests from
college students across the state.
Higher Education Day sponsored by the Higher
Education Partnership, saw the largest turnout of col­lege
students and officials in recent years with an esti­mated
crowd of 3,000. The issue responsible for
bringing them to the State House: proration.
"Today is a victory," said Gordon Stone, executive
director of the Higher Education Partnership. "When
someone tried to stick proration down our throats,
we said 'No.'"
As the students protested, Gov. Don Siegelman was
making plans to cut higher education by 11.5 per­cent,
protecting the K-12 schools. Only K-12 teacher
salaries would be exempt from cuts.
Because of inadequate revenue in state taxes this
year, Alabama's education system will have to make
up for the lack of funds by cutting school programs.
K-12 filed suit against the state last month because
the Alabama Constitution (1901) specifically pro­vides
for the education of K-12 children.
After Circuit Court Judge Tracy McCooey ruled in
favor of K-12 system's suit for more government
See LOBBY, A8
Bicyclists promote safety, more bike lanes
By Jessica Moore
StaffWriter
The City of Auburn Bicycle
Committee met Tuesday to discuss pro­jects
in progress to educate citizens
about the rules and regulations of
cycling, and to create a safer environ­ment
for cyclists in Auburn.
The committee has accomplished
tasks such as rewriting a brochure of
the city's ordinance No, 988.
Jeffery Ramsey, city engineer, public
works director and bicycle coordinator
is head of the committee. "We rewrote
the ordinance in a more positive man­ner
for cyclists," he said.
"We hope to distribute the brochures
at information tables outside of Kroger
and places like that," Ramsey said.
The Auburn Bicycle Committee was
formed last April as a result of the Bike
Plan adopted by the Auburn City
Council in April 1998.
Since the formation of this commit­tee,
Aubum has made strides -toward
becoming a safer community for
cyclists.
During the past three years, many
improvements to benefit cyclists have
been made. The number of bike lanes
has increased, a bicycle safety educa­tion
course was implemented for
fourth-grade students and there has
been an increase in the number of road
See BIKES, A8
Laura Douglas/'Assistant Photo Editor
Auburn Bicycle Committee helps promote biker
safety and has been successful in adding bike lanes
Editor: 844-9021
This week in A U history:
March 8, 1979: An 6 percent ($3.2 million) overall cutback in state educa­tion
funds left many department heads with money to barely cover mini­mum
daily costs. "The proration would be bad coming at any time," said
English department head, Bert Hitchcock. "But coming during the middle
of the year is worse." Gov. James offered little comment about the possibil-itv
of a new state constitution.
www.theplainsman.com
NEXT ISSUE
In-depth look at votes of
no confidence in Auburn
Board of Trustees
f Honest disagreement is
|[ §1 often a good sign of
progress. Nj %
— Mahatma Gandhi
Newsroom: 844-9109
INSIDE
Calendar B3
Classifieds B6-B7
Editorials A4
joe Random C6
Letters A5
On the Concourse..B3
Sports Scoreboard...D2
Stars and Bars C2
Subscriptions: 844-4130
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Advertising: 844-9102
A2 THE AUBURN PLAINSMAN Thursday, March 8, 2001
3th e^ubur n Plainsman
A SPIRIT "THAT IS NOT AFRAID
S I N C E 1 8 9 3
The Auburn Plainsman is the official newspaper of Auburn University. It is produced entirely by stu­dents
and is funded by its advertising revenue. The Auburn Plainsman is published every Thursday
and averages 15 printings per semester. It is distributed free of charge to Auburn students and fac­ulty.
Please take only one copy. First copy free; additional copies are $.50. Staff meetings are
Wednesdays, 7 p.m. in B-100 Foy Student Union. For more information, call 844-4130, e-mail us at
niail@theplainsman.com or view our Web site at www.theplainsman.com.
News Briefs
EDITORIAL STAFF
Rachel Davis
Editor in Chief
Kristin Lenz
Managing Editor
Ryan Lee
Editorial Page Editor
Sally Tid well Lurenda Davis
Copy Editor Intrigue Editor
Lauren Glenn
Campus Editor
Alex Ralney
Sports Editor
Camie Young
News Editor
Keenan Popwell
Faith Ford
Assistant Intrigue Editors
Brandon Evans
Elizabeth Lawrence
Assistant Campus Editors
Sarah Golnik
Brandon Patterson
Assistant Sports Editor
Laura Douglas
Assistant Photo Editor
Paul Kardous
Online Editor
Julie Morris
Photo Editor
Chambliss Keith
Associate Copy Editor
Patrick Crotty
Dawn Russell
Assistant News Editors
Justin Smith
Adam Jones
Jennifer Hallmark
Assistant Copy Editors
Jason Key
Art Editor
AsimAli
Assistant Online Editor
BUSINESS STAFF
James Long
Business Manager
Katie Patrick
Assistant Business
Manager
Kent Krupicka
Layout Coordinator
T.J. Goff
Distribution Manager
Lee Sargent
Senior Account Executive
Marc Lewis
Creavtive Director
Greg Brown
Mark Terrell
Christine Self
Lindsey Brandon
J.T. Hornbuckle
Account Executives
Joanna Ar tell
Tracy Huffstutler
Benna Breland
Clarissa Carvalho
Megan McCool
Production Artists
Melanie Sransky
Copy Editor
Account Executive
ADVERTISING POLICIES
Campus Calendar is provided as a service by The Auburn Plainsman to all University-chartered organiza­tions
to announce activities. Announcements must be submitted on forms available in the office between
7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and no later than Monday prior to publication. Submissions must be no more than
30 words and are edited to retain only pertinent information. Classified ads cost 30 cents per word for non-students,
25 cents for students. There is a 14-word minimum. Forms are available in the office during busi­ness
hours. Deadline is Friday at 4:30 p.m. Local advertising rate is $6.25/column inch. National advertis-ing
rate is SlO.OO/column inch. Deadline for all advertising space reservation is Friday at 3 p.m.
The Auburn Plainsman (USPS 434740) is published by Auburn University, AL 36849 weekly during the
school year. We do not publish during class breaks. Subscriptions are $35/year, $15/semester. Periodicals
postage paid at Auburn, AL. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Auburn Plainsman, B-100 Foy
Student Union, Auburn University, AL 36849-5343.
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National
Friends say Santee shoot­ing
was a planned event
After the latest high school
shooting in Santee, Calif., friends
of the accused Charles Andrew
Williams say he talked about his
plans to open fire the weekend
before.
It was reported that 15-year-old
Williams talked about it and his
friends searched him before
school Monday.
No one reported the threats
before the shooting which killed
two and injured 13.
Largest television group
has named a leader
The merging of AOL-Time
Warner and the WB network was
announced Tuesday, and Jamie
Kellner, chief executive of WB,
was named leader of the new
group.
The merger formed the biggest
television group, with Kellner
now overseeing networks includ­ing
WB, TNT and CNN.
Napster receives court
order Monday
The music industry was told
Monday by a federal judge in San
Francisco to list copyrighted
songs it wants removed from
Napster, Inc.
Napster then has 72 hours to
remove songs on the list from its
service.
Supreme Court blocks
execution of borderline
retarded man
The U.S. Supreme Court on
Tuesday blocked the execution of
a borderline mentally retarded
man shortly after it had reinstated
his execution order.
State
Representative proposes
repeal of tax exemptions
Monday brought the close of the
special session, which failed to
reach a decision on the redistribu­tion
of education funds, or prora­tion.
Tuesday brought a new proposal
to the floor. Rep. Alvin Holmes, D-Montgomery,
introduced a bill that
would repeal sales tax exemptions
temporarily to head off education
budget cuts.
The repeal would last three
months and generate $400 mil­lion.
It would apply to every sales
tax exception except for prescrip­tions.
Video gambling may be
added to dog tracks
A Senate committee approved a
bill allowing video gambling to be
added to dog tracks in order to
boost attendance.
Similar legislation has died in
the Senate for the last two years,
and Lt. Gov. Steve Windom pre­dicted
the same outcome this year.
Sen. Charles Steele, D-Tuscaloosa,
the bill's sponsor, said
the legislation has a chance this
year because the machines could
produce an estimated $20 million
to $30 million for the state's edu­cation
budget.
Ten Commandments bill
passes Senate committee
A constitutional amendment,
which would allow the Ten
Commandment to be displayed in
public buildings, passed the
Senate Constitution, Campaign
Finance, Ethics and Elections
Committee with a vote of 9-0.
Local
Birmingham job fair seeks
Auburn students
More than 300 companies will
be present at the all-new
"Commerce 'n' Career,
Birmingham Business Expo and
Job Fair" on March 14-15.
For $5, students will be able to
network from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. each
day at the Birmingham Jefferson
Civic Center. The companies will
represent some Fortune 500 firms,
hi-tech companies and
Birmingham's industry leaders.
Local store to close after 13
years
Wildman Steve's Record and CD
Exchange will close on March 24,
the 13th anniversary of its open­ing.
Owner "Wildman" Steve
Bronson attributes the closing to
industry changes, including the
advent of CD burners.
Body found on roadside
An unidentified black male was
found dead on the side of Alabama
Highway 80 in the area of
Brownsville and Society Hill in
Macon County last Wednesday.
Macon County Sheriff David
Warren said a passing motorist
made a call to police just before 7
a.m. to report a person lying on
the side of the road.
Opelika mayor delivers
address
Opelika Mayor Barbara Patton
discussed recent accomplishments
in the community in her State of
the City address Wednesday.
Mayor Patton stressed the
importance of economic develop­ment,
which she tied to every facet
of Opelika's future.
Patton said Opelika's success is
due to its own planning and the
plans it develops with neighboring
communities.
SOUND
Whatcha think
Every week, we canvass the cam­pus
for students'opinions about
anything and everything.
www. theplainsman. com
"Exams make me want to
drive my car far, far away and
never come back."
— Evan Davis
Sophomore, building science
"There are some things
money can't buy. For everything
else, there's TigerClub cards."
—Jason Alexander
Freshman, undecided
"If there's one thing I don't
know, it's how to get a date in
this town."
— Michelle Grayson
Senior, graphic design
'"Fortunately, my last exam
was yesterday. I'm gonna watch
"The Simpsons" and go to bed."
—Jennifer Adams
Junior, sociology
"I'm looking forward to
Spring Break. It's the only thing
keeping me going right now."
— Richard Mills
Junior, civil engineering
03/05/01 7:30 a.m., South Brookwood
Drive — A 1989 black Chevrolet Caprice
Classic, valued at $2,500, was reported
stolen.
03/05/01 11:15 a.m., Heart of Auburn
Motel — $200 cash reported stolen.
03/01/01 11:05 p.m., Patio Apartments-
Rear window of automobile destroyed.
03/01/01 4:30 p.m., Moton Apartments
— Front bumper of automobile reported
damaged.
03/02/01 2 a.m., Bourbon Street Bar —
Nokia cellular phone reported stolen.
03/02/01 1:45 p.m., Auburn High School
— Motorola flip cellular telephone reported
stolen.
03/02/01 5:30 p.m, Drake Apartments —
Criminal trespassing and simple assault
reported.
03/03/01 1:50 a.m., Village at Lakeside
Apartments — E-Z Go golf cart reported
stolen.
03/03/01 6:57 p.m., Auburn Flower Shop
— Fifty dollars cash reported stolen; Front
wall, exterior brick and interior sheetrock
frame damaged, valued at $2,000.
03/03/01 10:30 a.m., Hibbetts Sporting
Goods, Opelika Road — Pair of Air Jordan
tennis shoes, valued at $215, and pair of
Nike Tailwind tennis shoes, valued at $129,
reported stolen.
03/03/01 4 p.m, Sadler Oil South One
(Exxon) 2370 U.S. Hwy. 29 South —
Thirteen gallons of gasoline reported stolen.
03/03/01 5:30 p.m, Sunglass Hut
International, Opelika Road —Pair of
Oakley eye jackets valued at $150 reported
stolen.
03/04/01 11:07 a.m., Sadler Oil South
One (Exxon) 2370 U.S. Hwy. 29 South —
Eight gallons of gasoline reported stolen.
03/04/01 4 p.m., Ridgecrest Apartments
— JVC car CD player, valued at $215; 35
assorted compact discs, valued at $400; ash­tray,
valued at $15; U.S. currency and coins,
worth $25, reported stolen from vehicle.
03/04/01 2:30 p.m., Hemlock Drive/Vine
Avenue — Leaving the scene of an accident;
dented Ford Mustang reported.
03/04/01 4 p.m., Northwood Drive —
General Electric DVD player, valued at $130,
reported stolen.
03/04/01 11:30 p.m., South Gay Street —
Buckhead hitch cover, valued at $20, and
bush axe, valued at $25, reported stolen from
yard.
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Thursday, March 8, 2001 THE AUBURN PLAINSMAN A3
Citizens stand up at council meeting
By Patrick Crotty
Assistant News Editor
The Auburn City Council met
Tuesday night to discuss zoning
issues and citizen input.
A large group of residents from
the Indian Hills subdivision attend­ed
to voice concerns regarding the
zoning of a 100 ft. buffer zone
around the neighborhood for com­mercial
development.
