Mixed feelings about ASUA editorial

This letter is in response to the Wildcat Opinions Board commentary concerning the ASUA candidates. After reading the commentary, I actually thought it was comical the way the candidates were portrayed. In publishing this opinion, however, the Wildcat left out some very important pieces of information that "ASUA outsiders" would simply not understand. I am referring to the learning curve that takes place over the course of a person's term in office. As a current senator, I have experienced this learning curve. It takes time to become adjusted and figure out the issues of our student body. Candidates will always be idealistic. Elected officials are the ones that have the chance to make a difference. The transformation from candidate to elected official just takes a little time.

I do, however, agree with some of what the Wildcat had to say about the candidates. For the most part, I have not been Interested in the election process, as candidates have not made a sincere appeal to the voters.

Despite this, however, some candidates are informed and actually have the experience. These experienced candidates have some tangible ideas to accomplish while in office. For example, Adam Bronnenkant's ideas about working with Parking and Transportation to address some of the concerns students have regarding the appeals process for students who receive tickets is an interesting approach. This is actually something that can be accomplished. I wish Adam was in office when I received my last parking ticket. Tangible platforms might very well be a rare commodity this election year, however, there are a few innovative ideas out there for our voters.

For the students, turn out and vote. Important issues are on the ballot. Also, remember that there are a few good apples in this batch. It just takes a few seconds to figure it out. Lastly, who says green grass isn't a good idea? Come on · it is original!

Josh Maxwell
political science junior - ASUA Senator

Kudos to ASUA editorial

Kudos to the Wildcat Opinions Board for their commentary on the ASUA candidates. The article brings attention to a problem that has long plagued the university: a lack of involved student leadership. As a two-year resident on campus and a two-year member of another student organization, I agree with the Wildcat assessment that there are very few viable candidates this year in the ASUA elections.

Anyone who listened to the platforms of the candidates will quickly understand that most of them are not interested in seriously researching or talking about the issues. In all fairness, this is not a new problem. For example, the senate this year voted almost unanimously to disapprove of the new on-campus housing policy for next year and offered almost no viable alternative plan. This has had almost no effect on the policy and has destroyed their credibility.

And, many of this year's candidates seem just as slow to the take; instead of getting ahead of an issue, they react to whatever the university decides. In addition, many of the ideas proposed by the candidates are not feasible or are simply ridiculous. This letter is not intended to personally attack any one candidate but to bring to their attention that the students demand sensible, practical leadership. The low voter turnout indicates that they have yet to see it.

Jason M. Winsky
political science sophomore

Pete, take a seat!

Pete Seat's comical attempt to slam Kendrick Wilson's Thursday commentary is absolutely hilarious. Never in my life have I seen such useless banter and illogical thought all rolled into one masterpiece.

I would like to remind Pete of the FIVE scientific polls that have Attorney General Janet Napolitano ahead of former Rep. Matt Salmon in a potential showdown in November. On top of another poll, it showed Napolitano with higher approval ratings than Gov. Jane Dee Hull and Secretary of State Betsy Bayless among REPUBLICAN VOTERS!

I find it amusing that Mr. Seat would attack the Clean Elections system when his statements proved the simple fact that he is ignorant of the law and its functions. I guess the lies and misinformation of the Republican Party, Matt Salmon and UACR's have finally caught up with them.

I would like to pose a question to Pete: Do you know where funding for Clean Elections comes from? (By your previous answer, you do not). Funds come from surcharges on civil and criminal fines, fines collected by the Secretary of State's office, lobbyist fees and contributions to the commission. For the dullards, if you're not a lobbyist, don't break the law (civil or criminal) or don't donate to the commission - YOU DON'T PAY FOR THE CAMPAIGNS.

I hope that a snot-nosed theater freshman from Schererville, Indiana does a little research before submitting his next letter to the editor.

Ellen Gruwell
history junior