In Defense of Kim

A previously-published letter attacked Presidential candidate Kim Montgomery for “taking credit” for Hindi language classes at NU. Her campaign manager responds…

Hey guys, I didn’t want to have to write to the gossip page, but I feel I must clear up some of the misconceptions shown in Sathyan’s letter. First, obtaining Hindi language classes is not the focus of our platform.

Although, this is true I felt that I must address the apparent flaws in the statements of Sathyan. Kim Montgomery did NOT sit on Hindi for months. She passed Hindi legislation in May and faxed it over to the new dean of Eric Sundquist and Associate Provost Fisher during fall quarter. Dean Sundquist then stated how he had passed this legislation over to an associate Dean. Kim then continued to lobby the administration during fall and winter quarter. Although the announcement of Hindi language classes came after the joint meeting with the Board of Trustees and the ASG senate, Kim Montgomery had been working on obtaining Hindi language classes for over two quarters.

We also need to remember that any effort to get the administration to act takes time. It is impossible for one impassioned speech to get immediate results. Kim spent a lot of time lobbying the administration. While a speech or a phone call probably did help, it is impossible to say that any one action changed the minds of the board of trustees.

In conclusion, I must point out that it does not surprise me that this letter came from Sathyan, a person that has been working on another candidate’s campaign. Does this mean he is being untruthful? I am not saying that. I just believe that I am open about who I am working with, perhaps more people who write letters should be.

Darren Shulman
Campaign Manager
Montgomery for President