Auburn's new growth boundary
sparked debate during the commi-tee
of the whole prior to Tuesday's
regular council meeting.
"We need to bring citizens in
more. Maybe more town meetins
and citizen-led discussion," said
councilmember Cheryl Gladden.
"All citizens should embrace this
growth."
"Citizens have to be willing to
make the effort to get involved;
there has to be a structure to do it,"
said City Manager Doug Watson.
Ruth Wright voiced her frustra­tion
regarding growth in Auburn.
"Citizens desparately want to
participate but don't know how,"
Wright said. "Deciding how to deal
with the efforts of growth requires
expertise and citizen choice.
"We need to get diverse people
with diverse agendas and diverse
needs involved in a discussion,"
Wright said. "Some effects of
growth that have manifested them­selves
since the last discussion are
not being heard."
Wright said the council's state­ment
of "balanced, moderate
growth" is unclear. "Those terms
need to be defined," Wright said.
A proposed resolution during the
council meeting concerned prelimi­nary
plans for installing sewer lines
in neighborhoods within Auburn.
Gladden warned that installing
sewer lines has proven to promote
excessive growth.
"Sewer lines fuel sprawl,"
Gladden said. "You build sewer
lines outside city limits and things
spread out."
Gladden said she is concerned
about maintaining efficient growth
within Auburn. "I'm for quality of
life. Sprawl generally lowers quality
of life," she said.
Jack Sprayberry advised the
council to wait for results of the
Saugahatchee river study before
considering sewer lines in areas
adjacent to the creek.
Sprayberry also suggested the
council consider other options
before reaching a conclusion.
"With sewer lines, the water is
treated and then dumped back into
the creek. Why be limited to just
septic tanks?" Sprayberry said.
The council meeting concluded
with lengthy discussion from citi­zens
concerned about development
adjacent to the Indian Hills subdivi­sion.
The debate concerns a pro­posed
re-zoning of a buffer zone
surrounding the neighborhood.
Developers seek to re-zone 80
percent of the 100 foot area for
commercial purposes. Residents
claim commercial development will
come at the cost of their own neigh­borhood.
"I'm afraid to lose the 100 feet
this developer wants of my neigh­borhood,"
said Valerie Browning, a
resident of Indian Hills. "That
buffer is our neighborhood's protec­tion."
For others, including Tim
Browning, the issue was about
property value. Residents fear the
close proximity of commercial
development will lower property
values.
"I'm not trusting my property
value to anybody," Browning said.
"Let's get together and work this
thing out so that we all win."
Residents of the Indian Hills
neighborhood say the area is
uniquely diverse. There are a wide
range of residents in age, sex and
race.
Residents sue company for environmental damage
By Nicole Tanner
StaffWriter
Residents of Lee County Road 159 have
brought another lawsuit set for April 9 against
the Martin Marietta Materials quarry, this time
for environmental damage to Chewacla Creek.
Although the judge in the case has called for
a gag order on all parties involved, Jack
Sprayberry, a surveyor who examined the prob­lems
at the creek along with residents, city and
state officials on Feb. 5, expressed great con­cern
about the aquatic life at Chewacla.
"The creek is full of limestone sediment that
kills almost everything," Sprayberry said. "It
has gone from beautiful to dead and virtually
lifeless."
Sprayberry also said the area is full of sink­holes
that are difficult to count, and the quar­ry
complicates the problem.
Previously, residents had filed suit against
Martin Marietta for the closing of county road
159, but were ruled against so the quarry could
continue mining under the road.
In the motion for summary judgment filed by
Martin Marietta on Dec. 6, 2000, it was stated
that "there is a long history of limestone pro­duction"
in the area and the quarry has been
"in continuous operation for over 30 years."
It was also said that portions of the creek
have been dry for more than 20 years and there
t has also been "significant changes in the water­shed
over that period."
, Also, regarding the plaintiffs claim, it stated
that "not one of the plaintiffs rely on well water
' for any reason" and "all of them receive water
Katie Brumbeloe/Phofo Staff
Martin Marietta Materials is facing a lawsuit, its second in a year. This time,
the lawsuit claims the company's quarry, on Lee County Road 159, is causing
environmental damage to Chewacla Creek.
Katie Brumbeloe/P/zoto Staff
Residents of Lee County Road 159
• have filed suit against a local quarry,
saying its practices are harming the
watershed.
from the Beauregard water system."
The Auburn area is in a drought, and there is
an increase in water usage.
Cheryl Cobb, a resident in the area and chair
of the board of directors for Partnership for a
Livable Auburn Community (P.L.A.C.E.), said
the quarry is sucking water into the aquifer,
bringing the watertable down and causing sed­iment
to flow into streams, which is dangerous
for aquatic life.
The drought and increased water usage have
also caused the creek to dry up in many areas,
Cobb said.
"The quarry has been there a long time but
the creek is not flowing, and the ecosystem is
not happy," Cobb said. "People are not fully
aware of how dangerous sediment is in the
stream."
Rob Cook, head of the geology/geography
department at Auburn, will appear in court to
describe the geological conditions of that area
for the case.
Cook, who is also under a gag order, said if
the quarry is shut down it will most likely be
used as an auxiliary water supply.
"This (quarry) is the only nearby source for
agricultural lime," Cook said. "Although some
holes in the quarry may cause water to leave
the creek, it supplies jobs for many people in
the area."
Cook said Auburn is in a serious water short­age
and the deeper the quarry gets the more
water is likely to leave the area completely.
John Pitarri, president of P.L.A.C.E., also
expressed concern for the growing shortage of
water.
"The quarry is so deep that water flowing
into the quarry is pulled out through the sur­face,"
Pitarri said. "When the quarry takes the
water out and pumps it back into the creek, the
water released is full of acidity which is killing
somespecies in the creek."
If the quarry finishes mining they will have
generated great sums of money, said Bill
Deutsch of Alabama Water Watch.
However, if the pumping of water into the
quarry stopped and was allowed to return to
the watertable, the stream would be allowed to
flow again into the now dry creek bed, Deutsch
said.
Another solution would be to line the creek
bed and tributaries to flow into an artificial bed
to bypass the quarry.
"I'm not opposed to the quarry but I am dra­matically
concerned about the creek," Deutsch
said. "I hope the local citizens can stay active
and informed so the decisions are representa­tive
of the community."
Rex Griffin, Auburn's water and sewer direc­tor,
said the city was originally part of the law­suit,
but now wants the Chewacla area
restored.
"There is a strong movement to get it (sink
holes) corrected," Griffin said. "There are a lot
of proposals to correct the problems, and I
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A4 THE AUBURN PLAINSMAN Thursday, March 8, 200:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech,
or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
(Ehegjuburn Plainsman
S I N C E 1 8 9 3
Editorial Board
Kristin Lenz
Managing Editor
Camie Young
News Editor
Lurenda Davis
Intrigue Editor
Rachel Davis
Editor in Chief
Sally Tidwell
Copy Editor
Napo Monasterio
Editor-elect
Ryan Lee
Editorial Page Editor
Lauren Glenn
Campus Editor
Alex Rainey
Sports Editor
The expressions of this newspaper's opinion are restricted to these pages. The unsigned editorials represent the
majority opinion of the Editorial Board of The Auburn Plainsman. Staff columns, guest columns, and letters to the
editor represent the opinions of their individual author(s). Opinions on these pages do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of the University trustees, administration, faculty, staff, alumni, student government or student body.
OUR VIEW
Back to square one
Our representatives might as well have stayed
home during the past 12 days. That way, hopes
would not have been raised only to be shot
down.
During two weeks of a special session for edu­cation
funding called by Gov. Don Siegelman,
the Alabama Senate and House of
Representatives passed absolutely nothing. No
bills. No resolutions. Nothing.
This is not necessarily an all-bad thing, seeing
as though one of the bills proposed was
Siegelman's plan to shield K-12 from the major
proration, leaving higher education to absorb
most of the cuts.
But this is nothing to cheer about either.
One of the most powerful lobbying groups in
the state, the Alabama Education Association,
did its best to kill all bills that leveled the impact
proration will have on the state education sys­tem.
For example, a bill designed to initiate
across-the-board cuts throughout K-12 and high­er
education was thoroughly rejected once
teacher lobbyist Paul Hubbert made his rounds,
talking with representatives.
As a whole, the special session was an
embarassing failure for Siegelman. Many have
called it his biggest failure during his term in
office because he hastily called for the special
session without securing enough votes to get
anything passed.
The idea that the special session was a failure
is not one we invented. When the session ended
Monday at midnight, the Associate Press released
a listing of all the proposals Siegelman had
intended to install. At the end of each proposal,
the AP simply wrote, "Died."
Now that the special session is over, and we
remain exactly where we were two weeks ago, it
is time for universities and allies of higher edu­cation
to focus on the Alabama Supreme Court,
which will ultimately decided the fate of higher
education in this state.
The Supreme Court temporarily saved higher
education last month when it issued a stay on
Circut Court Judge Tracey McCooey's ruling that
K-12 could not be prorated and higher education
would have to solely absorb budget cuts.
We hope the Supreme Court will extend its
stay by overturning McCooey's decision and
require across-the-board cuts.
We are not well-versed on the legal technicali­ties
the Supreme Court will have to consider
while reviewing this issue, but for the love of
Alabama, we hope across-the-board proration is
constitutional.
This is not about K-12 vs. higher education. In
fact, this is not even about education that much
anymore.
This is about Alabama and its survival.
So many of Alabama's cities and towns are cen­tered
around institutions of higher education. If
these institutions are prorated 12 percent, the
universities' budget cuts would have vast
impacts on the economies of these towns.
The.entire state of Alabama could be trans­formed
for the worse if higher education is
forced to receive the irrational majority of prora­tion.
Simply put, the universities of our state
cannot continue to run adequately if the pro­posed
cuts go through.
And when these universities go under, they
will not go alone. Entire towns and cities will
suffer with them.
As it has with issues of tax and constitutional
reform, the Alabama Legislature has once again
failed when it comes to education funding and
the special session.
We hope politics will not interfere with the
Supreme Court hearings concerning this issue,
and we pray the court will recommend equal
cuts.
Audible Alumni
During difficult time, Auburn needs its
alumni to be vocal advocates of change
While we certainly don't question the Auburn
Alumni Association's committment, concern and
love for this university, we are a bit disappointed
in their actions this past Saturday.
In its monthly meeting, the board of directors
for the Alumni Association decided against pass­ing
a vote of no confidence in the Board of
Trustees. Alumni Association members said they
felt it would be best for them to see how things
play out over the next few weeks, and how the
Board of Trustees will react to the uprising across
campus.
With all due respect, this reactive approach by
the Alumni Association is a surprise.
There is no light at the end of the tunnel with
this Board of Trustees. Nor is there any hope left
on these Plains that things will work themselves
out.
The only thing that will save Auburn
University is the immediate removal of all
trustees, whether that be by resignation or by
demanding protests. And when this conflict rises
to the next level, Auburn needs its alumni on the
front line to help fight for their alma mater.
The Alumni Association has proven itself to be
an admirably independent organization, willing
to challenge the Board of Trustees when it
believes misconduct is taking place.
Despite heavy opposition from certain trustees
and their political allies, last year the Alumni
Association led the crusade to reform the process
for selecting trustees.
When Gov. Don Siegelman appointed Golda
McDaniel to the board last month, this was a
direct slap in the face to the Alumni Association,
violating the spirit of the constitutional
ammendment that was passed last November.
Of course, Siegelman did not select McDaniel
for the position as it appears on paper. Instead,
one or more trustees made the selection for the
paid-for govemoi.
We hope the Alumni Association will continue
to increase its voice as the battle wages on.
Silence will surely defeat the cause!
As students, faculty — and now, even admin­istrators
— increase their efforts to express dis­content
with the board, they need the added sup­port
of the Alumni Association.
The possibilty of a university-wide shut down
by the faculty is beginning to look like a very real
possibility. Faculty leaders have indicated they
may pass a resolution demanding the members
of the Board of Trustees resign immediately, and
if the trustees fail to do so within 24 hours, the
faculty will shut down the University until they
do.
We wholeheartedly support this movement,
and we are sure the majority of student at
Auburn do as well.
In order to have an even greater impact, if the
resolution is passed, we would hope the Alumni
Association would initiate some kind of effort to
freeze all alumni contributions to the University
until the trustees have been removed.
Again, we have no doubt of the Alumni
Association's committment the betterment of this
great institution. We simply ask that they bring
all the fire power they have to the revolution cur­rently
taking place at Auburn.
CIVIL ACTION No. CV-01-125
We have long suspected the Auburn Board of
Trustees has met in secret and improper sessions
which violate the Alabama Sunshine Law.
Now, The Auburn Plainsman, along with seven
state newspapers and the Alabama Press
Association, is taking our case to the courts.
We do this, not for publicity or money, but
because we believe the laws of Alabama have
been repeatedly violated by the board.
The Montgomery Advertiser initiated the law­suit,
and we applaud them for their courageous
efforts.
The Board of Trustees has absolute and unchal­lenged
power over this University, but that does
not mean it is above the law.
The suit is the result of newspapers serving as
a watchdog for our readers and doing our best to
combat misconduct.
Meetings among public officials should not
take place without the public being informed.
