Gov. Jerry Brown insulted university presidents Tuesday by implying that just about anyone could do their job. The snub was a reflection of Brown's strong disapproval of Cal State university presidents possibly earning more than $300,000 a year, The Sacramento Bee reports.
"I think there are a lot more people that can be college presidents, maybe even some of you," Brown said.
When asked if he could be one, Brown told reporters, "I have no doubt that I could be a college president, and I think a number of legislators could since basically it involves raising money, it involves being diplomatic with all the different constituencies, including the faculty and it takes some skill."
Brown said the salaries were inappropriate because students and average citizens are struggling.
"A lot of public employers think that they have to give pay raises, and I don't think so, because the average person has not gotten a pay raise, and the kids have been paying more in tuition," Brown said. "So I think they have to find ways of attracting people, and they have to widen the pool."
The blunt statement was made hours before the Cal State Board of Trustees considered approving annual salaries of more than $300,000 for the presidents of Cal State Fullerton, Mildred Garcia, and of East Bay, Leroy Morishita.
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