Despite the disappointing lack of competition in this year's Student Government Association election, there was still at least one group of students bold enough to stand up for Ball State's students.
That slate, Steve Geraci and Team Us, has its work cut out for it. The team is fortunate enough to not have to run an election campaign; however, it comes with a tradeoff. That extra time gained should be spent helping the current SGA administration to achieve their goals so that Geraci's staff may immediately start on theirs.
As of right now, Team Us' platform consists of such issues as 24-hour access to student services, the elimination of Saturday finals, getting "a black barber on campus" and better toilet paper.
According to the team's platform posted at their Web site (www.teamus.us), the group would like to see "better toilet paper in the residence halls."
"Ask them to buy better stuff? Seems easy enough," their platform suggests.
Meanwhile, improvements in student safety around campus are nowhere to be found on the slate's posted platform. If this is the shape of Ball State's future student government, students are in for an interesting ride.
Sense of humor can be appreciated in a political officer; in fact, too often is a politician's funny bone removed the moment they reach office. Yet, losing a sense of professionalism is not a way to earn the respect of a student body or the administrators who help govern it.
There are high points on the platform: an ATM in the Atrium, new Web site tools and outdoor basketball courts, to name a few. It should also be noted that some of these legislative measures have been previously introduced.
When the proper measures are followed, these plans can come to life.
Other serious issues, such as opening restricted lots an hour earlier, have some potential. Again, though, it's all in how one approach the situation.
The "How" section of their slate platform explains Team Us' approach to this particular issue.
"Ask very, VERY nicely. Seriously, parking services is a tough nut to crack, but we would be so bold as to confront the people in charge head-on to demand a change to their extortion and capitalization at the expense of the student body," the platform says.
This is not a statement you would expect to see out of a professional politician. That said, its lacking professionalism may speak wonders for the team's approach.
With the election now a moot point, Team Us needs to spend more time on developing its professional approach instead of attempting to inappropriately connect with the student body.
Although Geraci's team cannot lose the vote, it does not mean they can't lose the university's respect.
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