Gardner’s UC Salary

John Seery’s diatribe on executive salaries in America (“Overfed CEOs Are Asking for a Revolution,” Column Left, Oct. 24) includes what is the latest in a recent series of exaggerated, distorted and unfair attacks on University of California President David P. Gardner and his compensation. The vitriol with which Seery and others launch their vindictiveness is nothing short of embarrassing.

First, to the facts. Seery says Gardner “commands a state salary of $307,900.” Wrong, by about $60,000. And one-third of what he receives is non-state money. He values the president’s benefits at $70,000. Wrong. Seery says he has a maid, a limo and chauffeur, club dues paid by taxpayers. Wrong, wrong, wrong. He says taxpayers give him extra “entertainment” funds. Wrong. Seery has the president receiving “buckets of money.” Is he serious?

The effect of The Times dignifying this hogwash through publication is to effectively give credence to, and to spread, rumor and innuendo. The fact is, Gardner’s compensation package is comparable to that provided for his counterparts at other major universities, moderately adjusted upward to reflect UC’s unmatched scope of operation. Compare what he makes with that of CEOs at other $10-billion enterprises and his compensation is modest indeed.

As Californians, let’s be thankful that we have leaders like Gardner who effectively maintain our state’s most valued treasures. Carping at his paycheck doesn’t do a service to anyone.

RON KOLB, Director

News and Public Affairs

University of California, Oakland