That time of year is quickly approaching — flowers start blooming, birds are chirping, and we are all about to be inundated with posters, Facebook groups and campaign swag. Yes, ‘tis the season for Student Government elections!
As of now, there are 36 positions up for election, and a whopping 12 of them have candidates officially running. We find that number appalling — for a school that is supposedly the most politically active in the nation, it seems that AU students couldn’t care less about their own politics.
There’s still time to enter the arena and we highly encourage students that have any interest in learning the political ropes to run as write-in candidates.
Although SG is known for its potential to be a bureaucratic nightmare (remember last year’s elections?), it also offers many benefits to those students who dream of one day entering the big kids’ politics league on Capitol Hill.
Students have the potential to gain more hands-on, practical experience working in the SG than as a general office grunt on the Hill. For those tentative souls that shy away from red tape extravaganzas, class councils are a great way to get involved without the drama and bureaucracy that come hand-in-hand with executive positions. Either route you choose, these options pose great opportunities.
For those positions with candidates, the level of competition varies dramatically. Some candidates have opposition, such as the six students competing to become the next Nate Bronstein. Others are woefully unopposed, as it appears that no one desires to fill Ed Levandoski’s shoes next year (a difficult proposition, we admit).
While we welcome the enthusiastic competition for the presidential position, we’re disappointed that this is the second year in a row that a candidate is running for comptroller unopposed. This position is vitally important to the operation of the SG, and it’s wrong to deprive the student body of choice. Despite its importance, the position itself is not limited to those with genius financial minds or dedicated business studies. Levandoski, the current comptroller, is a CLEG major. He’s been very effective even without a business school background. So before you rule out your chances at an executive position, know that the major requirements are hard work and dedication, not necessarily a strictly relative educational field.
It is a poor showing on the student body’s part that only one-third of SG election positions have candidates. Many of us come to this city looking to make a difference, whether it be through politics or other disciplines.
If you want to have a say in what goes on here at AU, step up to the plate — get involved in the SG or class councils.
