opinion FRANKLY SPEAKING W TO OVERENPOlltorr IT WILL EE NECESSARY ' TO ELIMINATE COME SWEATS- Uninvolved It is becoming increasingly apparent that student in­ volvement in college activities has hit an all-time low. Only six per cent of the student population bothered to vote in Associated Student Government elections last year and student support of the Clackamas Community College budget was lower than any other age group. This situation could be likened to the relationship between the average American and the corner gas sta­ tion. No one cares what happens there until gas prices go up to $1 a gallon or people have to wait in line be­ ginning at 2 a.m. to get gas. As long as people can drive in, get what they need, and leave they couldn't care less about the energy crisis, the gasoline shortage or anything else. Everything that goes on at CCC ultimately affects the student, whether it be the curriculum, the faculty, the presence of a football program -- which is paid for partly from student funds -- or the amount of tuition. Without student input, it is very difficult for admini­ strators to make decisions that best serve the student com­ munity. There are those administrators who were most directly involved with students during the 50's "rah-rah sorority-glee club" era who do not realize that we have changed and perhaps outgrown that sort of thing. Then there are those administrators who have their hands tied by administrative changes that were made dur­ ing the 60's when students demanded and received a greater say in administrative policies. Now students must be consulted before decisions in ceratin areas can be made. If there are no students willing to become in- volved, decisions can't be made. We realize that most of CCC's students are older and hold down jobs or have families and other outside in- terests and feel that they just don't have time to get in­ volved. However, many of us who do participate have families and jobs and still manage to find the time. The youngest member of ASG is 21 with many sena­ tors in their 40's. The ASG president himself is 26 with a family and other responsibilties. Make a commitment this year to get involved, not only in studies, but in the college community as well. Closer look The athletic department, like Bert Lance, would like to have us believe that its only problems are those cre­ ated by the press and that there really aren't any prob­ lems at all. However, we believe that a program, which spends $29,000 of students and taxpayer's money per academic year, deserves a closer look. We are glad that a citizens committee has been appointed to do just that. We feel that the wool has been pulled over our eyes long enough where the athletic department is concerned, with football equipment being purchased out of a vague athletic equipment fund and a football time clock being bought before there was a football field. These expenditures seem to then justify further ex­ penditures with the explanation that "we already have thus-and-so, so there really is no sense in not buying this to go along with it." "We also feel that seven in-district players out of a team of 61 is not a good showing for district involve­ ment. If, as Hakanson says, there are not enough football players in the district to create a football team, then maybe the question of whether or not there should be a football team has an apparant answer. We fully recognize the importance of athletics and physical education in an academic program. However, we feel there is a tendency to over-emphasize inter­ collegiate competitive sports that cost a lot of money and involve few students, over those non-competitive sports that involve each student personally. feedbac Efforts ignored To the Editor: The Board of Education extended thanks to the staff»] efforts expended on the recent operating levy election. What the board overlooked was that students also expel great deal of time and effort to see the budget pass. When I saw the minutes of the Board of Education meet® Aug. 10, I was surprised that the staff and not the studenMj recognized. Therefore, on behalf of the Board of Education oversight, I m like to take this time to thank Brian Charlson, C.C.O.S.A,™ bers, and other concerned students for their efforts on the rd election. Don Bixler Vice President, ASG In recognition To The Editor: One of the reasons for the overwhelming success of the Clackffl Community College levy election on August 9 was the commit™ of people like Paul Bishop. In searing 90 degree weather,BisB walked the four miles from Carus to the College thinkingthat,! wished to vote on the college levy, he had to do so at the colli To his great disappointment he found that his polling place was M in Carus. Richard Thompson, Director of Financial Aid at Clackamas. 0] munity College, upon hearing the story, took time out fromhisjoo drive Paul back to Carus. Bishop then became one of the 111 people to vote for the college levy. I thank Bishop for hisefra and the efforts of others like him who felt that Clackamas! munity College was worth a little time and energy. I would also like to thank those who assisted in the campaiffl feel that it is due to their support that Clackamas Community« lege will be able to open it's doors for fall term on September! Michael McCarty ASG President Clackamas Community Coll Page 4 inches D50 Illuminant, 2 degree observer Density