Short Fuse

Student fees: Sophomoric behavior
University of Massachusetts students did their reputation no favors at last week's Board of Trustees meeting. As the trustees debated a $1,500 fee hike to offset a projected $100 million shortfall in the university's budget, a group of 150 or so repeatedly interrupted with protest chants, alienating even their allies. When the students applauded trustee Jennifer Braceras's announcement that she would vote against the increase, Braceras rejected the accolades. "Hold your clapping, because frankly your behavior disgusts me," she said. If students hadn't been allowed to air their concerns, protests might have been justified. But given that the board heard from several student speakers, this was boorishness, plain and simple.

Bottle law: A nickel saved is a nickel earned
Massachusetts should raise a glass to its neighbor to the south. Connecticut Governor Jodi Rell signed an expansion of that state's bottle law this week to include a 5-cent deposit on bottled water. It's a win-win for the environment and the economy, since the state budget stands to reap $13 million in unredeemed deposits known as "escheatage." In Massachusetts, the estimated escheatage from a 5-cent deposit on the billion-plus bottled water, juice, and sports drinks now exempt from the charge could raise an estimated $58 million. Maine already includes water bottes in its deposit law, saving money and eliminating mountains of trash. Goveror Patrick's proposal to expand the bottle law already is a good idea in its own right, but now it has some more company.

Justice: Not in session in New Hampshire
In New Hampshire, tight fiscal times are slowing the wheels of justice. Jury trials were suspended for a month this winter, while judgeships and clerical positions are being left vacant. All that is taking a toll in terms of time. In addition to postponed trials, court orders that once took days or weeks can now take months, the Associated Press reports. Meanwhile, Governor John Lynch has proposed shutting eight district courts this summer. These problems offer a reminder that an orderly society depends on public institutions that function well. Yes, times are tough, but New Hampshire's political leaders need to make sure that justice isn't delayed so long that it becomes justice denied.