Friday, April 17, 2009
Well, it’s over.
Thursday brought an end to the confusion and craziness that has characterized so much of this Student Senate election.
Because I am a freshman, this was my first major student election at the University, and it’s been quite a show. From what I’ve gathered from upperclassmen, this election ranks well above previous elections in the craziness factor.
The controversy started early with the suspension of treasurer Alex Porte, an Envision candidate, by student body president Adam McGonigle, a United Students member. The suspension appeared to some students to have political undertones. The antics of Free State presidential candidate Tutu Lee garnered the attention of media and students with a YouTube video. Add in a canceled debate as well. Anonymous threats led Kansan editor Brenna Hawley to cancel the debate. Then, more twists when less than eight hours before polls opened, the Student Senate elections commission suspended United Student’s vice-presidential candidate May Davis.
Looking back, though this election certainly proved to be entertaining, I’m not sure it was healthy.
Not one of these dramatic incidents concerned substantive issues affecting all students, except the debate, which was actually canceled the first time around.
That the issues seemed to remain on the sideline may have stemmed from the similar, though not identical, platforms of United Students and Envision. I imagine that if the Envision coalition hadn’t formed and the race had been between United Students and Students of Liberty, issues may have made for more tension.
But both Students of Liberty and United Students pushed for zero fee increases this year, so maybe even that matchup would not have resulted in a tight focus on issues.
Maybe this election cycle was just ripe for distraction, with little issue divergence among the three major coalitions.
Witnessing this election as a freshman has impressed upon me the importance of Senate and the passions it can evoke on all sides.
And that’s something I suspect won’t change, even when I log in to vote next year as a sophomore
— Shorman is a McPherson freshman in journalism.
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Comments
Shorman: For freshmen, first election proved complicated process
I think the best part of this election is how poorly it was covered compared to baseball. That's because I love baseball. It's a real man's game.
Shorman: For freshmen, first election proved complicated process
Actually, Jbrooks was partially correct. Chancellor and BOR stated that there would be a tuition freeze, which includes required campus fees.
Shorman: For freshmen, first election proved complicated process
"But both Students of Liberty and United Students pushed for zero fee increases this year, so maybe even that matchup would not have resulted in a tight focus on issues."
Wtf. No, the Board of Regents + the chancellor required Student Senate not to have fee increases. This is in no way related to a coalition.
Shorman: For freshmen, first election proved complicated process
Jbrooks,
You're wrong. The chancellor never issued a statement, nor did the BOR, saying that Student Senate couldn't raise fees. That was McGonigle who gave that demand.
Shorman: For freshmen, first election proved complicated process
shutchins: Chancellor and Board of Regents did institute a freeze on all campus fees.
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