Parking rules solve problems, serve campus

I am writing in response to David James Trulaske’s March 21 letter regarding parking meters and parking on campus.

I disagree with Mr. Trulaske’s characterization that parking enforcement solves nothing. Parking and Transportation Services provides value to the parking permit holder by enforcing UK’s Parking Regulations. The regulations prevent those not paying for parking from impacting parking for students and employees who follow the rules and buy a permit. They ensure that parking is fair and equally enforced for everyone.

The 45-minute meters within the “academic core” are designed for short-term use. Due to the limited number of parking spaces in the area, these meters are not intended for students to park to attend class. The primary intent is to provide short-term parking for departments such as the registrar, admissions and housing. Allowing students to use these meters to attend class would lead to increased pedestrian-vehicle conflict in the Academic Core. For parking for longer than 45 minutes, students may use the 3-hour meters located a short distance from the Academic Core or park and pay in Parking Structure No. 5 (next to Kennedy Book Store).

Mr. Trulaske states that our enforcement methods are archaic. Contrary to the belief that our officers are out to target students, UK’s parking regulations exist to protect parking on campus for those who follow the rules and are enforced uniformly across all user groups. If you break the rules, you are subject to consequences.

I understand the desire to park close to a destination, but on an urban campus such as UK, this is a difficult — if not impossible — task. We recognize that college is an expensive endeavor. Therefore, we strive to provide a variety of parking and transportation options for students at various costs, including free shuttle buses operating seven days a week during the Fall and Spring semesters.

Overall, parking enforcement is intended to protect our permit holders, reduce congestion, reduce abuse of disability spaces, provide a greater turnover of metered spaces and prevent obstructive parking.

Don Thornton

Parking and Transportation Services director

Kernel shows ignorance, bias toward Greeks

It is to my disappointment that the Kernel has shown its embarrassing lack of concern for and knowledge about the Greek community here at UK time and time again. Failing to dedicate ink and space to the events that best show what it means to be Greek, as well as a tendency to report incidents which poorly reflect Greek life, has been a theme of the student newspaper since I enrolled here.

Just last week, the Kernel incorrectly reported the names of Kappa Alpha fraternity and Kappa Delta sorority as “Kappa Kappa Alpha” and “Kappa Kappa Delta.” Were these names simply made up? Earlier this semester, Greek Sing (presented by Chi Omega and Sigma Alpha Epsilon), the No. 1 Greek philanthropy event on campus, which raised about $60,000, was given only a small picture on the back page in commemoration. This does not reflect the incredible amount of effort put forth by members of Chi Omega and SAE to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Other Greek philanthropy events are given similar coverage.

However, the Kernel is quick to report situations that make Greeks look their worst. If I’m not mistaken, the temporary closure of a fraternity house made the Kernel’s front page, as did legal allegations against another fraternity. Incidentally, these charges were dropped; this was not reported in the Kernel at all.

While I understand that not all UK students are Greek, it is important to remember that around 3,000 UK students are. The Kernel should represent these students and their activities more accurately and fairly. After all, Greek life defines much of the UK experience for all students involved in it.

Taylor Mayer

Finance junior