We believe the Board of Trustees has repeated­ly
violated this concept by holding closed meet­ings.
Case closed.
KEY ISSUES
Jason Key I Art Editor
For politicians, proof is in the talk
About this time last year I sat in
front of the Alabama State House for a
rally called "Higher Education Day."
Organized by the lobbying group of
higher education, the Higher
Education Partnership, it was a time
when college students from around the
state gathered to be patronized by
politicians.
School marching bands came decked
in full game attire, and students held
signs chanting for more funding.
Our lobbyist stood and made pas­sionate
speeches for our cause.
Student leaders did the same.
Then a few politicians came to speak
to the crowd, saying how higher edu­cation
has always been a priority for
them. They say how much they've
fought for higher education since birth
and how they will continue to fight for
it. There was a free lunch and hand­shakes
all-around.
It was at this event last year that Lt.
Gov. Steve Windom, R-Mobile, told us
of his plans to provide scholarships for
Alabama students. Windom needed to
devise a plan to provide scholarships
since he fought so fervently against the
lottery.
His plan was simple: raise out-of-state
tuition to pay for the scholar­ships.
His reasoning was just as simple:
Alabama taxpayers shouldn't support
out-of-state students.
The plan would provide full tuition
for low-income students meeting acad­emic
standards of a 3.0 GPA and a 20
ACT score.
It was a simple plan with simple jus­tification
that would help children get
a coveted college degree from the state.
There was only one problem: The
plan died in session last year. Why?
Probably because the Democrat-con­trolled
Senate didn't like it, but there is
a much deeper problem with the plan.
It's too simple.
Raising tuition for out-of-state stu­dents
will significantly lower the num­ber
of out-of-state students, wouldn't
it?
Fewer out-of-state students means
less money. Unless tuition was raised
proportionately to the mass exodus of
students that would leave because of
the tuition hike, say one out-of-state
[ : /•
• • - • • v f l
J ! K
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ADAM
JONES
student would
pay $20,000,
there would not
be enough
money to cover
the scholarships.
Am 1 the only
one who sees
this problem?
Fortunately,
I'm not. Sen.
Ted Little, D-
" Auburn, has
spoken out against this plan, so have
numerous other politicians.
Little is not only concerned with the
utter thoughtlessness of the bill, but
with the larger impact of removing
out-of-state funding from universities.
Taking out-of-state tuition to pay for
scholarships would cripple universi­ties.
Unless Santa Claus was to cover
the losses every Christmas, there is
only one other place to turn for educa­tion
funding: the education trust fund.
This is the very same fund that cannot
adequately pay for K-12 and higher
education at the same time.
The bill didn't pass last year, but
Windom is unphased. He is a people's
politician so he introduced the plan
again this year.
Doesn't he realize the plan will fail
again? Of course he does.
Windom wants to say he's done
something when the next election
comes around. He wants to look the
voters straight in the face and say he
tried to get their children scholarships.
He is working for the voters. He wants
scholarships without the moral dilem­ma
of a lottery.
He wants only the perception of
good intentions, whether anything gets
done is irrelevant; he thinks.
Windom is just one of almost all
state politicians who substitute real
action with rhetoric and stem looks.
This policy has worked for quite some
time. In other words, it's worked since
Reconstruction.
Times they are a-changing.
Alabamians are fed up with smoke­screen
and mirror politics.
Nothing can show this better than
the recent struggle with education
funding, or proration.
The special session called by Gov.
Don Siegelman to deal with proration
ended with nothing accomplished.
That's right, zilch. No bills passed, no
resolutions made and no easing of the
state's pain.
It seems as if the politicians don't
know what to do. On the one hand,
they want to protect the children so
they can look good for election day. On
the other, they need to protect higher
education because the 20 percent of
Alabamians directly involved with
higher education vote.
Siegelman said Tuesday this issue
needs to be resolved, and he is "asking
the Supreme Court to do just that."
I'm sorry? Did he just say he wants
the Supreme Court to do his job for
him? Of course he does. If the
Supreme Court rules the way most
Alabama voters want, he can say he
was behind it all come election year. If
they bring an unfavorable judgment,
he can claim innocence in the ordeal.
This past election, Alabama voters
placed all Republicans on the Supreme
Court. Of course he wants the
Republicans to be faced with the tough t
issue. If the justices come out the bad
guys, they won't be re-elected.
In truth, the politicians are dancing
outside the fire. They are afraid to
tackle the real problem of the state's
archaic 1091 constitution.
I'm sorry, I mean 1901. I must have
written 1091 when I thought how the
document protects the landed gentry
from paying taxes on their vast hold­ings.
Citizens of Alabama are almost at
their breaking points. If politicians
don't come up with a way to save edu­cation
fast, Alabama will elect those
who will.
Smokescreen and mirror politics is ',
old, and Alabama wants real progress.
The hushed grumblings of the past
decade have grown to all-out attacks.
Soon words will be translated into
votes, and new politicians means
progress.
Doesn't it?
Adam Jones is assistant copy editor
for The Auburn Plainsman. You can
reach him at 844-9108 and
jones@theplainsman. com
Despite grandpa's wishes, for the love
of Auburn I can stay silent no more
I have worked at The Plainsman for
three years and have never written
anything on my opinions. Strive to
stay away from it and have dutifully
buried myself behind other peoples'
words.
But two weeks ago while reading
The Plainsman, I became enraged. As I
watched all of you that attended the
sit-in, as my thoughts were with those
who went to the Senate, I knew I was
seeing those of you who truly love
Auburn. And not one of you was a
trustee.
One reason you have never seen my
picture in The Plainsman is because of
my grandfather, "Red" Bamberg. He
too was on the Board of Trustees and
counted the members among his
friends. Therefore, it has been made
painfully obvious to me that when I do
write about the board, it should be
done in a way that would "honor my
grandfather."
So I have kept my big mouth shut
about the board and have swallowed
the opinions of others, labeling them
as my own, and I honestly didn't
understand what The Plainsman was so
darn mad about.
When I read the article on President
Muse's dismissal; when I listened to
LAURA
SUSAN
BAMBERG
Lindsey Boney's
impassioned
speech at the sit-in;
when I
looked around at
the sit-in and
saw all of you
that know what
the Auburn spirit
really is, I knew
it was time to say
something. And I
finally under-stood
the frustra­tion
my fellow
staffers, present and past, felt.
I am not mad at one person. It's the
whole board. Many believe Bobby
Lowder is the reason Auburn
University is losing its true self. But
the truth is that one person cannot do
this much damage. It takes all 12
members to threaten Auburn's reputa­tion.
Red Bamberg probably would have
agreed with a great deal of what this
board has done. No journalism depart­ment?
Cut out Liberal Arts? Auburn
University is a land-grant institution.
We don't have to have these programs.
Obviously, I disagree with that.
The one thing he and I agree on is
our love for this place. He loved it so
much that a lot of people dislike him
for it. He loved it so much he didn't
give up his seat on the board until his
death. And he never would have done
anything for vengeance or just because
he could. He never would have blindly
followed an inept leader.
Neither should we. We have proved
that you can't shut us up, you can't
stomp all over us and you can't expect
us to take it lying down. So thank you,
students. Thank you Lindsey Boney.
Thank you Brian Vines, George Gaston
and Jim Francisco, for getting the trip
organized.
Most of all, thank you, The Auburn
Plainsman staff. The disappointment of
being able to use a voice that the big
shots don't hear is so frustrating, but I
urge you to keep on trying. •
For the Auburn students to come,
don't let our fight end here. Please
remember that the future of all of us
depends on the visions you see for
yourself. No self-serving board can
take those away.
Laura Susan Bamberg is a news staff
writer for The Auburn Plainsman.
You can reach her at 844-9109 and
bambels@auburn. edu
n f
Thursday. March 8, 2001 THE AUBURN PLAINSMAN A5
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging freedom of speech,
or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
From student journalist to athletics director to sellout
What happened to you?
! . Four years as a student journalist couldn't have
j foreshadowed where or how you would be sitting
! today. Imagine working your way up through the
j ranks at The Auburn Plainsman, from staff writer to
sports editor to editor of one of the best students
! newspapers in the nation and then replacing that
' bright performance with nothing more than a glori-
! fied "yes-man" job and a disillusioned view of
• Auburn.
While you never have been highly critical, you did
! spend four years at Auburn training to ask the tough
! questions, going against the societal norm and devel-
! oping an eye for what should and could be improved
i at this University you love so much. I find it very
! strange, how you can be transformed from such a
j perceptive, young college student to a man who con-
'. tinues to wear the orange and blue colored glasses
that hide the deep wounds and hurt that this
University feels so often.
You do love Auburn, that's evident. However, the
question still remains, are you thinking with a clear
mind, an independent mind when you serve as the
athletic director of one of the best athletic programs
in the nation or are you too drunk off of the blue and
orange juices to realize the trouble your alma mater
is actually in. Drunk with blind love and therefor
rendered helpless to her cause. Like any alcoholic
RACHEL
DAVIS
your drunkenness with Auburn
pride has caused you to live in a
permanent state of denial.
Disappointing. You had such
potential.
David Housel, the once aspir­ing,
young journalist, has had
one of the most successful sell­out
careers at Auburn. His job,
overshadowed by a controlling
board who appreciates and
understands Auburn athletics
rather than academics, has
been to serve at the leisure of that board. Imagine
what he must feel — the inner conflict, the constant
struggle between what he knows is right and what he
says is right.
I apologize if this column seems a bit redundant,
given last week's was a commentary on Jimmy
Samford's letter to the alumni. But the laughable let­ters
continue. This time it was addressed to all
Auburn Clubs and signed by David Housel.
No. 1 mistake: threatening to cut off contact with
and support of any Auburn club if its donor-con­tributing
membership chooses to express disap­proval
of the state of affairs at Auburn, including
Golda McDaniel or the board as a whole. Mistake
No. 2: assuming that letter would shush the Auburn
family into submission.
The letter addressed to all Auburn clubs, an ath­letic
booster organization, stated, "The quickest way
to lose Athletic Department participation in the club
program is to attack, even once, Golda, the board,
the President, or anyone associated with Auburn at a
local club meeting. We are not in the business of pro­moting
and supporting Auburn, not dividing
Auburn."
Understand this: Some members of the Auburn
Club donate generously to the Greater Auburn Fund
(GAF) and purchase scholarship tickets at outra­geous
prices. To show their gratitude for the spirited
and financial support, the Athletic Department pro­vides
the clubs with speakers for their meetings like
Coach Tommy Tuberville, and entertainment from
Aubie and cheerleaders.
So Housel is threatening to discontinue the
Athletic Department's participation in these events
if any club shows negative attitudes about Auburn?
This is just not smart. The last thing you want to do
is upset the donors who contribute to your precious
athletics.
Furthermore, why has David Housel chosen to
concern himself with governing issues of the
University? Because they receive no funds from the
state education fund, the Athletic Department
always screams they are a separate entity when it's in
their favor. But now, all of a sudden, Housel has cho­sen
to publicly align himself with the Board of
Trustees and its members' personal agendas.
Jimmy Samford's letter that attempted to smooth
over the political upheaval with alumni failed miser­ably.
No public relations firm can help the board's
image now, and the one they hired has proven to be
a colossal waste of money.
The board has to resort to the one love that strikes
a chord in all alumni hearts. They are counting ori
the alumni to listen to the Athletic Department, to
heed Housel's advice. I
Mr. Housel, I don't know why you thought your
letter could change the minds of the upset contribu­tors.
It only added fuel to an already blazing fire. You
have risen to great success during your time here at
Auburn, buy my how far you have fallen in your
respectability, trustworthiness and decency. I hope
your career ascension was worth every bit of your
personal demise.
I can't help but feel sorry for you. War Eagle.
Rachel Davis is editor in chief of The Auburn
Plainsman. You can reach her at 844- 9021 and
davis@theplainsman. com
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Proud alumna
Editor, The Auburn Plainsman:
I want to commend those students who actively
protested Gov. Siegelman's recent appointments
to Auburn University's Board of Trustees. In
standing up for your principles, you showed
courage, wisdom and honor. And you made me
very proud.
Cynthia Tucker 76
Atlanta, Ga.
Fed up alumna
Editor, The Auburn Plainsman:
Dear Mr. Samford:
I write this letter as a devoted graduate having
attended Auburn for eight years earning a
Baccalaureate degree in 1969 and a master's in
1971 as well as completing three years of post­master's
study from 1973-1976. Having been a
donor to Auburn University's fine academic pro­gram
and a life member of the Alumni
Association, I have supported the football pro­gram
by buying at least six season books since
1989. However, the most important demonstra­tion
of loyalty to and belief in Auburn is that we
entrusted the education of our son and daughter
to the dedicated faculty who are the collective
soul of the University.
As an Auburn family, we have been dismayed
about the years of difficulty that have marked
the history of our great institution by such
episodes such as the Funderburk years, Jerry
Smith's behavior, Eric Ramsey's story, the NCAA
athletic infractions, the state of Alabama's near­sighted
view of funding, Terry Bowden's firing,
Bill Oliver's lawsuit, Bobby Lowder's stronghold
on the Board of Trustees and the Alumni Board
elections. Never have I been so incensed with
the Aubum Board of Trustees as over the dis­missal
treatment of Dr. William Muse.
