Thank you for the in-depth coverage on OSPIRG. The group has a long and noted history of misusing student funds and dishonest political tactics. For 31 years, OSPIRG has monopolized the “public’s interest” and played games on and off campus in order to further its agenda. Because of OSPIRGs political ties, both on campus and around the state, it has always sought and received privileges that other student groups do not have. The group continues to exist under the belief that students do not have the right to see how their money is being spent.
If you go to the Web site of the Oregon State Public Interest Research Group and the Oregon Students Public Interest Research Group, you will notice that contact information for the two groups, which claim to not be tied together, are the same: 1536 SE 11th Ave, Portland, OR; (503) 231-4181. This is because money that the student OSPIRG gets from Oregon universities goes to pay rent for a space in the state OSPIRG office. How much they pay is unknown, because the student OSPIRG does not have to list line items when it submits its annual budget to the ASUO Programs Finance Committee. For all we know, the rent could be a convenient way to launder money to the state OSPIRG, which could then use student funds to lobby its campaigns in the state agenda. Furthermore, when University students voted to no longer fund OSPIRG in 1998, it was reinstated after a $1,200 campaign; the money came from off campus.
It is time for OSPIRG to open its books to students and allow us to see how our money is being spent. It has been too secretive for too long. If it has nothing to hide, then there should be no problems. Don’t worry, students. If you don’t like OSPIRG’s history of political tactics, it does not mean you hate the environment (they will probably tell you that to get support). Finally, since the group’s funding is now in danger of being cut, be ready to see a lot more of OSPIRG on campus asking for your support. As former OSPIRG state board member Peter Knox said in a 1995 interview with the Oregon Commentator:
“OSPIRG relies on a short burst of energy. They’ll create a huge campaign and use all their resources to reaffirm funding. It’s basically a big sales pitch.”
Philip Ossie Bladine
Editor in chief of The Oregon Commentator