No new Natatorium--yet

Surprise, surprise. UW students voted against a referendum to renovate and expand the Natatorium, an exercise facility near the Lakeshore dorms. Had the referendum passed, students would have faced a $54 per semester increase in tuition for the next 30 years.

In this economy, that's a tough sell. However, it's unfortunate that this Nat expansion won't happen. It's badly needed, especially the pool, which due to its lack of a 10-meter diving board prevents the Badgers from ever playing host to the Big Ten Championships.

Still, let's not forget what happened with the Union South. The referendum failed twice but was brought back a third time when it passed by a count of 1,418 votes to 996. That's currently costing students an extra $96/semester for the next 30 years. And the lesson learned is: if at first you don't succeed, keep bringing up your measure until it finally passes.

That process was an absolute joke (how did the referendum keep coming back?), but it may give hope for the Nat.