Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Form Letter From my State Representative

I'm so disappointed. I took the time to write my local representative and I still got a very generic form letter. This could have been referring to any other bill as the language is so vague and generalized. Here is what his aides sent out, boilerplate email(they couldn't even merge my name in the note???):

Dear Constituent:
Thank you for your recent correspondence regarding SCA 21 and ACA 24. It is important for all elected officials to hear from their respective constituents regarding matters of concern.

I believe, as you do, that California is a great state which needs to be maintained in such a manner. As we move forward, you can be assured that I will take your concerns into consideration.

Once again, I appreciate your time and effort in contacting my office. Please do not hesitate to call my district office at (559) 445-5532 if I may be of further assistance to you on any state related issue.

Sincerely,

Juan Arambula
Member of the Assembly
Thirty-First District

Here is my original email:

-----Original Message-----
From: treva@cal.berkeley.edu
Date sent: 08/03/2009 11:47 pm

I am writing to express my opposition to SCA 21 & ACA 24, which would cause irreparable harm to California's world-class public university system. First of all, I really hope I don't just get some templated email form as a reply. Secondly, I bleed Blue & Gold, I attended undergrad at CAL and grad school at UCLA. I am a productive, tax-paying individual, who actively contributes to the well-being of my community. I had the best education that public funds can buy. I think the UC system should remain relatively free and autonomous of the legislature and it's tendency to do whatever is politically expedient. The so-called legislative take-over of UC is a misguided and over-reaching proposal under the false guise of reform. That's why I'm joining a broad coalition of concerned Californians -- Democrats, Republicans, and Independents -- to oppose this plan. For 140 years, the current system of governance has served UC, its faculty, its graduates, and all Californians well. The University of California has an unparalleled record of success. Why should we put that at risk with an unproven, untested, undefined legislative take-over? The University of California must remain true to its mission, which is firmly and historically rooted in its independence. We should not take lightly any attempt to weaken UC's ability to compete and succeed and, in turn, weaken California's future. Fiat Lux ! Thank you, and I urge you to oppose SCA 21 and ACA 24.