The problems we face are right in front of us, and they must be confronted. The administration either fails to act or, when it does, does not take the student voice into consideration.
It's wrong that our phone lines are being taken out of our rooms.
It's wrong that we will be forced to pay for Ruckus next year.
It's wrong that the library gets new carpeting while its shelves remain barren.
It's wrong that the administration refuses to keep the health center open on weekends because it doesn't think students are worth the extra expense.
It's wrong that there are countless examples of students' priorities and concerns being ignored by the administration.
The vice president creates programming, and the secretary's duty is to communicate with students. The president must be able to stand up to the administration and demand that the students be a part of the decision-making process and that their voices are heard.
As tuition continues to rise and the quality of our services continues to decline, we need a president who understands that we face real problems and that we need real solutions. We don't need a bigger SC; we need a smarter one. One that is more responsive to students and better able to defend our rights and interests.
Over the next few days, I hope to meet all of you. Perhaps you've seen my yellow posters on your neighbor's door or my banners on the main quad, or perhaps I've even spoken with you at a basketball game. I know that together we can work to find the right path for us all; we are not there yet, but we will be.
