It is my understanding that (last Thursday’s) article written by Teresa Wilson is the second of what seems to be an ongoing series on her evaluation of Memorial Union Director Mary Jo Mertens.

Throughout both articles she accuses Director Mertens of various crimes, one of which is the violation of the RFP process.

The purpose of this letter is not to lower myself into a mindless banter over whether or not Teresa’s information is correct, so I say it once: Ms. Wilson’s information is plainly incorrect. If Ms. Wilson feels my information is incorrect, I am sorry, but facts are facts.

As student body president I get an opportunity to deal directly with many of the university officials. That includes not only the university administration, but also the staff at the Memorial Union.

My contact with Director Mertens is somewhat extensive; both through the day-to-day happenings as well as myself serving on the Memorial Union Board of Directors, and I have found her to be extremely honest, thoughtful and ethical.

The accusations that Director Mertens does not regard student opinion when dealing with issues affecting the student body is absurd. Look at the excellent facilities she is providing. In the past year we have a new state-of-the-art food area to better serve the students; we have a commons area that is second to none; and in a few weeks new student office space will be completed.

Ms. Wilson is frustrated by the proposal of McDonald’s on campus. Director Mertens was doing nothing more than responding to student surveys asking for that very service. As we all know, McDonald’s will not be going into the Hub. If she didn’t care about student service, why does the Hub sit vacant?

There is no doubt she could have pushed the issue and planted a McDonald’s in the Hub. BUT SHE DIDN’T. She didn’t because a group of students said they didn’t want that.

In my opinion, Director Mertens is completely genuine in her commitment to bringing the students what they want. The personal attacks on her character are completely unwarranted. Mary Jo Mertens runs the Union with one thing in mind: what is best for the students.

In closing, I urge Ms. Wilson to try and keep her personal agendas sperate from her professional responsibilities. Director Mertens does an excellent job, and I will do anything to make that point extremely clear.

Adam Gold

GSB President