Whistle-Blowers Burn Up UC Hot Line
A telephone campaign to blow the whistle on waste in the University of California system generated more than 300 calls in its first week, three state senators said Wednesday.
Many angry callers to a state toll-free hot line demanded an increase in the teaching load for UC professors and cuts in administrative salaries and perks. Other suggestions ran the gamut--from taking a closer look at campus purchasing and construction projects to turning off sprinklers when it is raining.
“Judging from the overwhelming response, I think we’ve touched a genuine nerve,” said state Sen. Art Torres (D-Los Angeles). Callers included faculty, students and alumni. The hot line (1-800-559-5918) was created by the Legislature last year to report wasteful government spending. Torres said complaints will be reviewed by the California Postsecondary Education Commission for possible legislative action.
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