Although the fight over the Alumni
Association officers should have been ample
warning to all Auburn people that really bad
things were in the works, living in South
Carolina made it easy to think that this was just
another example of the bad manners of the
board. However, when I received the letter from
you describing the $25 million gift and that by-the-
way account of Dr. Muse's contract non­renewal,
it was apparent that Dr. Muse had been
dismissed. As the head of the University of South
Carolina Beaufort, I know personally the many
demands made on the leader of any higher edu­cation
institution let alone a research institution
the size of Auburn. The elevation of Auburn's
status as one of the top 20 public institutions is
to Dr. Muse's credit. His work to get Auburn on
a sound internal financial footing has been in the
face of decreasing state support. Perhaps his
greatest accomplishment has been the healing
his leadership has brought between the faculty
and the administration.
Since that fateful board meeting, the articles
that have appeared on the Internet have provided
ample evidence that Aubum University is in the
greatest crisis of her entire history. The fact that
the board has for a very long time believed that
the athletic mismanagement of our coaching
debacles certainly provides evidence that this
arrangement has been truly ineffective. Now,
David Housel has threatened the leadership of
Auburn Clubs all over the country to support
the board's position.
Athletic teams exist because first there are pro­fessors
teaching and students learning. As such,
it is the faculty who are the soul of any universi­ty.
They provide the continuum of the learning
environment that attracts students to attend. It is
the life of the mind that all of us take from our
Auburn experience and that has molded us into
productive professionals in whatever our person­al
endeavors. The experiences of learning are and
should be carried to the athletic field, but it is j
the learning that is paramount, not the athletics.
The board's actions communicate to all that
teaching, learning, research and the leadership
that promotes them have been relegated to a sec­ondary
position. The fact that the academic bud­get
is going to endure a devastating cut while the
athletic budget remains untouched provides the
harsh reality that the board lacked the most basic
understanding of effective university leadership.
Dr Muse tried to provide true leadership that
held athletics in its appropriate ancillary place;
however, the board did not allow him to exercise
such leadership.
Because of the actions of the board in its treat­ment
of Dr. Muse, its lack of understanding of
the role of the board as a policy-making body
rather than an administering body, because of the
subsequent actions of David Housel to force sup­port
for the actions of the Bobby Lowder fraction
of the board, I am writing you to publicly protest
this egregious action. I will no longer give to the
Greater Auburn Fund or buy football tickets. I
hope other alums will follow. Further, I urge the
Alumni Board to vote no confidence in the Board
of Trustees, call for the resignation of Bobby
Lowder and the entire Board, as well as David
Housel.
Sincerely,
Jane Burgess Thomas Upshaw
PhD '69
Minimizing cuts
Editor, The Auburn Plainsman:
As you are all aware, the Special Education
Trust Fund that provides funding for all educa­tion
in the state of Alabama had been experienc­ing
a shortfall in the revenues as the economy
had declined somewhat. In response to that
decline, Gov. Siegelman has declared proration in
the amount of 6.2 percent. What that means is
that the state appropriations to Auburn and other
educational institutions would be reduced by that
amount.
In response to the declared budget reductions,
our K-12 school systems filed suit charging that
such action was in violation of the Alabama
Constitution and the judge hearing the case
agreed saying that K-12 could not be cut. Had
that ruling gone unchallenged, higher ed would
have to absorb the entire brunt of proration,
resulting in significant reductions.
A number of the four-year institutions joined
the litigation and the Alabama Supreme Court
basically provided a stay of the lower court order.
Gov. Siegelman, in an effort to resolve this matter
without the court doing so, called our Legislature
into special session to address the problem. That
is where we stand now as the Alabama
Legislature is currently in session. The Alabama
House has generally been more favorable to our
K-12 schools while the Alabama Senate is cur­rently
fighting to protect funding for higher ed.
The position of higher ed and Auburn is that
proration should be equalized back to the origi­nal
6.2 percent. At this stage though, I cannot
give you final answer and will not be able to until
such time as our Legislature and governor arrive
at a resolution.
As interim dean of the College of Business, I do
want to assure you that we are carefully review­ing
our budget and preparing for whatever the
final decision is. You may have read in the press
stories that the tuition would have to increase as
much as 40 percent to compensate. Certainly,
under worst case scenario, it would take a sub­stantial
increase to maintain our current level of
course offerings. However, we feel that some res­olution
will be developed that will minimize
adverse impact on students. There may indeed be
some reduction in course offerings in the next
year but we will make every effort to minimize
such outcomes. At this stage, it would be prema­ture
to become overly concerned about such
issues as 40 percent tuition increase or the loss of
accreditation. In my opinion, only the worst pos-
• f
sible scenario would lead to such disastrous
results.
On an optimistic note, I am very hopeful that
with the help of the legislators who support
higher ed and with the help of you, your fami­lies,
our alumni and other supporters, a reason­able
solution will be reached in Montgomery.
Certainly, there is reason for concern but no rea­son
for alarm at this stage. We will work to keep
you informed as things progress.
Johnjahera
Interim Dean and Colonial Bank Professor
Sick and tired
Editor, The Auburn Plainsman:
I recently received my personal rebuttal from W
James Samford Jr., president pro tempore of the
Auburn University Board of Trustees.
The letter, apparently sent to all alumnus, ran on
for two and a half pages. Two points in the letter,
however, offended me as a product of Aubum.
One, someone is lying. The referenced letter
states "Dr. Muse was not fired or forced to leave."
The Plainsman quotes attributed to Sen. Lowell
Barron present a different view. When a state sena­tor
and a Trustee, as well as other trustees
(Lowder, Rane, Samford), publically questions the
advancement of the University under Muse, this
Alumnus is left to ponder the meaning of "is."
Two, the Board of Trustees supports a muted,
limited freedom of speech: "...no debate is
enhanced by passion and all discourse can elevate
by lowering the decibel level." Obviously the stu­dents,
faculty, alumnus and The Plainsman opposi­tion
to the actions of the board was/is gaining
attention in the arena of public opinion. At the
risk of my own "passion" how closely related is
Mr. Samford to King George of England?
Apparently, Samford avoided Colonial American
History studies, not to mention the U.S.
Constitution. While we all agree freedom of
speech has its limits (yelling "fire" in a crowded
theater), I am unable to see the danger posed by
The Plainsman or the student marches.
Once again, Mr. Samford and the Aubum Board,
you make me sick to my stomach. Even as the
nation looks down its long nose on the apparent
shady recruitment practices of the University of
Alabama, the Aubum Family is forced to recognize
the terrible odor from our backed-up septic tank.
I'll close by quoting from the Feb. Plainsman,
reporting on the SGA/Board of Trustees meeting.
Samford: "... There are not any personal agendas
that any of us might have." Paul Spina: "There are
some agendas."
Thank you Mr. Spina. May God save us from
ourselves . War Eagle.
Michael R. Ingram, '87
<,
Jason Key/Art Editor
Church not to blame
Editor, The Auburn Plainsman:
As a Plainsman fan, I was saddened to read in last
week's Our View, "Cuts, cuts, cuts," that such an article,
beginning by criticizing Siegelman's actions toward high­er
education, ended by rebuking the religious right:
"Siegelman's opposition — most visibly the religious
right — is as much to blame for this crisis as anyone else
... If the religious right addressed education funding with
zeal it displayed while fighting the lottery, Alabama
schools might be in better shape."
This is a lazy accusation — not to mention a "cop-out,"
and I was disappointed to see it in the editorial
staff consensus. As The Plainsman points out, 15 months
after his proposed lottery failed, Siegelman has yet to
offer any other ideas to save Alabama education.
Siegelman is not doing his duty, which is to live up to
his boast of "Education Governor." The church, on the
other hand, has fulfilled its duty, which is to mingle in
politics only when it feels the moral fabric of the state
may be threatened by such action. It is poor logic to
lobby for a separate church and state and then blame the
church for a lack of political proposals.
The lottery would have brought in bad and good, and
the church realized the implications of the tradeoff. It is
not the church's duty to pick up the slack of idle legisla­tors,
and the churches of Alabama should never be con­demned
for putting their faith into practices and backing
up their anti-gambling beliefs with action.
Our Legislature lacks courage and creativity, and that's
all there is to it. When I attended Alabama's Girl's State
in 1997, each of the high school delegates was asked to
bring a "bill" to debate in the Girl's State mock House
and Senate. One of the bills that passed in both cham­bers
was a two-year college payment program that would
allow a high school junior or senior to work part-time
for one year at a local business and receive 2-3 years of
college tuition in return.
It wasn't foolproof, but it was a solid, workable solu­tion,
and my point is that if a bunch of 17-year-old girls
without a high school diploma can come up with a
decent, feasible idea, our legislators in Montgomery —
who are supposed to be experts — should be able to
come up with something more original than a lottery or
a cax hike. And please, come up with something that will
help education without preying upon the weak, be it the
lottery or proration. I challenge our legislators to quit
stalling, quit whining and point their brains (not their
fingers) in the direction of creative thinking, which is no
less than what our state deserves.
Mandy Hudson
senior, journalism
A6 THE AUBURN PLAINSMAN Thursday, March 8, 2001,
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AH Heck/Photo Staff
Protesters stand outside of Health Data Inc., in the Auburn Industrial Park. Workers
submitted a list of complaints before Christmas, citing poor working conditions,
racial discrimination and unsanitary facilities.
People protest poor conditions
ByAIiHeck
Staff Writer
Employees of Health Data Inc., located in the
Auburn Industrial Park off Shug-Jordan Parkway,
gathered on Thursday to protest racial discrimina­tion
in their workplace.
Poor working conditions, requests for overtime,
holiday pay and accusations of unprofessional man­agement
are some of the complaints employees of
the data entry service have made to company super­visors.
A list of complaints and suggestions to fix the
problems was submitted to supervisors a few weeks
before Christmas, but workers say little has changed.
One major complaint made by black employees is
the distribution of overtime hours to !
only white workers.
"I asked if I could come in one
weekend if there was extra work to
do," said Rita Underwood, an employ­ee
of three years. "I was told no, but I
have copies of time sheets that show
that they (management) let white
employees come in and work that
same weekend."
The protesting employees are asking
that possible overtime hours be posted on the wall
inside the business so that all employees can be noti­fied
of overtime opportunities. Underwood claims
supervisors will tell black employees there is no
more work available and then give it to the white
workers after black employees have left for the day.
"The carpets are dirty,
there are spider webs
everywhere, and we've
had problems with ants
in the break room."
Rita Underwood
Employee of Health Data Inc.
"They are trying to make us quit by keeping the
Ali Heck/Photo Staff
Employees with Health Data Inc., hired a
lawyer and filed charges with the Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission.
work," Underwood said.
Medical and dental benefits are provided to Health
Data, Inc. employees but in order to receive them,
employees must meet the number of hours required
by the insurance company. Underwood said benefits
are in danger of being canceled because supervisors
are not allowing some employees to work enough
hours.
Employees have complained of an unsanitary work
environment.
"There is some type of bug or flea biting us under
our desks," Underwood siad. "The carpets are dirty,
there are spider webs everywhere and we've had
problems with ants in the break room."
When the bug problems were made known to the
supervisors, Underwood said a can of flea and tick
spray for dogs was given to
employees to remedy the situation.
The employees have requested
that a pest control spray the build­ing
regularly to avoid infestation.
The lack of benefits, poor work­ing
conditions and discrimination
are not the only issues being tar­geted
for change. The attitude and
conduct of individual supervisors
has been reported to higher super­visors.
"They treat us like we don't even exist." said
Nickey Frazier, an employee of almost a year.
Underwood and other employees said some
employees and supervisors have come to work intox­icated
and smelling like drugs. She said drug tests
were given, but the results were never made known
and no one was fired.
The unhappy employees have met with supervi­sors
and Health Data Inc.'s owner to discuss the list
of demands they have submitted. The only demand
that has been fulfilled, thus far, is the request for hot
water in the building. A lawyer has been retained by
the protesting employees and charges have been filed
with the Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission on behalf of the fourteen employees of
Health Data Inc. The EEOC has told Underwood the
employees have a right to sue, and they are waiting
for the official letter before taking legal action.
Underwood said employees will keep protesting
until their demands are met. She said none of the
employees want to quit, they just want equal treat­ment
and opportunities.
Bill Jenrette, £Iealth Data Inc. supervisor, would
not comment on the situation. f
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Thursday, March 8, 2001 THE AUBURN PLAINSMAN A7
Now accepting applications for
Glomerata Yearbook Staff
Positions Available:
Section Editors
Managing Editor
Photography Editor
Business Manager
Copy Editor
General Staff
Excellent opportunity for publishing/editing, and leadership experience
plus it is a lot of fun! Come by the Student Publications Suite, Foy Student Union to pick
up an application. For more information, please contact Jamie Wingfield at 844-4254.
Applications are due by 5pm on March 16,2001.
Now accepting applications for
EDITOR and BUSINESS MANAGER
of the
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Excellent opportunity for publishing/editing experience for Editor-in-Chief position.
Opportunities for marketing/financial experience for Business Manager position.
