PIRG petitions for support of biennial reaffirmation drive

Students have been bombarded by Ohio Public Interest Research Group (OhioPIRG) signature-seekers since Wednesday, in the group's attempts to approve a fee increase in its pay structure by petition.

As of Thursday night the organization had received 1,800 signatures, jut 150 to 200 short of their goal.

OhioPIRG, an affiliate of the national PIRG, is currently funded with a $4 per semester fee included on students' term bills. Through the reaffirmation drive, OhioPIRG hopes to increase the fee to $6.50 per semester by getting the support of two-thirds of the student body. Students are able to waive the fee.

In 1994, in the wake of a previous reaffirmation drive, students pressured for reorganized in the reaffirmation system, and restructering of the fee structure itself.

Before the restructuring students had to go through more paperwork to waive the fee.

The restructuring also clarified how often OhioPIRG must seek student support for its structure and named Student Senate to oversee the campaign.

"We're doing really well," college junior and OhioPIRG student chair, Susan Moran said.

Moran said that they have targeted Wilder Hall, some dorms, academic buildings and the Conservatory.

"We don't want to be annoying," Moran said. She said however, that they want to reach the entire campus.

Although Moran said that they have received generally positive responses, some students do not support the drive.

College junior Chapin Benninghoff said, "I didn't sign the petition because I don't support the increase in funding level. They already have a staff member."

Benninghoff said that he felt other groups such as the Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Union and Abusua, the black student union, could also benefit from a similar structure.

College senior Fenelon Delair, who signed the petition, said, "I really appreciate what they do. It feels good that at least someone is doing it."

Another student, who wished to remain anonymous, said that because one can waive the fee, there is no reason not to sign the petition.