COLUMN: Let’s get ready to rumble
Boys and girls, we are now just a week away from the 2011 ASUSU election and I could not be more excited. As a student of both journalism and political science, elections are a special cocktail of ecstasy that baby, I can’t drink fast enough, and this year is not going to disappoint.
Just for context, last year’s election gave us bribery scandals, write-in victories and a historical second-term presidential win. Child’s play. Here’s a few reasons why this year is going to be one to remember.
A Tale of 3 Presidents
In 2010, Tyler Tolson had the election in the palm of his hand before the paint had dried on the A-frames. No disrespect to Jon Allen – I know him personally and he’s a really nice guy – but Tolson was simply unbeatable and the numbers reflected it.
Fast forward to 2011, and we have three candidates who each have a viable shot at top dog.
First, we have Keenan Neuhring. As the 2010-11 administrative assistant, Neuhring has literally been Tolson’s left-hand man for the entirety of the current academic year. He’s central to all things ASUSU and has worked hand in hand with this year’s ASUSU crop, which – as you may recall from a recent Utah Statesman poll – the student body seems to be pretty OK with. If you find yourself chanting “four more years” as Tolson walks by in the hall, Neuhring might be your guy.
Next is Ben Williams, the PR guy for the Val R. Christensen Service Center. As I see it, Williams is the underdog this year, but in no way do I mean he is less qualified for the position. Williams’ challenge is that he comes to the race with a smaller pre-existing support system on the TSC’s third floor (read: cronies) than the other candidates. That said, Williams is a charming devil and exudes the presidential look, and last time I checked, the service center was kind of a big deal around here.
Lastly, but not leastly, is Erik Mikkelsen, former president of a little-known group on campus called Sigma Phi Epsilon, which “IS this university,” according to correspondence between members and The Utah Statesman, capitalization is original. Mikkelsen was a contestant in last semester’s Mr. USU competition, has administrative experience, is highly involved in USU organizations and activites and is rather tall, which statistics say would help him in the race.
Contestation
As a free market capitalist, competition is, in my opinion, the name of the game. For that reason, I have, at every opportunity, reminded the student body that ASUSU offices are often decided automatically by un-contested candidates – a la Brent Crosby, our current Executive VP. I don’t mean to take credit for inception, but this year we have a full slate of ponies at the gate and I couldn’t be happier at the campaigning prospects. Business Senator – the party Skyler Jenks crashed – has six candidates this year, and HASS senator – the most boring position alive – has four.
Still, some offices remain tragically under-represented and for the second consecutive year it looks like the Executive VP will coast their way to victory. Now, Kirsten Frank is an energetic, intimidatingly over-qualified, shoe-in for the position and I wish her well in the campaign; but, the schemer inside me wonders what a darkhorse write-in candidate could do, since her back will be metaphorically turned. Remember, Exec VP is the number two job in ASUSU and comes with an office in the TSC, a scholarship and a hefty amount of ego massage – just ask Brent Crosby.
An Issue Election
Last year’s top stories were the Logan Lurker and Anthony DiLoreto. It made for some great news, but provided little fodder for the political debates. There was a little hubub over the athletic fee increase, but having it put before a popular vote eliminated the need to see where the candidates stood.
This year, while we haven’t had a serial burglar or a free-throwing bank robber, we have had two issues hit with a bullet: B.J. Novak and Common Hour. In both situations, the Statesman endeavored to remain neutral and objective, but that did not stop concerned students from voicing their opinions in our editorial pages – and to them I say, good for you and keep it up.
Going into next week’s election, opinion are running high about the proper allocation of funding and whether or not we like having class at noon. Some students have no opinion whatsoever and will simply vote for (or against) whoever used to date a friend of their roommate. I’d like to believe, however, that more students than ever are paying attention, and are looking to influence USU with their vote.
Take the time to educate yourself on the platforms. Attend the two presidential debates and get answers to your questions. Also, this year the Statesman has partnered with the elections committee to host a debate on Wednesday, Feb. 23 between the candidates for Student Advocate, Athletics VP and Programming VP.
And of course, remember to vote.
Benjamin Wood is the editor in chief of The Utah Statesman. He can be reached at statesmaneditor@aggiemail.usu.edu.