I apologize if you’re getting sick of the elections news. I can’t ask you to vote for anyone; I’m not allowed to. But I will ask you to vote.
This letter was originally about all of the super cool things LSU Student Government has done for you in the past year. The organization accomplished 12 of the 17 original UniteLSU push-card initiatives and more. It is currently working on Tiger Tailors, an interview clothes rental program. The new Academic Major Fair is on Monday. The Tiger Creed honor code is coming soon.
Representatives from each branch took a full year and rewrote the governing documents to be more transparent. I wish I could continue, because I am more proud of what we have accomplished than I expected to be this time last year.
My first year as an Election Board member, I had one simple task: remain unbiased. I didn’t know John Woodard or Taylor Parks when they ran. To me, after the election, they ran a ticket that tarnished SG’s image, which would now need to be rebuilt. When I looked at them, I saw a campaign. I saw politics. I saw a facade.
I say this now, as Commissioner of Elections, because I ask you to re-evaluate your perception of the 2014 Spring Election Candidates. My opportunity to serve on John and Taylor’s Executive Staff is one of my most treasured blessings of my LSU career. I admire John’s dedication and Taylor’s passion, and they have taught me some of the most important qualities of an effective leader.
The candidates in this election are volunteering their leadership skills to you. There are two devoted, well-organized tickets as well as energetic, strong independent candidates. You might not see that yet, but at this point, they’re your only options, so you may as well take two minutes and vote for one.
Do your research. There are candidate profiles online, campaign websites and videos and dozens of candidates standing in Free Speech Alley waiting for your suggestions. If you have an issue with SG’s supposed lack of impact, take advantage of this opportunity to tell them.
In the media and around campus I’ve heard comments about the candidates running. Worried that they’re all Greek? Concerned about the male president, female running mate trend? Disappointed in the supposed lack of diversity?
Well maybe next time you should run. These people genuinely want the job to help you, and you have a choice in which ones win, so stop complaining. Also, if you took the time to get to know the candidates better and looked at their campaign material rather than avoiding it, you might notice they’re each individuals. I see in these candidates the love for LSU that made me want to earn my degrees here in the first place.
Geaux Vote Monday, March 24, 24 hours on Moodle or in front of the two dining halls.
Missy Wheeler
LSU Student Government Commissioner of Elections
International studies junior