Petition candidates and alumni participation
By Tim Dreisbach, Hanover, N.H.
Published on Thursday, September 28, 2006
To the Editor:
Peter Fahey '68's recent letter supporting the proposed constitution made several points, some which merit consideration and some of which are incorrect, such as the erroneous belief that the current trustee election rules force a splitting of votes across nominated candidates ("Five Reasons to Vote, and Vote "Yes,"" Sept. 21).
To categorize opponents as a cabal disinterested in what is best for Dartmouth is terribly unfair to myself and others who have contributed significant time and money to our College. As a former Head Agent, it is interesting to observe that a downward trend in participation rates has been reversed over the last few years. Some of this is surely due to the work of Fahey himself in heading a specific participation initiative of the annual fund. But the new upward trend also has taken place in parallel with the terms of the petition trustees and, in part due to their election, an increased awareness that the College needs to listen to all alumni and not merely a few big ticket donors.
If the desire of some proponents to eliminate trustee petitioners is met, a likely result under the new constitution, alumni donors may conclude the only way to be heard is by withholding contributions.