President Alexander Gonzalez announced his support for Associated Students Inc.’s proposal that pushes for student-only parking in Parking Structure III, which is slated to be completed by spring 2007.

Gonzalez expressed his support in a memorandum addressed to ASI President Angel Barajas earlier this month.

The proposal, which was written by Barajas and ASI Executive Vice President Robbie Abelon in March, states that the inequality of fees is a reason why the structure should be exclusively for student use.

Currently, students pay $108 ?” an increase from $63 implemented in fall 2003 ?” in student parking fees that contribute to the cost of construction of Parking Structure III, which is $33.8 million. Faculty and staff pay a $63 fee, and Barajas said that faculty and staff parking fees have always been the same.

In the memo, Gonzalez wrote that equity and fairness need to be questioned since students are providing funding for the structure’s construction but might be required to compromise spaces with those who are not contributing to the construction.

“In that respect, I agree with the student perspective that it should be for their use exclusively,” Gonzalez said.

But Gonzalez also wrote that the California Faculty Association and the California State University Employees Union filed a complaint of unfair labor practice regarding the same issue ?” student-only parking of Parking Structure II ?” and it was supported in its first hearing.

“We will have to await the results of the appeal process in order to determine the precedent that will be relevant to the current situations,” Gonzalez said.

Regardless, Gonzalez said he is supportive. “I remain committed to working to solve the parking situation on campus and to support your (ASI’s) position,” Gonzalez said.

Abelon said he is glad that Gonzalez backs the legislation. “That’s already a victory for students,” Abelon said.

Nika Megino can be reached at [email protected]