Bye-bye, Biddy
So Biddy Martin's flown the coop ("I'm Not Surrendering," 7/15/2011). Good riddance. Before the search for a new chancellor at UW-Madison begins, it might be worthwhile to consider a few changes in the process so we don't end up with another high-priced dud, someone whose sole "accomplishment" was a failed attempt to break up the UW System. In tough economic times, substantially lowering the salary of the UW-Madison chancellor from what it is now (nearly half a million dollars a year, to say nothing of a mansion in University Heights and every benefit under the sun) would send a positive signal to the rest of the state that no one should be exempt from sharing the economic sacrifices the rest of us are expected to make. Have you ever wondered exactly what the UW-Madison chancellor does that justifies a salary nearly twice that of the president of the United States?
I can already hear the squeals of protest from the overpaid potentates who rule UW-Madison: "How can we possibly attract the best talent unless we offer top-of-the-line salaries and benefits?" That argument should sound familiar. It's the same one used by Wall Street tycoons to justify their exorbitant salaries and bonuses in the years before the crash of 2008. I suspect that if the Madison chancellor's salary were cut in half it would still be enough to attract plenty of highly qualified candidates. There's only one way to find out.
Gary L. Kriewald
Downsized
I saved the review of Bea's Bonnet Snack Shop (6/10/2011), thinking the review was very positive and it would be a place I'd like to visit.
However, the photo with the review shows three empanadas with a generous serving of side salad. My experience this past Saturday was a serving of one empanada with a very small salad. I thought the photo was very deceptive.
I do hope for a unique business to prosper, but to my senses some adjustments need to be made.
Joan Rubens