2008 Woodie Awards
Disparity in SGA election good for SRU
Issue date: 3/30/07 Section: Opinion
Individuals in all lines of work often join together to fulfill professional goals. In many cases, people who share different ideals are forced to co-exist. Campus organizations at SRU frequently have to work together under such conditions.
In this year's Student Government Association election, results were announced in front of the University Union among a large crowd of students from the Poplar, Cornerstone and B-E-S-T parties. The results not only ushered in a new SGA, but a new, and potentially brighter, outlook for SGA and the university as a whole.
Poplar Party representative Larry Brink was elected SGA president for next year, but significant disparity exists in this year's results. But disparity is a good thing. A total of 13 Poplar Party members were elected, while 17 representatives from the Cornerstone Party were elected, including two out of six executive board spots. Representation from multiple parties creates opportunities for different viewpoints, and hopefully, a chance to better serve all students at SRU.
Brink and his administration would be wise to take into account a number of different perspectives during his presidency. The Cornerstone Party's platform outlined increasing office hours and marking Happy Bus stops. The B-E-S-T Party argued that voting power should be given to student organizations. All of these ideas are viable opportunities for SGA to make an immediate impact on campus. The administration just needs to keep an open mind.
One of the biggest problems SRU currently faces is communication. Simply stating the truth about current SGA happenings and listening to student voice goes a long way. SGA and all student organizations need to better co-exist. SGA represents the student body. It doesn't dictate it. Next year's SGA has the opportunity to bring this campus together. Having different parties' representatives as part of the administration only aids that goal.
Last year, the B.E.A.C.H. Party's executive board won straight ticket. One hopes that difference will bring about positive change. The newly appointed SGA members must put personal beliefs on the back burner and find a way to work together. It's their only option if they wish to succeed for themselves and their school. SGA, this is your opportunity for a successful term in a time when one might argue that your expectations aren't too high.
In this year's Student Government Association election, results were announced in front of the University Union among a large crowd of students from the Poplar, Cornerstone and B-E-S-T parties. The results not only ushered in a new SGA, but a new, and potentially brighter, outlook for SGA and the university as a whole.
Poplar Party representative Larry Brink was elected SGA president for next year, but significant disparity exists in this year's results. But disparity is a good thing. A total of 13 Poplar Party members were elected, while 17 representatives from the Cornerstone Party were elected, including two out of six executive board spots. Representation from multiple parties creates opportunities for different viewpoints, and hopefully, a chance to better serve all students at SRU.
Brink and his administration would be wise to take into account a number of different perspectives during his presidency. The Cornerstone Party's platform outlined increasing office hours and marking Happy Bus stops. The B-E-S-T Party argued that voting power should be given to student organizations. All of these ideas are viable opportunities for SGA to make an immediate impact on campus. The administration just needs to keep an open mind.
One of the biggest problems SRU currently faces is communication. Simply stating the truth about current SGA happenings and listening to student voice goes a long way. SGA and all student organizations need to better co-exist. SGA represents the student body. It doesn't dictate it. Next year's SGA has the opportunity to bring this campus together. Having different parties' representatives as part of the administration only aids that goal.
Last year, the B.E.A.C.H. Party's executive board won straight ticket. One hopes that difference will bring about positive change. The newly appointed SGA members must put personal beliefs on the back burner and find a way to work together. It's their only option if they wish to succeed for themselves and their school. SGA, this is your opportunity for a successful term in a time when one might argue that your expectations aren't too high.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 4
Lauren Wilhelm
posted 3/30/07 @ 4:10 PM EST
If the same person wrote this opinion peice wrote the last one, they are a hypocrite. I was extremely displeased with this article - the writer made an attempt to save themselves. (Continued…)
Lauren
posted 4/10/07 @ 11:49 PM EST
Steve-
YOU need to read the article from start to finish, not just the parts you selectively chose to read for the sake of arguing.
"Of 32 party slots, the Cornerstone Party has filled the most spots of the parties with 30. (Continued…)
Steve
posted 4/11/07 @ 10:29 AM EST
I guess blatant observations regarding empty positions constitutes a "shoo-in" for the party that has the most seats filled.
On the other hand, I still can't find the text that reads "Cornerstone party the best possible party to choose"
. (Continued…)
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