Come by the Student Publications Suite, Foy Student Union to pick up an
application. For more information, please contact Jamie Wingfield at 844-4245.
Applications are due by 5pm on March 9,2001.
Now accepting application for
EDITOR and BUSINESS MANAGER
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Excellent opportunity for publishing/editing experience for Editor-in-Chief position.
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Come by the Student Publications Suite, Foy Student Union to pick up an application.
For more information, please contact
Camie Young, Editor-in-Chief at 844-4122.
Applications are due by 5pm on March 9,2001.
A8 THE AUBURN PLAINSMAN Thursday, March 8, 2001
SUIT Continued from Page One
University during these meetings, including
the removal of Muse.
"I think the short length of the public meet­ings
and the high percent­age
of unanimous votes
are circumstantial evi­dence
that there have been
secret meetings prior to
public meetings," Bailey
said.
"We believe strongly
that public business has to
be conducted in public,"
said Tom Scarritt, editor of
The Birmingham News.
"Over the years we have
been in court with a lot of public bodies. This
is not specifically an Auburn situation for us.
It's a notion that public business should
remain public."
Paul Davis, a columnist for The O-A News,
said he believes the majority of Auburn
University's business has been conducted in
private meetings.
doors,
"I think most of the decisions made con­cerning
Auburn are made behind closed
Davis said. "The board meets private­ly
before every regular
meeting. That's where
they conduct business."
"I think they'll be
convicted," Davis said.
"The evidence is very
clear."
Bailey said he has
received no response
from the board regard-ing
the lawsuit.
Lee Armstrong,
general attorney for the
University, said he was served with the law­suit
only Monday and would not comment on
pending litigation.
Grant Davis, secretary to the board would
not comment on the lawsuit and other mem­bers
of the board were not available for com­ment.
The board has 30 days to reply to the
suit.
"I think most of the
decisions made concerning
Auburn are made behind
closed doors."
Paul Davis
Columnist for the Opelika-Auburn News
LOBBY Continued from Page One
BIKES Continued from Page One
signs indicating bike lanes.
Last May, during National
Bike Month, Auburn was
designated a "bicycle-friend­ly
commu-nity"
by the
League of
A m e r i c a n
Bicyclists.
One pro­ject
the
committee
is focusing
on is Bike
Bash, a
bicycle fes­tival
which will be held May
12, at Ogletree Elementary
School. The Auburn Parks
and Recreation Department
will handle the event.
Planners for the Bike Bash
are in the process of devel­oping
a five-mile route, a 13-
or 16-mile mile route and a
tyke bike for children 7 and
younger.
The Bike Bash planning
committee is also trying to
contact and organize a group
of bike marshals for the ride.
Volunteers from Auburn
High School will be helping
with the tyke bike and baby­sitting
at Ogletree's play­ground
while the adult ride
is in progress.
"We would now like to
see the benefits of our
bicycle plan extended to
Auburn University stu­dent,
staff and faculty."
Joanna Hoit
member of the Bicycle Committee
The Bicycle Committee is
also working on an off-road
bike path along Shell
Toomer Parkway, which will
lead into
Chewacla
S t a t e
Park.
"The bike
path is an
a s p h a l t
p a t h
alongside
the road,
which is
different
from a bike lane that is an
actual, painted lane on the
road," Ramsey said.
Engineers are working on
plans for bike lanes on sec­tions
of Moores Mill Road
and Wrights Mill Road.
Construction will begin this
summer.
Joanna Hoit, a member of
the committee, would like to
get the University involved
with the progress being
made.
"With these accomplish­ments
in place, we would
now like to see the benefits
of our bicycle plan extended
to Auburn University stu­dents,
staff and faculty,"
Hoit said.
The University operates
under a separate jurisdiction
than the city. Therefore, it is
up to the school to encour­age
and organize bike-safety
programs on campus.
Hoit, along with other
Bicycle Committee mem­bers,
would make them­selves
available to assist the
University in implementing
any of their suggestions.
Some of the suggestions
include a segment in Camp
War Eagle that focuses on
the positive aspects of bike
use on campus, bike-safety
information and the creation
of a campus bike-commuter
club.
"We believe bicycle safety
on campus, as well as overall
traffic on campus, could
benefit from Auburn
University sponsoring these
types of activities," Hoit
said.
Rachel Davis/Editor in Chief
Interim President William Walker and other University presidents
listen to speakers at the Higher Education Day rally.
The Bicycle committee is
I looking for input from students.
Contact Jeffery Ramsey if you
are interested in becoming a
part of the committee. Call
(334) 887-4962.
funding, higher education may have to
bear the brunt of these funding cuts. The
Alabama Supreme Court issued a stay of
McCooey's order Feb. 27.
"This battle is not between higher
education and K-12," said John
Hawkins, chancellor of Troy State sys­tem.
"We are here today to re-erect the
future of Alabama."
In Monday's special session the Senate
voted to kill Siegelman's plan to take
more money from higher education
while protecting the K-12 system.
Siegelman, who refers to himself as the
"education governor," has yet to provide
a successful alternative for the cuts in
education and lawmakers have been
unable to reach a consensus on the issue.
Siegelman blames the lack of funding
and proration on the current slow econ­omy.
In a statement released after he met
with university student leaders,
"My proposed short-would
Siegelman said,
term solution
have treated higher
education and K-12
equally. That plan was
rejected, and because
of the lack of action
during the special ses­sion,
the problem for
higher education has
now worsened."
Students protested
Siegelman's proposals with signs that
read, "Did it hurt when you fell off the
education platform, governor?" and "I'm
voting Don off the island."
Some students held signs favoring
more taxation while Rep. Tim Parker
from Tuscaloosa called tax reform an
"This battle is not
between higher
education and K-12."
John Hawkins
Chancellor of Troy State system
"absolute necessity to bring Alabama
up."
He said he disapproved of the gover­nor's
proposed plan that failed in the •
Senate Monday night. "He created edu­cational
bigotry," Parker said. "He basi­cally
said that the students and faculty.
are second-class citizens."
Auburn students made their second ]
trip in two weeks to the State House to '
lobby to legislators. Their numbers more
than tripled '.rom last year's group, filling '
two buses and several cars with approxi­mately
150 in attendance.
"There's a lot more at stake (this
year)," said Jim Francisco, former SGA
director of legislative relations. "Last .
year it was, 'We want a 5-percent
increase (in funding),' this year it's, 'We '
want a 6-percent decrease.'"
In the past years, unity among the ;
institutions of higher learning weren't as ;
tight, said Sara Emily Teaford, a second- •
year participant of Higher Education -
Day. "Last year it was, 'I need money for
Auburn,' 'I need money for Troy State,'" .
Teaford said. But this year's proration '
issue has each school singing the same ;
fight song, she said.
Newly-elected SGA President Brandon '
Riddick-Seals met with
Siegelman and other
SGA presidents from ;
across the state to dis­cuss
the issue of prora- -
tion and funding for •
the institutions of
higher learning.
"We need tax reform •
: in this state and that's
e v i d e n t , " Riddick-
Seals said. He added, the outcome of
proration is important for Auburn. "I
pray that the outcome is favorable."
In his statement Siegelman said, "I
commend these student leaders for
speaking out about their concerns dur­ing
this time of economic uncertainty."
MCDANIEL Continued from Page One
Administrative and Professional Assembly,
an organization made up of mostly upper-level
administrators. .
A vote of no confidence was delayed
during Saturday's Alumni Association
meeting. After a string of no-confidence
votes from the University Senate, SGA
Senate, Graduate School Council and the
Staff Council. The alumni were expected to
cast their votes at the meeting.
Bruce Gladden, chair of University
Senate, Judy Sheppard, president-elect of
the AAUP and Lindsey Boney former SGA
president spoke on behalf of the groups
that had already voted no confidence.
Daphney Huntley, spokesperson for the
Alumni Association board of directors,
said, "We were deeply concerned about
their complaints and their frustrations."
The alumni board will write a letter in
support of the students' and faculty's
actions thus far, but will wait to its next
meeting in May to make a decision,
Huntley said.
In last weeks edition of The
Auburn Plainsman a photo was
misidentified The print that ran
on page C3 was a lithograph by
Auburn art professor Leonard
The print, titled 'Icon.'is ,
of a show in the art gallery of the
Jan Dempsey Community Arts
Center. The exhibit will be on
until March 16. The
regrets this error.
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I N S I D E CAMPUS
• Students deal with
midterm stress/134
• School of Forestry works
to beautify Auburn /B5
• Auburn working with
detector dogs/B6
Thursday, March 8, 2001
Section
CAMPUS
(JbeSubiirniSlainsman
www.theplainsman.com
D
Campus Desk 844-9114
Lauren Glenn, editor
Campus @ theplainsman.com
8 Pages
TRUSTING TRUSTEES
SGA Senate holds special session, votes no confidence in Board
By Elizabeth Lawrence
Assistant Campus Editor
A special session of SGA Senate was
called last Thursday to vote on a resolution
of no confidence in the Board of Trustees,
but by 8:40 p.m. the session was one sena­tor
short of a quorum.
Then, after two more senators joined in
debate over the possibility of adding a pre­amble
to the resolution and an address
from Interim President William Walker,
the SGA Senate unanimously passed a vote
of no confidence in Auburn University's
Board of Trustees in a roll-call vote.
"What we have here is something that is
hard fact," said Ben Carmichael,
a former senator from the College
of Engineering, in reference to
the new resolution. "It names
specific grievances we have with
the Board of Trustees."
Within seven whereas state­ments
found in the new resolu­tion,
five trustees were named
adding up to the resolution of no confi­dence.
Robert Lowder and Paul Spina were
named in the "tainted raise" of Golda
McDaniel to the presidency of the Auburn
Alumni Association. Trustee and
Alabama Sen. Lowell Barron, D-Fyffe, was
said to have "gravely misrepresented"
the Auburn student body when he
said 95 percent of Auburn stu­dents
were OK with the appoint­ments
of Earlon McWhorter and
McDaniel. Jimmy Samford,
president pro tempore of the
board, was said to have "wasted"
University dollars in sending a let­ter
to 50,000 Auburn alumni after the
removal William V. Muse as president.
Gov. Don Siegelman's appointments of
McWhorter and McDaniel to the board
despite opposition from students, faculty
and alumni was also mentioned in the doc­ument.
According to the resolution, the board as
a whole has consistently failed to consult
with Auburn's faculty, staff, students and
alumni over the last decade.
The board was also mentioned in the
final whereas for not having "robust"
debate or a dissenting vote since April
1999.
"This is not something we will forget,"
said Brian Vines, a former senator from the
College of Engineering. "It is time for the
students to take a stand. The faculty has
taken a stand, and the alumni will take a
stand.
See SPECIAL SESSION, B2
"This is not something we
will forget. It is time, for the
students to take a stand."
Brian Vines
Former SGA Senator, Sam Ginn College of
Engineering
''Everyone needs to he ask­ing
where do we want this
University to go in the years
ahead.
William Walker
Interim President
Sodexho
responds to
allegations
By Brandon Evans
Assistant Campus Editor
Despite student actions and protests at
Ithaca and other colleges, Sodexho Marriot denies
allegations of financial ties to Corrections
Corporations of America.
"No student dollars go to CCA," said Leslie Aun,
vice president of public relations for Sodexho
Marriot. "Our business is food."
P
"This does not mean we
are in the prison busi­ness.
We are in the food
business."
Leslie Aun
Vice president of public relations,
Sodexho Marriot
r i s o n
Moratorium
Project, a non­profit
humani­tarian
organi­zation,
raised
the issue that
S o d e x h o
Marriot's pri­mary
stock-holder
is Sodexho Alliance, which owns about 10
percent stock in CCA.
After this news reached certain sectors of the
public via alternative media or Internet sites, some
student became concerned.
• Students at about 12 colleges and universities
with dining services provided by Sodexho Marriot
staged actions or placed up awareness stickers and
flyers, Aun said.
"Sodexho Marriot is an independent company,"
Aun said. "Our main shareholder is Sodexho
Alliance in France and Sodexho Alliance does hold
shares in CCA. But, this does not mean we are in
the prison business. We are in the food business."
"We used files obtained from Merril Lynch to
See SODEXHO, B2
Welcome freshmen: new senators take office
Senators prepare
for the year
ahead of them
By Elizabeth Lawrence
Assistant Campus Editor
The new SGA Senate met for
the first time to conduct busi­ness
Monday at 7 p.m.
The meeting was called to
order by SGA Vice President
Michael Solomon, and the busi­ness
of the senate began with
new administrative appoint­ments.
Jay McFarland was named
president pro tempore after bal­lot
votes were counted.
McFarland, a returning sena­tor
from the College of
Engineering, was the first nom­inee.
Brandon Blair, a senator from
the College of Engineering and
former president pro tern, said
McFarland was qualified for the
position because of the work he
had done in senate over the last
year.
"Jay is definitely qualified for
this position," Blair said. "He
definitely has the organization
to do this. I think he would
make a great president pro tem­pore."
McFarland said he was excit­ed
about his new position and
is looking forward to his next
year in senate.
"I think Michael (Solomon)
and I work well together,"
McFarland said. "My job will
be to make sure the business of
senate gets done."
