As we close in on the final days of the student government election, I want to briefly reflect on what’s turning out to be a watershed year in student politics at Ohio University. By all accounts, it seems like big changes are coming, and the Restart ticket will take the student body’s desire for new leadership to heart.
Student dissatisfaction with the current student government, and Jordan Ballinger’s behavior during last year’s student government election, is understandable. However, I want to highlight that not everyone on student government has behaved in such a self-serving manner.
Rose Troyer has worked tirelessly to engage students in Athens Beautification Day. Zainab Kandeh has made a truly positive impact through her work on the Student Activities Commission. I’ve been impressed by their positive attitudes and ethical campaigning during this year’s election.
The truth of the matter is that if Restart wins the election, the Student Union is going to need Rose and Zainab’s collaboration and expertise to help implement much needed changes on campus. Politics on this campus shouldn’t be a zero-sum game. I hope the Restart ticket wins and makes history this year. This campus deserves so much better than what it’s gotten over the last couple years. However, for the necessary changes to be implemented, the Student Union is going to need to build a vision for the future that includes the campus press, average students, student clubs and cultural associations.
I hope you open your email mailbox this Thursday and log into the online university poll and vote. This election isn’t about Restart, One or Action. This year’s election is about you and students finally having a say over the direction of the university. It’s time we restart Student Senate.
Will Klatt is a graduate student studying public administration and a candidate for an at-large position on the Student Activities Commission with the Restart ticket.
