Change: All it takes is 45 seconds and a smartphone

I get it. You’re disillusioned with student government. It is just a popularity contest. That is completely understandable. I understand that many people are more concerned about voting based on looks and charm rather than voting for responsible people who can actually implement change.

But it doesn’t have to be a popularity contest. If we all became re-illusioned and re-invested in student government, we could make a legitimate change for Utah State University this week.

All it takes is 45 seconds and a smartphone. Vote at vote.usu.edu.

I’ve seen first-hand what happens when we irresponsibly elect people who are only looking out for their own self-interest rather than making decisions for the student body as a whole.

Those irresponsible council members nearly inflicted long-term, irresponsible student fees on all of us because they were blinded by their own selfish love for the Athletics Department. Upping the student fees this year would have been extremely irresponsible because the USU Athletics Department is in the hole $500,000. Regardless, the athletics department asked for a $10 increase in student fees to make up for it, even though we already pay more in athletics fees than many other schools in the Mountain West.

Luckily, we also had responsible council members, as well as students at large, who advocated for your voice in not raising the athletics fee. I am so glad those responsible council members advocated for all of us. They made important and ethical decisions with your concerns in mind.

Also, just last week some of the responsible council members went to the Capitol to voice your concerns about lack of mental health funds for university students. They were there to make a difference for you. But some of the irresponsible and self-centered council members just went to get out of class.

When it comes to important things like mental health funding and unnecessary athletic fees, who do you want to be your voice? Some dude with money signs around his neck? Or are you going to choose someone who has invested countless time and effort to make changes for the better and will continue to advocate for your interests?

It all comes down to you. You get to make important decisions on their behalf, so they can make important decisions on your behalf.

You get to make that paramount decision this week.

This election can either be a popularity contest or you can allow it to make meaningful change for Utah State University.

It’s up to you.

All it takes is 45 seconds and a smartphone.

— morgan.pratt.robinson@gmail.com

@morganprobinson