One fact has been overshadowed by the multiple controversies surrounding this year’s Student Government elections: this week, the student body is presented with one of the most talented and promising field of candidates in recent memory. This could not come at a more needed time, as the seemingly constant stream of SG conflicts has eroded AU’s patience for its student representatives.
In this electoral climate, many have predicted dire futures for the SG, and their arguments are at times convincing. However, this paper’s editorial board was impressed by the quality of each candidate, and as a result, we are hopeful for the SG’s future prospects. Unlike past sessions, these endorsements were far from easy.
Recognizing the SG’s current state of crisis, The Eagle realizes that reform is needed in many parts of the SG. Therefore, in the interest of wide-scale improvements, candidates were selected in a synergistic manner — how they would govern in tandem was equally important as their caliber as individuals. We endorse the ticket as a whole, and are convinced that this combination of candidates would be best able to impose the combination of representation, effectiveness and frankness that students yearn to see from their SG.
Secretary: Because one of the candidates is this paper’s Web Developer, The Eagle will not be endorsing any of the individuals running for SG secretary. We encourage students to make an informed decision in this race by reading each of the candidates’ questionnaires, available on page 4 and on the Web at www.theeagleonline.com.
Comptroller: Ed Levandoski While he is running unopposed, Ed Levandoski promises to continue and build upon the needed improvements currently being instituted. And with the impeachment trial still a searing memory in the minds of many, progress from the comptroller is vital if the reputation of SG is to be re-established.
With a minor in finance, time spent on the Senate Budget Committee and as the treasurer for Model UN, Levandoski has the necessary experience to be an effective comptroller. Moreover, his time inside the Senate should serve as ample warning to show what happens when one is not constantly vigilant when handling other people’s money. Levandoski knows what he is getting into.
While he is running unopposed, Levandoski is nonetheless a safe choice for SG’s main money-man.
Vice President: Jeremiah Headen The quality of the candidates for SG vice president was especially striking. This paper could see any of the candidates occupying the position and performing admirably. However, with the unimpressive output from the office this year, it is in most need of a shake-up. It is with this necessity in mind that we endorse Jeremiah Headen.
While Headen is an outside candidate, his extensive programming experience assuages any doubt that his minimal SG familiarity will hinder his ability to put together well-planned, well-attended and fun events. As the two-year president for the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Headen has headed numerous events — some of which have reached the Tavern’s maximum capacity of 700, while at the same time running smoothly.
What’s most compelling about Headen’s candidacy, however, is his contagious and enthusiastic approach to the logistic duties of the vice president. In his session with The Eagle’s editorial board, he put it simply: “If I’m planning an event, it’s going to be an event that I would want to go to.” He offered a detailed plan to include various student groups as part of an overhaul of traditional AU events like Artemas Ward Week and Founders’ Day — both in need of extensive renovation.
To be sure, Headen is a candidate that carries a bit of risk. AU Queers and Allies chastised him for a particularly offensive Facebook note he posted on his profile last December, which is certainly something that this editorial board cannot support. Though this momentary lack of judgment is concerning, he seems to have learned his lesson and his gregarious personality is sure to bring an inclusive atmosphere to the office. We call on Headen to approach these important issues to the AU community more seriously, whether elected or not.
If he is elected, we encourage Headen to approach his opponents with positions in his cabinet, as their experience will provide the office with stability and competence it has previously lacked. Still, with the SG’s need for change, Jeremiah Headen brings the potential to make SG events more popular than they have ever been.
President: Anthony Dunham Amidst the calls for drastic change within the SG, many may find it strange that The Eagle has decided to endorse a candidate with such extensive SG experience. Yet Anthony Dunham has professed an intense desire to spur desired outreach to students, and it is his experience that guarantees he will turn it into results.
Indeed, without knowledge of the system and how it works, demands for improvements — no matter how impassioned — remain mere words. No other candidate was able to accurately spout off figure after figure in support of his or her platform. Dunham is sure to utilize his knowledge in pursuit and application of student input.
Moreover, his passion for making SG work is abundantly clear. His near-harrowing experience presiding over the Handverger impeachment trial would have caused a lesser man to avoid anything even resembling SG at all costs. Yet he continues to attend to SG issues and advocate for students within his position in the RHA with an admirable fervor. Coupled with his expertise, Dunham would surely make things happen as president.
His experience also acts as the perfect complement to Headen. If both elected, Dunham will be sure to guide Headen’s passion and enthusiasm, and together they will ensure that SG can be taken as a serious and legitimate institution by the student government.
We must again stress the excellence of this year’s ballot and write-in candidates. Each of them persuasively pledged to reform SG and make it reflect the will of the students. Specifically, Seth Rosenstein’s call to go through the lines of the SG bylaws was especially compelling. Futhermore, Nirvana Habash has shown impressive fortitude throughout her setbacks in this race and Nate Bronstein displays charisma and dedidcation to the SG. Yet only Anthony Dunham offered that ideal mix of SG knowledge and desire for change that promises competence and results. And if the SG needs anything right now, it is results.
