In his ads and public statements, mayoral candidate Ed Baum appears to think that students are only interested in student issues; i.e. Halloween. I find that to be a rather narrow-minded reading of students. In my experience, students take an active interest in their community, and their concerns are much broader than the annual bash on the bricks. Students, like other community members, have something to say about such things as clean drinking water, clean and safe housing, and a vital uptown.
In his public statements, Ed Baum suggests students should be housed in huge mega-complexes to keep them out of residential neighborhoods. This makes several assumptions: 1) All students want to live in big complexes, 2) having students live in neighborhoods is bad, and 3) these complexes will make all the unsafe problem housing disappear.
Ed Baum thinks that commercial development needs to continue on the outer fringe of the city. This ignores the desire of many students to live in a pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly community. Do you know any students who have been hit by cars on E. State St.? I do.
Ed Baum has not put forth his ideas on sustainable economic growth. He seems to welcome big-box stores like Wal-Mart and Target, in part to provide jobs. Do you know anyone who works at a Wal-Mart? Do they like it? Is this the type of job that young people really want or deserve?
I find Baum's take on many issues to be at odds with his Student Friendly ads. If you look at his ideas, vision and record, you will find that Baum is trying to scare students with silly advertising. He is making broad and cynical assumptions about what students care about.
The other candidate treats students like members of the community, and takes the time to listen to their concerns. That candidate is Paul Wiehl. Vote Wiehl for mayor on Nov. 6.
Glenn Matlack is a resident of Athens.
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Letter to the Editor
