John, as always I appreciate your analysis of the data. Unfortunately two people looking at the same data from different criteria frequently come to different conclusions.  One thing I hope to do is establish firm criteria on which to judge the reality of faculty salaries relative to other universities in our region and in the nation.  I will appreciate your help in the effort.

Relitive to your comment that "the squeaky wheel gets the attention", from my experience frequently the squeaky wheel gets replaced. We have hundreds of facultu and staff who are reluctant to speak out because of fear of not being tenured, promoted, rehired, or being reassigned.  The faculty senate is a representative body. One senator for each 15 faculty or a portion thereof.  I hope that the senators are in touch with those whom they represent.  Their vote on various issues represents the collective judgement of their faculty colleagues, not always the squeaky wheel.  

Representation on the Faculty Senate is open to all full-time tenured or tenure track faculty.  Unfortunately I have heard "senior" faculty tell "junior" faculty "Put your name up to be on the Faculty senate it will be a good experience for you.  Please, however, don't nominate me."

I know we are in difficult times.  Now is the time for true leadership to step forward.

Best,

Marvin