As a student, I understand that Student Government plays a crucial part in the college. I understand this because it is what I have been told, not because it is what I have seen. If I were to ask representatives of the Student Government what their job is or what they have accomplished, they would probably say that they are on committees, but what has ever been accomplished by having a student on the committee?
In this issue I wrote an article about the special elections in February, but I have no idea who is running, and I would venture to say that most students have no idea about the elections. Why haven’t there been posters and flyers? Why aren’t the candidates campaigning?
More than that, I wouldn’t be able to point out the Treasurer or President in a line up. Who are our student representatives, and why aren’t they doing their job?
I understand that their job may be hindered by the absence of the senators and Executive Council, but that is no excuse. A bad system is no excuse. The old saying says that if it isn’t broke, then don’t fix it. But, when I look at the Student Government, I see a crack. It’s broken, and someone should do something about the leak.
Almost every year, we hold special elections because things come up between the spring (when elections take place) and the fall. Why do we have the elections in the spring and not in the fall? Is there a difference in work that would get done?
The other part I wonder about is if they must take place in the spring then why not have two for each position? A primary and secondary (a backup), just in case the first resigns. To me this would solve the need for special elections.
As a student, I should be aware of a government. I should know who they are, and not because I write for the paper. If I take only one class and it’s on a Saturday night, I should know who my representatives are.