OUR VIEW: Our own Barack, Hillary and Edwards

ASUSU elections are right around the corner.

We know, we just went through this. It was only a year ago that we had to elect a new slew of student representatives. It’s always impending, much like the 2008 presidential elections.

There are almost as many candidates for ASUSU as there are for the presidency, too, it seems. Eight students are vying for the spot. Their backgrounds and platforms are just as varied as the politicians running for president.

On top of that, there are seven other positions that students must vote for, plus their college senator. What’s an Aggie to do?

First of all, care about something. It doesn’t matter what. Coke machines. Parking space. Events on the quad. Bringing bands to Logan. Whatever.

Then, look at what the candidates say about your pet issue. If they haven’t said anything, go to the debates and ask about it. Make them work for you – that’s what they’re running for the opportunity to do.

When primaries come, support your favorite. When elections come, vote again.

Make sure you pick someone good. Someone who’s dedicated to really trying to get things done with the time he or she has. The student body president is a member of influential groups such as the Faculty Senate and the Board of Trustees. Even though members only have a year with limited funds and wiggle room, they are placed in a position to get something done, if only students would tell them what they want.

Platforms this year range from just generally improving USU’s academics and the average college experience to specific goals such as keeping tuition down, increasing scholarship opportunities, starting a nursing program, and simplifying the registration and graduation processes. All things that would improve USU.

So what do you think would improve it most?

There are a lot of good ideas out there. Listen to what your fellow students have to say.

The good news is, elections only last a few weeks.

And Nov. 2008 is still 21 months away.