Ms. Kokol and the Board of Elections,
Bored and stuck on campus this afternoon I found myself skimming through The Eagle (I told you, I was bored). I'm not one to have any real interest in AU politics, but reading through your letter to the editor I found myself so offended I had to respond. Not offended at your decision to ask Mr. Mayer to remove his sign (although it does seem a little petty of you), nor with your decision to respond to his letter (which was also quite petty of him), but instead with your assertion that "The Eagle is not the place to voice concerns about election[s]."
The press is often the only place to vent our frustrations with public officials. How else can we expect to be heard? History is full of powerful people deaf to the concerns of those they claim to represent and criticism in the press has played an important role in reining them in.
I recognize your frustration with Mr. Mayer's letter, and I would agree it was in bad taste, but I am also convinced that your response was far worse. Mr. Mayer spoke as an everyday student who ran for office and lost; you spoke as a government official, and someone who, purportedly, is serving us - I realize seeing your name attacked in a public forum is unpleasant, but that's what makes public service so special.
I am left wondering: Is this the official policy of the Board of Elections? Did the other members of the BOE see the letter before it was printed? Did they approve it? Finally, was your letter written in an official capacity, as chair of the board, or was this a personal defense (and if it was a personal defense why did you sign it officially)?
Philip Zakahi Junior, School of Public Affairs
