Consequences of Vote Weren’t Clear

* Several recent articles and letters to The Times describe the tenuous future of the horse stables, the 4-H farm, and the elementary school at UC Irvine due to the construction of a new recreation center.

As both a former student who voted for the recreation center and one of many who currently benefit from and see the long-term value of these threatened resources, I would like to comment on this proposition.

The students were not informed of the potential consequences of their vote. Many, including myself, regret voting. These resources provide a special recreational service of their own--one which doesn’t cost the students or the university a penny--and are enjoyed by many in the campus and surrounding community.

The university’s long-range plan should focus on preserving distinguishing aspects of this prestigious and growing campus, and persuading top-notch researchers and educators (who can choose to go to any university) to place UCI in their long-range plan.

These human resources will continue to add status to UCI as well as bring in major research grants.

In this regard, precious aspects of a rural life, combined with an internationally renowned elementary school right on campus, serve as very powerful recruiting tools. Their value will only increase over time.

SUSAN A. MASINO

Irvine