Student lounge? Theater reception? Both silly questions.

It seems there is some misplaced attention regarding the upcoming Memorial Union renovation. I encourage all of my fellow students to help correct the priorities in the upcoming Oct. 16 referendum.

The building is over 75 years old and has never been fully renovated. Nearly everyone agrees that a renovation is necessary. But the $52 million dollar question is: Where does the money come from?

In 2006, the students voted to approve an increase in segregated fees to renovate both Union South and Memorial Union. The total amount was to be $147 million – $67 million for Union South, $80 million for Memorial Union. By the time the new Union South was done, $95 million was gone. This leaves, by my math, $52 million for the Memorial Union.

In a meeting this past March, the Phase I and Phase II budgets were $85 million and $53 million dollars, respectively. The combined total cost for the renovation of Memorial Union is then a total of $138 million. There simply isn’t enough money left to pull this off.

The proposed budget, however, accounts for this shortfall. In the March budget (copies of which were not allowed to leave the meeting), many of the projected costs were lowered such that the total budget went from $138 million to $84 million. A savings of 40% – seemingly from thin air.

With this in mind, I purchased a pitcher of New Glarus Moon Man at the Rathskeller last week. I asked for a discount of 40 percent, thinking this would allow me another pitcher if necessary. The server gave me an understandably dumb look. It appears that this discount is a mystery even to Union employees.

The simple fact is this: There is barely enough money left to fix the major problems at Memorial Union. It’s time to make some tough decisions. The project needs to focus on three priorities.

First, fix up an old building. There are structural issues, mechanical issues (plumbing, heating, etc.) and accessibility issues that must be addressed. These affect not only the structural integrity of the building but the safety of those inside of it. Making the building safe, sound and functional for all students and alumni, young and old, is priority number one.

Second, renovate the outdoor programs areas. Hoofers was specifically addressed in the original 2006 ballot. They get first dibs. Further more (as if more justification was needed), nearly every photo, sketch and painting of the Terrace and Union incorporates a sailboat or two. Clearly, Hoofers is part of the Union experience – even if vicariously.

Lastly, if there is money left, add the jewelry. Glitzy lounges, reception halls, lake view offices, private decks and additions are fine if and only if there is money available and the students approve.

For the time being, the current budget limitations and economic environment doesn’t lend to donations in the tens of millions of dollars, making the glass box is a non-starter. As a student, as an alumnus, as a resident of Madison – I strongly encourage students to vote down the lounge and vote yes for taking care of the Union as it has stood for over 75 years.

Kristofer Dressler ([email protected]) is a PhD student in mechanical engineering.