Courtney Bru was appointed
to the position of SGA adminis­trative
vice president. She was
unanimously approved by sen­ate.
Bru, a former senator at-large,
said she was surprised
with her appointment.
"Brandon (Riddick-Seals)
had asked me a few times dur­ing
campaigns what I thought
about cabinet, since I had been
on cabinet before and he had
not," Bru said. "He asked me
(to be administrative vice pres­ident)
right after callouts. I said
I would be happy to, senate
willing."
Bru said she wants SGA's
committees to be more issue
oriented thought the next year.
"You need Hey Day, and Fall
5K and Blood Drives, but there
are some more things we can
do to turn (cabinet) in a differ­ent
direction," Bru said.
In new business the senate
passed a change in the SGA
code of laws, changing the for­mer
chief of staff position to
administrative vice president.
"The change is in name only,"
Solomon said. "The position
had been called administrative
vice president in the past, but
last year (former SGA presi­dent)
Lindsey Boney changed it
to chief of staff. We decided to
See SENATE, B2
Heath
Henderson,
senator at-large,
explains
to senators
why he
believes Jay
McFarland was
the best choice
for senate
president pro
tern.
Michael
Solomon, :.
SGA vice
president,
informs new
senators of
what to
expect in the
coming year.
Solomon H
served as a
senator
at-large
during the
2000-01 year.
»..
Photos by Napo Monasterio/P/ioto Staff
V\
*.
• * ! I
I.
;
The beginnings of
an SGA President
Napo Monasterlo/P/tofo Staff
Brandon Riddick-Seals, 2001-02 SGA president gets used to his new
office on the third floor of Foy Student Union. Riddick-Seals' first
order of business is to restructure and appoint cabinet members.
Brandon Riddick-Seals
SGA President
Interview by Lauren Glenn
Campus Editor
Last Sunday, Brandon Riddick-Seals was
installed as 2001-02 SGA president.
Riddick-Seals served as a senator at-large
during the 2000-01 academic year and served
on SGA Cabinet the previous year. Riddick-
Seals is a Junior in building science and
served as chair of the Student Interest
Committee last year.
Plainsman: How does it feel to be SGA presi­dent?
Are you feeling a little overwhelmed?
Riddick-Seals: I'm not. One reason 1 don't feel
overwhelmed is because Lindsey Boney
(2000-01 SGA president) has been such a
help up until now. He's priceless. Also, I real­ly
think you can only do so much in one day.
That's why sometimes you get overwhelmed.
If you take it step by step, it will cause you to
calm down.
Plainsman: How do you know where to start?
Riddick-Seals: Well, it's not hard to find what
issues are facing SGA right now. Really, it's
almost like you can only be so pro-active to an
extent wlien you first begin a job. Interviews
start next week for cabinet. That will put an
interesting twist on my time management.
Plainsman: What would you say to encourage
this year's SGA senators and cabinet mem­bers?
Riddick-Seals: Know your facts. I can't stress
'know your facts' enough. Make sure you
gather your stance and those you represent as
well. Believe in the vote you cast. Realize
Man found
murdered
in Patio
Apartments
By Lauren Nelson
StaffWriter
See PRESIDENT, B2
Aleksanr Shareyko, 39, was allegedly
stabbed in the chest by his roommate
Alexasandr Shipilov, 43, at Patio Apartments
on North Dean Road, Monday afternoon.
Shareyko was a native of Russia.
According to the Opelika-Auburn News,
Shareyko and Shipilov were drinking wine in
the living room at the time of the stabbing,
which occured at approximately 1:30 p.m.
The O-A News said Shareyko's other room­mate,
Ulo Ojava, was taking a nap when
Shareyko came to his room and told Ojava to
call the police because he had been stabbed.
At approximately 2:46 p.m., Shareyko was
pronounced dead by coroner Bill Harris.
Shipilov has been charged with murder and
transported to the Lee County Sheriff's Office
where bond will be set.
, !
^ Check out the Plainsman online at www.tneplainsnian.coni $
B2 THE AUBURN PLAINSMAN Thursday, March 8, 2001
SPECIAL SESSION Continued from Bl
'. "I think this just a time for the whole
Auburn family to be united to let the
board know how we feel," Vines said.
The discussion shifted to focus on the
board's response to the resolution.
Senators debated on the outcome they
desired, ranging from better communica­tion
with the board to the possibility of
the resolution being ignored.
"Do I think anybody will resign? No,"
2001-02 SGA President Brandon
Riddick-Seals. "But it will put the board
under a microscope."
"We will have to work with the board
in the future, that is a fact whether you
like it or not," said Cory Sellers, a
returning senator from the College of
Business. "I wonder, will (the board)
look at what they are doing and change,
or will they overlook it and say that this
is just another thing the students are
upset about?"
! Vines said he believes SGA should
expect the board to justify its actions
over the past few years.
"They are going to see their names on
this piece of paper, this is public infor­mation."
Vines said. "They should have
no reason not to come
and address the senate
about their actions."
"Do I think anybody
will resign? No. But it
Walker addressed the will put the board under
senate, asking for sena- 0 m j c r o S C O p e ."
tors to consider what is „ , „._,•;. , 0 ,
r , _•_ ; Brandon Riddick-Seals
best for the University SGA President
before they cast their
votes.
"I do not have the luxury of being in
this debate," Walker said. "Everyone
needs to be asking where do we want
this University to go in the years ahead."
Former SGA President Lindsey Boney
made the suggestion of the preamble to
ensure meaningful communication
would take place between SGA and the
board.
Senators constructed a preamble dur­ing
a five-minute recess and then debat­ed
its addition to the resolution before it
was put to a vote.
Parker Ellen, an at-large senator-elect,
said the addition of the preamble would
weaken the resolution.
"A lot of thought went into the resolu­tion
and not a lot of thought went in to
the preamble," Ellen said. "It weakens
the document. It is not in
line with the purpose of
the resolution."
The preamble was
unanimously voted down
after debate, and a sepa­rate
resolution was men-tioned
if communication
with the board does not
improve.
In his next term, Jay McFarland, a
returning senator from the College of
Engineering, said he would push for a
new resolution focusing on good com­munication
between the SGA and the
Board of Trustees if necessary.
"This next year in SGA I'm going to
make sure that board members have the
opportunity to come and justify their
actions," McFarland said. "If that fails,
then something along the lines of what
the preamble was going to say would be
more appropriate as a resolution."
"I hope this sends a message to the
Board of Trustees," Ellen said. "I hope
they realize we are not happy, and they
will be willing to work with us and will
be willing to listen."
Napo Monasterio/iVioro Staff
Senators listen and learn about their new responsibilities on Senate.
Senators were installed Sunday at the SGA Banquet.
SENATE Continued from Bl
change it back."
Two other administrative appoint­ments
were unanimously approved dur­ing
the meeting.
Ashley Tucker, former senator from
the College of Liberal Arts, was appoint­ed
as the senate's executive secretary.
Maggie Harrell, a former senator from
the College of Liberal Arts, was appoint­ed
as senate parliamentarian.
Solomon said the senate will "get into
the swing of things" once committees
are named and begin meeting.
The new senators for 2001-02 SGA
took their oath of office Sunday, at the
SGA instillation banquet. The banquet
was held at the Auburn Hotel and Dixon
Conference Center at 6 p.m.
SODEXHO Continued from Bl
trace connections between Sodexho
Marriot and CCA," said Rasheed
Shabazz, a member of the Prison
Moratorium Project.
Aun said Sodexho Alliance has
made a proposal for a complete buy­out
of Sodexho Marriot, but nothing
has been finalized.
Sodexho Alliance currently owns
about 40 percent of Sodexho Marriot.
Shabazz said a complete buyout of
Marriot by Alliance would propel the
efforts of the Prison Moratorium
Project in infusing student action
because a closer linkage would exist
between Sodexho Marriot and pri­vate
prisons.
Aun said Sodexho Marriot's colle­giate
customers are happy, and
Buffalo State (University of College?)
jtfst re-signed a contract with
Sodexho.
Last year, a group of 40 to 50 stu­dents
at Ithaca College staged a
protest in the admissions office in an
effort to force their administration to
hear their view on the private prison
industry.
"They got their president to send a
letter to Sodexho Alliance," Aun said.
"After that, a forum was set up, and
we came to participate and answer
students' questions."
Aun said Sodexho Alliance still
serves Ithaca and is even expanding
the cafeteria.
To LEARN MORE
• Log on to www.nomore-pris-ons.
org or call the Prison
Moratorium Project at (646) 486-
6715.
• Connect to www.sodexho-mar-riot.
com
PRESIDENT Continued from Bl
there is nothing wrong with agreeing and dis­agreeing.
Sometimes there will be heated debate,
but that's healthy. Never be afraid to agree to dis­agree
and stand behind the vote you cast.
Plainsman: Do you feel that there has been a
problem with SGA senators not knowing their
facts in the past?
Riddick-Seals: I feel that we were a really
informed senate this year. There are going to be
new outlets for individuals to know their facts.
Plainsman: How do you feel about the no-confi­dence
vote passed against the Board of Trustees
by SGA Senate recently?
Riddick-Seals: Right now, I've had talks with a
very small sector of the Board of Trustees. The
vote has been cast. The administration has
changed, and they know that. We're not afraid to
take a stance. We did our job, then we expect a
response. My job is to analyze that response. I
have to make sure I stay calm and make sure I
stand behind what I believe in.
Plainsman: What do you think is the biggest issue
facing SGA right now?
Riddick-Seals: I feel we're going to feel the reverb
of the passing of the no-confidence vote. We did­n't
want to dismantle the lines of communication
that had been opened up. I feel like our next step
is to maintain and keep pushing for open lines of
communication.
Plainsman: How do you plan to make yourself
available to students and how do plan to let them
know that you're available?
Riddick-Seals: I feel like e-mail is fine and calling
the office is fine. We're going to open new outlets
and channels for students. As we produce those
new outlets, the only thing I can expect of stu­dents
(is) to use them.
Plainsman: How are you going to encourage stu­dents
to use these outlets?
Riddick-Seals: Finding more creative ways of
publicizing. If you look at it, a lot of things on
campus hinge on the governance of students.
We'd be doing a disservice to students if we did­n't
find ways to make ourselves accessible. This is
going to be a year of outreach. As far as we reach
out, I expect a response. It's going to be a good
year.
Plainsman: What improvements or benefits do
you think you bring tc the office of SGA presi­dent?
Riddick-Seals: I feel like revamping the cabinet
structure is one thing. You have to recognize
organization. One of the new tiers was to access
the Greek community through different liaisons.
Also, one new position is the inclusion of a direc­tor
of minority affairs and the inclusion of the
International Student Organization with an indi­vidual
who will correspond with the SGA. SGA
produces a lot of stuff, but if no one knows about
it, what good are we?
Plainsman: Any final words?
Riddick-Seals: I'm just looking forward to this
year. I don't dread entering in the climate of
what's going on. It's going to be a test to all of us.*
I think it's going to make us a closer family
fdL CAREER DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
www.auburn.edu/career/ 844-4744
CDS
cmez comecwHS omwtmoH SESSIONS
Attend a session in order to participate in on-campus interviews and the on-line Web Resume Book.
Sessions will be held in RBD Library Auditorium on First Floor or the Lowder Business Building (LRD).
Wed. 3/14 2 pm RED Tfces. 4/10 11 am RBD Wed. 4/18 3 pm RBP m
EDUCATION
INTERVIEW DAY
The AUBURN PLAINSMAN
Is Now Hiring
SUMMER CIRCULATION DIRECTOR
Must have truck!
If interested, come byFoy B-100 to pick up an
application or call 844-4130
Auburn University Hotel 6 Dixon Conference Center
Tuesday, March 20th, 2001 • 8:30 am - 3:00 pm
7:30 am - 8:30 am
Student Registration
8:30 am - 10:00 am
Students Browse and
Schedule Interviews
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Student Interviews
RESUME HELP AVAILABLE AT CDS!
Sponsored by
Career Development Services, Student Success Center, & College off Education
Please see our website at http://www.auburn.edu/caroer/.
COS
EN - «.•'• ~
s u c c m m i
Thursday, March 8, 2001 THE AUBURN PLAINSMAN B3J
S M T w II F S Campus afr^ y i . y y
ANNOUNCEMENTS
College Life Series: Every
Wednesday at 4 p.m. in Foy
Exhibit Lounge. Next Week:
"Researching Careers: What's
the Real Deal?" Call 844-5123.
AU Marching Band Flag
Auditions for Fall 2001 will be
held on Saturday, March 10.
Meet at Goodwin Band Hall at
9 a.m. goodjen@auburn.edu
The Wildlife Society is host­ing
"Wildlife Youth Day" for
children in grades 3-5 on
March 10 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
mceneka@auburn.edu
Catholic Student Organi­zation
- Sign up for the Pan y
Vino retreat, April 6-8.
www.auburn.edu/~stmcsol
Praise and Worship, Tuesday 9
p.m. St. Michael's Student
Center.
2001-2002 Glomerata Staff
Applications now available at
the Glomerata Office.
Positions to apply for: General
Staff, Business Manager;
Managing, Copy, Section and
Photography Editors. Due
Friday, March 16. 844-7246.
