While the newly obtained set of four Harley-Davidson Road King motorcycles will provide MSU police with many great services, we hope this isn't just an frivolous purchase.
The department says the two-wheeled vehicles are more cost effective than patrol cars and will help them better police hard-to-maneuver areas during heavy traffic periods.
These perks are palatable in their own right, but it leaves one slightly skeptical, especially when the announcement comes one day after the All-University Traffic Committee upped some campus parking prices almost 25 percent without an adequate explanation.
Granted, the money isn't all part of the same pot, but perceptions often speak louder than facts.
It's no secret financial times are tough for the university and the state. For that reason alone, parking price hikes and new Harleys don't sell well.
First, the Harley-Davidson issue.
We're not trying to say MSU police should have opted for Spree mopeds to save on gas money and gain maneuverability; but Harleys? Surely there are less costly motorcycle brands available that offer the same patrol potential.
But at the same time, MSU police could have opted for Lexuses or Rolls Royces. The motorcycles both get better gas mileage and are a cheaper option to begin with.
We might see the four new cream, silver and black Harley-Davidsons as an extravagant expense for a police that needs to share in campuswide penny-pinching. But when it comes down to it, they could've gone far more expensive.
As for the financially unconnected parking fee issue, the traffic committee has failed to justify its $33 increase on permits for Owen Hall and the Brody Complex.
In contrast, the committee increased fees only $2 for lots 75, 83 and 91, near Breslin Center, South Complex and Fee Hall, respectively.
Traffic committee members say the Owen and Brody price jumps were "based on privilege." That is weak reasoning.
The committee would do better to back its decisions by showing permit purchasers how their extra dollars are needed.
Perhaps the money would be needed for future maintenance costs or improvements. Those types of justifications might prove for more reasonable and less arbitrary price hikes.
Or maybe it's not a money issue at all. Maybe, university officials want to encourage students to park in the perimeter lots instead of outside residence halls.
That also would be fine if it were the case. At least we could credit those responsible for the price increase for being honest.
The state of the economy has required wallets to tighten for private citizens and public institutions alike.
All university leaders should be aware of those needs and ease up on lavish expenses and unreasonable fee hikes.
