Genetski was arrested by MSU Police toward the end of January after being pulled over and refusing a Breathalyzer test. He was taken into Ingham County Jail, where he spent the night after blowing a .066, under MSU’s legal limit of .08. His license currently is suspended, with the exception of driving for work purposes and court dates.

Democrats are correct in claiming Genetski has a conflict of interest with MSU, and he should not be allowed to have a say in the university budget.

His attorney, Mike Nichols, told The State News (“Genetski’s position questioned after drunken driving incident” SN 4/5) that Genetski isn’t allowing the case to make its way into budgetary decisions, and it only was by coincidence the police officer was with campus police.

Genetski and his attorney can claim to be unbiased as much as they want, but it’s human nature to be biased against an organization that arrests you. Whether that bias is intentional or not, it’s still going to be present.

Additionally, Genetski should not want to play a role in determining MSU’s budget because of the skeptical eyes that will be watching every move he makes.

Every budgetary decision Genetski makes will be frowned upon by his fellow legislators. If he cuts the university budget, like he attempted to after accusing MSU of tampering with the definition of an academic year, some will claim he is angry at the university for arresting him and taking it out on students and officials.

On the other hand, if he increases MSU’s funding, there are some people who would think he was “buying” the university off for his ongoing court hearings.

Although either claim would have little merit, it’s difficult to grasp why Genetski would want to have those accusations thrown at him on top of his arrest.

House speaker, Rep. Jase Bolger, R-Marshall, is the person who decides whether or not Genetski has a skewed opinion on the issue, but Genetski should try to avoid having to get involved in the first place. If the budget gets slashed, people will look to him. If money’s thrown at MSU, people will look to him. And if our budget stays the same, people probably will still find a way to be upset about it. Until this situation is resolved, another legislator should take over the committee’s direction.

Genetski likely has a biased view toward the university, whether it is intentional or not. State legislators are justified in not wanting him to play a role in budgetary decision making, and he shouldn’t want to appear anything other than partial when dealing with state funds.