GRE Prep Class, hosted by
The Outreach Office will be on
Saturday and Sunday, April 7
and 8. This course will pro­vide
techniques for improving
scores on all three sections:
verbal, analytical and quanti­tative.
Prior registration is
required. Call 844-5100.
House of Miracles, 1750
Opelika Road (across from AC
Fitness) hosts a Sunday ser­vice
at 11 a.m. and Monday
and Friday Bible study at 7
p.m.
The Marriage and Family
Therapy Center at Glanton
House provides therapy for
students, non-students, cou­ples,
families or individuals.
Sliding fees. For day or
evening appointment, call 844-
4478.
SAfE Harbor Women's Center
offers free confidential ser­vices
for sexual assault (date /
stranger rape, dating violence,
sexual abuse) and eating prob­lems
(recovery from eating
d i s o r d e r s ) . C a l l
844-5123.
Listen to "The Bread of Life,"
a contemporary gospel show
on WEGL 91.1 FM with
Gerald, Sundays from 7-10
a.m.
Graduate Women! Feeling
overwhelmed, but can't talk
about your "problems" with
people in your department?
Then the FREE & CONFIDEN­TIAL
graduate women's sup­port
group is for you. Call
844-5123.
MEETINGS
Sigma Delta Pi, Come relax,
meet new friends and speak
Spanish in a casual setting.
Every Wednesday from 8 p.m.
-close at the Olde Auburn Ale
House, powelst@auburn.edu
Call 844-6381.
The Auburn Gay and Lesbian
Association meets every
Monday at 8 p.m. in Haley
Center 2208. For more infor­mation
please visit their web­site
at www.auburn.edu-
/-aglassn or e-mail the organ­ization
at au_agla@gay.com.
Auburn Wesley Foundation
meets Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m.
for Bible Study, Thursdays at 6
p.m. for fellowship dinner and
Sundays at 8 p.m. for worship.
Bring a friend. Call 887-3101.
Alcoholics Anonymous meets
every day of the week in the
Auburn/Opelika area. For
meeting times, places and
more information, call 745-
8405.
Ministries in Action (MIA)
has Bible study and praise and
worship Fridays at 7 p.m. in
246 Foy Student Union. Call
466-0481.
02/26/01 5:33 p.m. — Disorderly conduct
occurred at the Blue Room..
. 02/26/01 6:27 p.m. — Suspicious incident
reported at 900 Linden Avenue.
02/27/01 9:54 a.m. — A parking permit
was stolen from a vehicle adjacent to
Lowder Business Building.
02/27/01 10:32 p.m. — Property stolen
from third floor of Ralph Broun Draughn.
02/28/01 11:30 a.m. — Property stolen at
Plainsman Park. Items taken were a
Winbrook XL Laptop, Kenwood radio, soft­ware
and 13 Auburn baseball caps from a
storage closet.
'* *;^_
02/28/01 2:07 p.m. — Subject skateboard­ing
around Biggio and Donahue drives.
02/28/01 3:54 p.m. — A fire alarm was
activated in Lupton Hall.
03/02/01 7:39 a.m. — The Haley Center
Bookstore reported livestock on the high­way.
03/03/01 2:56 a.m. — Brandon T. Burkett,
19, was pulled over near University
Chevron, arrested and charged with driving
under the influence.
03/03/01 5:55 p.m. — An animal com­plaint
reported in the Stadium parking lot.
03/03/01 3:23 p.m. — Assorted credit
cards stolen at the vet school.
03/03/01 7:57 p.m. — A safety talk
occurred at Dowdell Hall.
03/04/01 12:07 a.m. — Garden Drive at
the arboretum was blocked.
What do you think about
uiMternis this semasier?
o
o
o
"It seems: like we have a lot
more work. Professors are
packing more into two
more weeks.!'
JamieJones
Sophomore^ computer
. engineering
"I don't have a problem
withthem. I just study a
#eek in advance.":
Stacy Brown
Freshman, business
administration
"It's not a problem
because I study. I don't
get crazy arid take
caffeine pills or anything
like that. It's not that
serious."
James Windham
Junior, architecture
"It's no big deal, my
classes are pretty easy.'
Kenny Kudults
Sophomore, undeclared
"Actually, Pm doing OK,
but mine all seem to fall
on the same day. That
makes it difficult."
Farrah Wood
Junior, public relations
— Interviews and photos by
, Elizabeth LawrenceMssJsfanf Campus Edttof
Let our HEALING HANDS make you well.
Our Board Certified Physicians
Fred Kam, M.D., Internal Medicine
David Smithson, M.D., Sports Medicine
A Internal fAedtcme
Suzanne Graham-Hooker, M.D.,
Family Practice
Ross Ellis, M.D., Internal Medicine
Our Board Certified Physician Assistant
Teresa Hodge, PA-C
Our Certified Registered Nurse Practitioners
Jean Dubois, CRNP
Robin Gosdm Farrell, CRNP
Patricia Keeney, CRNP
Kim Raines, CRNP- 6YN
Holly Roberts, CRNP
Sherry Seibenhener, CRNP
\
AiAhurv\/llv\to MedicalCie>vu> J
307 West Magnolia Avenue ?
(Across from Subway)
Please call 844-4416 for an appointment.
HOURS: Monday - 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Wednesday, & Friday - 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Thursday - 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday - 8 a.m. - Noon
(Hours Subject to Change)
t!t t!» t ! i \\i
B4 THE AUBURN PLAINSMAN Thursday, March 8, 2001
Midterm Madness
Mid-semester keeps students cramming to make the grade
By Blake Miller
Staff Writer
Mid-semester is upon Auburn students, and
for many, mid-semester has become synony­mous
with the dreaded midterm exam.
These tests, which are often comprehensive of
all the material covered in the first half of the
term, also serve in increasing student stress lev­els.
Sam Rouse, a freshman in
chemical engineering, said teach-
I I ers use midterms to "weed out
- students who are not doing well
: in their class."
"We really shouldn't
have the midterm
weighted so much."
-Matt Clark and Adam Parker, seniors in
aviation, take advantage of last week's
Warm weather to study for midterms on
Mother Nature's carpet.
Laura Beth
Rhodes, a
freshman in
apparel
merchandising,
diligently
; studies in the
Ralph Broun
Draughon
Library. The
building con­tained
hordes
of students
preparing for
midterms this
week.
George Kozlowski, professor of
mathematics and former depart­ment
head, offers an alternative
view of midterm exams.
Kozlowski said he has "always used the mid­dle
of the term as a marker to allow [the stu­dents]
to make an informed decision about
whether to drop the course or to continue on."
The quarter to semester transition also makes
a difference.
"It's easier to work with (the semester),
because I think in a quarter system typically I
Wes Christie,
a sophomore
in human
development
and family sci­ences,
dozes
off in front of
the HDFS
building while
cramming for
a class.
really have to rush to get the second test in, and
in the quarter system (the mathematics depart­ment)
really didn't give a test that was cumula­tive."
"A quarter system is just too short to do some­thing
like that. The semester term allows faculty
the option of (a midterm)," Kozlowski said.
"The main thing that I think is good for the
students is they have that longer period to kind
of saturate themselves with the
material," Kozlowski said.
Another problem presented by
midterms is "if you do stay in the
class, you've got a big hole to dig
yourself out of," said Jennifer
Reid, a sophomore in marketing.
The final day to drop classes was
March 2.
"We really shouldn't have the
midterm weighted so much. My midterm was 30
percent of my final grade," said Jerry Shelby, a
sophomore in pre-pharmacy.
"As the faculty get more used to the semester
system I suspect we'll find ways to use that to
the students' advantage," Koslowski said.
Jerry Shelby
Sophomore, pre-pharmacy
Sarah Grimes, a sophomore in elementary
education, works on an assignment at one
of Auburn's many campus computer labs.
Photos by Jennifer Murphy/P/jofo Staff
By Heath Loftin
Staff Writer
* ,;As proration threatens programs at Auburn, the
Board of Trustees has given its permission for the
Institute for Biological Detection System to continue
its construction of dog kennels in Anniston.
The reason IBDS can continue when other pro­grams
are in jeopardy is because it generates its own
funding through contracts and grants.
.IBDS is "sufficiently large enough that it encom­passes
various colleges and schools across the uni­versity,"
said Tim Moore, director of IBDS.
"We have a program here that is involving K-9
olfaction detection using the dog's nose to locate a
variety of target substances," Moore said.
These targets include drugs, explosives and almost
any target source detectable by a dog's highly sensi­tive
nose.
IBDS was founded in 1989 by Dr. Larry Myers. It
is an institute that focuses on "education, research
and outreach," Moore said. Its original goals were to
test the potential use of dogs in threatening circum­stances
and compare their abili­ties
in this area to other detec­tion
systems such as humans
and machines.
Although dogs have been
used in these situations for 50
to 60 years, there is still a limit­ed
database of information on
how the dog does what it does.
This is what IBDS is research-ing.
Moore took over IBDS in 1998. "Since then, we
have broadened our product offering to our federal
clients to include everything now to the basic breed­ing
to the training of the animals at Fort McClellan,"
Moore said.
To ensure that IBDS was offering the best product
it could, Moore hired Ed Hawkinson. Hawkinson has
worked with the U.S. Air Force's military dog school
and with the U.S. Secret Service to ensure protection
of the president.
30 years of training
Auburn research uses man's best friend to promote safety
Institute for Biological
.-Detection Systems to build
new kennels for use in
sniffing out bombs, drugs "In the 1998 school year, there
was approximately 70 bomb
threats in schools around the
state, and there is but one bomb
dog in the state."
Tim Moore
Director of IBDS
"Mr. Hawkinson has about
detector dogs," Moore said.
Hawkinson was hired in 1999 to run the program
in Anniston and provide real world experience.
Many types of dogs are used and tested by IBDS.
They recently received a new
breeding stock from the
Australian ^government.
Auburn is the only university
in the world that has these
dogs.
The first litter of this breed
was born in December. The
mother belonged to Auburn
University and the father to
the queen of England.
According to Moore, detection work is only as
good as the type of dog that is used. Thus, the
Australian breed should be highly useful in the
future of IBDS.
IBDS works with a variety of federal clients from
the Department of Defense to the Department of
Energy.
"If they have dogs, we work with them," said
Moore of IBDS.
"We're also trying now to break that down to help
state and local law enforcement officers in Alabama
to respond to a variety of threatening situations,"
Moore said.
The use of detector dogs would have been an asset
to the Auburn police department three weeks ago
when the Auburn City Schools were receiving multi­ple
bomb threats.
"The Auburn City Police Department did a won­derful
job in responding, but they are not equipped
with a bomb dog...they just don't have the funding
or the resources," Moore said.
"In the 1998 school year, there were approximate­ly
70 bomb threats in schools around the state, and
there is but one bomb dog in the state," Moore said.
Moore said the main goal for the future of IBDS is
to help law enforcement units around the state
become more prepared to meet their demands. With
the proper funding, IBDS is hoping to do this at no
charge to law enforcement units or local school sys­tems.
Auburn University dogs will be in use for support
in the 2002 Winter Olympics.
"I think that Auburn University is at the top tier in
this area. There is no other university that has this
capability, the government is turning to us for sup­port,
and we are very proud of it," Moore said.
STUDENTS DINE W I T H US AT HORIZONS ON
SATURDAY
AND
RECEIVE 2 5% OFF A N Y MEAL
OR
A FREE APPETIZER
JUST PRESENT YOUR STUDENT I.D.
WE OFFER A WONDERFUL BREAKFAST BUFFET,
AND A ORE AT MENU SELECTION AS WELL.
FROM SOUP & SALAD ($4.95) TO SANDWICHES
TO SALMON ($14.95)
WE HAVE IT ALL
LOCATED INSIDE THE AUBURN UNIVERSITY
HOTEL & D I X O N CONFERENCE CENTER
EXPIRES MARCH 3 1 , 2 0 01
EVANS REALTY, INC.
729 E. Glenn Ave. (across from Glendean Shopping Center.)
Camelot - 1 bedroom, 1 bath, unfurnished. 130 S. Debardeleben
144C W Glenn - 1 room efficiency
Burton House - 2 bedroom, 2 bath apartments. 315 E. Magnolia Ave.
Magnolia Woods - 2 bedroom, 2 bath apartments. 427 E. Magnolia Ave.]
Woodland Terrace I & II- 2 bedroom, 1 bath. 221 Armstrong
Winn II - 1 bedroom. Opelika Rd.
Graywood - 1 bedroom. 250 W. Glenn
Also.••Now Leasing For Summer & Fall
X ^ ^ FOR LEASING INFORMATION
T — I 334-821-7098
MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:0^-5:00 EQUAL HOUSING
OPPORTUNITY *'
Thursday, March 8, 2001 THE AUBURN PLAINSMAN B5
Conglomeration for oxygen
University and city
groups collaborate to
beautify Auburn with
2000 heritage trees
By John Rasponi
StaffWriter
The city of Auburn, in conjunction with
Auburn Parks & Recreation, the Auburn
University School of Forestry and the Wildlife
Sciences Student Council, is sponsoring a pro­gram
to plant 2,000 trees.
"This program was created to plant 2,000
heritage trees in the city of Auburn," said Julie
Wall, a public relations specialist with Auburn
Parks & Recreation.
"Homeowners, living in Auburn can com­plete
a planting agreement and get a free tree
planted on their property," Wall said. "The
homeowners only have to agree to water the
tree and look after it.
"Citizens can choose the type of tree they
want to have planted on their property. We are
offering many types of oaks and maple trees,"
Wall said.
"We are planting trees that we hope will be
real big," said James Jennings, superintendent
of beautification and urban forestry for
i _
;^::;;-;:::::;::v;:^::::;::^
• •
CONTRIBUTED
Chadwick Avery, Stephen Hudson and Sarah Day, students in the
School of Forestry, plant a tree for the 2000 trees in 2000 program. The
program is a collaborative effort between the School of Forestry and Auburn
Parks and Recreation Department.
CONTRIBUTED
Forestry students are helping the
city plant the trees. The trees will not
reach desired growth for 30 years.
Auburn Parks & Recreation.
"The best place for these trees is on private
property where the most land is," Jennings
said.
Obstacles such as curbs, streets and utilities
prevent proper growth and health of trees on
city property.
The Auburn City Council recently voted to
pass a planting agreement which sponsors the
tree planting.
The planting agreement involves the city
and private landowners. Public funds are used
to purchase trees. After a mutual agreement
between the city and the landowner is
reached, the tree will be planted on the
landowner's property.
It will take approximately 20 to 30 years for
the trees planted in this program to reach the
size the city desires.
"Many citizens have signed up for trees and
we have planted some on their property," Wall
said. "But, this planting could not be done
without the generous help of volunteers."
"The Forestry Student Council donated
some of their time to help plant and we are
grateful for them," Wall said.
Last Saturday was a volunteer planting day.
However, citizens also have the option of
planting a tree themselves.
"On March 24, citizens can drop by Dean
Road Recreation Center to sign up for a tree
(or trees) and take them home that day," Wall
said. "We are allowing citizens to plant their
own tree if they choose to do so."
• Applications for anyone interested
in having a tree planted in their yard
are available at City Hall, Dean Road
Recreation Center or by visiting
www.auburnalabama.org. For addi­tional
information call James
Jennings at 887-4930.
Microrespirometer detects decay
By Jessica Lee
StaffWriter
An Auburn professor has devel­oped
a patent-pending, time effec­tive
method of detecting bacteria
content in food.
Peggy Hsieh, professor in the
department of nutrition and food
science invented a device called a
microrespirometer. The device is
an' original glass-blown reaction
chamber that works in conjunc­tion
with what Hsieh calls the
' "magic solution," which is a spe­cially
developed alkaline solution.
Hsieh said the invention is the
result of a practical problem at
home. "I always wondered about
milk past the expiration date
when it still tastes perfectly
good," Hsieh said.
"I always wondered if there was
a more sensitive and very conve­nient
way to know that the milk is
almost spoiled or fresh enough,"
Hsieh said.
Hsieh found some milk goes
sour even before it has reached
the expiration date, and some last
a week beyond the predicted date.
She also found some brands typi­cally
seem to spoil before others.
Hsieh and her husband, an
environmental scientist, have
improved several prototypes
which they have tested on a vari­ety
of foods including luncheon
meat, lettuce and potato salad.
The current model is a small
mushroom-shaped reaction cham­ber
filled with the alkaline solu­tion
and closed with a rubber
stopper.
It can then be attached to any
standard size sample vial to form a
. closed system that can accurately
detect carbon dioxide production
rates in minutes.
Extra solution absorbs any car­bon
dioxide in the air that could
interfere with the test.
What is being tested determines
what kind of sample vial is used.
"It all depends on the sample
size. It's very flexible," Hsieh said.
The rate of carbon dioxide is
correlated with total bacteria
count.
A bright pink indicator changes
to a fainter color when carbon
dioxide is present. The faster the
color changes the higher the bac­teria
count..
"The good part is it's extremely
sensitive," Hsieh said.
When the test is done in a lab,
the microrespirometer is shaken
at a controlled rate to increase
absorption for a faster and more
accurate reaction. An equation
can be used to detect exact num­bers
of bacteria.
Even without the equation, the
color change can answer the basic
question of whether the food is
spoiled.
Hsieh is working on finding a
way to take the shaker out of the
reaction.
The cultural method now used
by the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration includes a period
of incubation of at least 48 hours.
"By that time those perishable
foods may already be spoiled,"
Hsieh said.
Hsieh's main goal is to replace
the cultural method currently
used by the FDA that can take up
to several weeks of incubating
depending on the food being test­ed.
"The market is so big. Dairy and
food processing plants use it as a
routine test," Hsieh said.
Hsieh's invention also has great
potential for consumer use.
Because of the small size of the
microrespirometer and the rela­tively
easy procedure that must be
followed to get the results, it
could someday be on the market
for household and field-test use.
"We're trying to make this more
and more user-friendly" Hsieh
said.
Great Chicken...
No Bones About It.®
iyi North Dean Rd. Auburn (in front of Kroger)
S C R E E N P R I N T E RS
C E
\(l
NEXT WEEK'S EVENTS/
COLLEGE LIFE SERIES
"Researching Careers: What's the Real Deal?'
3/14 Wednesday 4:00 Foy Exhibit Lounge
(Extra credit given in selected classes)
CDS ORIENTATION SESSIONS:
3/14 Wednesday 2:00 RBD Library Auditorium
Call 844-4744 for information.
LOOKING AHEAD .
Business Etiquette Dinner (1^
3/19 Monday 6:00 AU Hotel & Dixon Conf. Center
Call 844-4744 for information/reservations
Education Interview Day
3/20 Tuesday 8:30 am—3:00 pm
AU Hotel & Dixon Conference Center
Walt Disney World College Program
3/22 Thursday 6:00 129 Lowder Business Building
Peer Career Counselor Positions - 2001-02
3/23 Applications, Resumes, and Cover Letters due!
Contact Jack Walls (844-3857) for information
STUDENT SUCCESS CENTER
Academic Support Services
Student Counseling Services
Career Development Services
Freshman Year Experience/Students in Transition
"Sfjp?
Swing into Spring! Take your
date to the
ballpark,
bring your
dirty laundry to
Little Henry's
Coin Laundry
30 lb. and Stack dryers
25 lb. Washer
115 Cox Street
Attendant on Duty
Drop^Off Service
12 1,0 cat ions
Thach Hu
219 Thac
* 826-6345
FREE FREE FREE
T i l * P C S S p e c i a l i s t
An Exclusive
Provider of powcrteU
1 U I H I I I I I I A C I NT
BONUS WEEKEND PLANS
Rate
Plan
$20
$40
t $70
Anytime
Minutes
100
600
1,000
Weekend
Minutes
1,000
3,000
3,000
Additional
Minutes
350
250
120
Nationwide
Long
Distance
$.10/. 15
Included
Included
Requires a lyr. agreement.
Offer good until 3-31-01.
* $50 credit available
only with new activation on
Post fray Plans.
Auburn Colonial Mall
1627 Opelika Rd. #A8
334-821-1210
Auburn University Plaza
1452 Opelika Rd. Suite F
334-502-0111
I
Referral Program
Special
$15 OFF
See Store for Details
Post Pay Agreement
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B6 THE AUBURN PLAINSMAN Thursday, March 8, 200T
Deadlines and Rates:
Bordered Classifieds:
Deadline at b p.m. Tflursday
preceding next week's paper.
56.50 per column inch.
Minimum size: 1x4; Maximum
1x8 .
4:30 pm
Thursday'
word with
minimum.
Line Ads:
Friday preceding
s paper. 30C per
a $4.20 (14 word)
Student rate: $3.50
How to place a Classified Ad:
• Come to The Auburn Plainsman office
in the basement (B—10O) of Foy Student
Union between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
• Write down what you're selling.
• Include the selling price.
• Describe the item.
• Always leave a phone number.
• Be prepared to pay at the desk.
• Be prepared to present your I.D.
Business
Services
SUMMER INTERNSHIPS -
Earn $$$ and gain valuable
business experience working for
Auburn's Official Campus
Telephone Directory. Excellent
advertising, sales, and marketing
opportunity. GREAT RESUME
BOOSTER! Call Renee at
AroundCampus, Inc.
1-800-466-2221 ext. 334.
www. aroundcampus .com
The Auburn Executive Suite
Program is looking for individuals
to be host/ hostesses for the 2001
Football Season. Applicants must
be outgoing, energetic, and enjoy
working with others. This
opportunity is a great way to share
the Auburn Spirit while earning
money!! All undergraduate and
graduate students are encouraged
to apply. For more information
please call Jane Gray, Suite
Program Director, 844-1153.
Interested in a fun, low stress job
in Auburn between April and
September? Local shave ice outlet
is seeking conscientious, friendly
employees for part-time
employment. Excellent working
conditions. Higher salary for
previous shave ice experience.
Must be available afternoons and
every other weekend. Call
821-2078.
49 Serious people needed to get
paid to lose weight. 100% Natural
and Guaranteed. 518-542-8374.
Lifeguards, Lifeguard, Swim
Instructor, and Pool Manager
positions are now available across
North-Metro Atlanta. $7 - $15/hr.,
flexible hours. Call 770-582-9411
x 218. www.alphapools.com
SlO/hr GUARANTEED - Work
on car<pus F/T or P/T for as little
as 5-10 hrs/wk or as many as 40
hrs/wk. Be your own boss. Create
your own schedule. Limited
positions. Call 1-800-808-7442
x80.
Miscellaneous
Pi Beta Phi Yard Sale, March 10,
7 to 12. 779 Cary Drive.
SPRING BREAK Panama City
Beach, Daytona, South Beach, FL.
Best Oceanfront Hotels/ Condos
and Parties! Lowest prices!
www.mvspringbreak.net
(800)575-2026
Business
Services
CW Smith Decorating Company
Commercial Specialists, Painting/
Wallcovering Construction,
Renovations. Equipped for
emergency and fast track projects.
1-800-452-4337, Fax
334-262-4352.
Nix Dance Studio. Classes for
college ladies. If interested call
887-7250.
Infusion Technologies Group,
formerly known as ACS. New
local technology company
providing the following services:
Computer Sales, Network
Installation, Service and Upgrades,
Website Design and Hosting. 1685
E. University Drive, Auburn.
Phone 334-887-5965 or e-mail:
infusiontek@infusiontek. com
Silver Moon Treasures - Sterling
Silver Jewelry and Beaded
Bracelets. Call to book a Jewelry
Party. (334)740-0407.
Pine Straw $30/ trailer load.
Delivered in Auburn area.
334-727-3698, ask for Michael.
Brand New!
Luxury Apartment
Development
opening for
Fall 2001
W00LF0LK
TERRACE
Very spacious
2 Bedroom/ 2 Bath
1 Block From Campus
$660/month
Call Fairway Properties
for leasing information
at 887-6575 or email us at
fairwayprop@mindspring.com
Cary-Pick Realty
"At The Depot"
120 Mitcham Avenue
www.carypick.com
334-821-4200
Now Leasing
For FALL 2001
Auburn Limited H- (lBd.)$31f
Conner-(2Bd.)$580
Crescent Ct.-(lBd.)$305
GeneldaCt.-(lBd.)$330
GeneldaPl.-(lBd.)$390
Tiger Inn.-(2Bd.)$500
ToomerCt.-QBd.)$305
Village Green-(2Bd)$450
duplexes startir$g at $450
Scarborough
Square
733 West Glenn Ave.
Luxury Townhouses
1,2, and 3 Bedroom
Washer/Dryer
Microwave, Dishwasher
Fireplace Available
*Swimming Pool &
Volleyball Court
*Walk to campus
•Laundry Facility on site
Manager on Site
334-826-6470
Management By:
Cary-Pick Realty Inc.
334-821-4200
www.carypiok.com
Auburn Hall
Apartments
210 East Thach Ave.
Unique Restored
Residence Hall
One Bedroom/One Bath
Furnished Units
$330.00 month
Walking distance to campus!
Laundry facility on site.
Management By:
Cary-Pick Realty Inc.
334-821-4200
www.carypick.com
The Auburn Plainsman requires pre**-
payment for all classified ads. We
accept cash, check, or credit cards.
AH ads may be placed in person at
our front desk or pre-paid and mailed
to The Auburn Plainsman officerfn#-
B-lOO Foy Student Union. The-
Auburn Plainsman reserves the right'
to refuse any classified ad that is«ii
illegal, considered to be misleading^
or in poor taste.
TTTTT
Business
Services
University Barber Shop. Best
prices on hair cuts and tanning
bed, $20.00 a month. 887-9240.
We buy and sell most anything.
Yard Sale Store, Railroad Avenue,
Opelika. 749-9449.
risiil Real Estate
"All real estate advertised herein is
subject to the Federal Fair Housing
Act, which makes it illegal to
advertise any preference,
limitation, or discrimination based
on race, color, religion, sex,
handicap, familial status, or
national origin, or intention to
make any such preference,
limitation, or discrimination." "We
will not knowingly accept any
advertising for real estate which is
in violation of the law. All persons
are hereby informed that all
dwellings advertised are available
on an equal opportunity basis."
Real Estate
Sales
210 Payne Street 60 year old
home located w