With web sites, Facebook.com groups, a spattering of fliers, and a YouTube video, the Student Association election season is officially underway.
Enoch Bevel (COL ‘08), Luke Hillman (COL ‘08), Ben Shaw (COL ‘08) and Jake Styacich (COL ‘09) have all declared themselves as candidates to become the Student Association’s next president.
The new election rules are much simpler than last year’s, according to Khalil Hibri (SFS ‘07), who was disqualified from last year’s presidential election.
“[There were] so many rules, you’re bound to make mistakes,” Hibri said. “It’s like the French legal system.”
During an informational meeting for the candidates on Monday night, Election Commissioner Alison Noelker (COL ’07) emphasized that she will communicate with the candidates only by e-mail, so that there will be a record of all communication. A large part of the controversy last year arose because of a miscommunication between vice-presidential candidate Geoff Greene (SFS ‘07) and Election Commissioner Benita Sinnarajah (COL ‘06) over the telephone.
Returning legitimacy to the Student Association is Noelker’s primary concern. Hibri, however, said that “GUSA’s legitimacy comes from the work that they do,” adding that the current Student Association President, Twister Murchison (SFS ‘08), has done a “damn good job.”
The candidate’s platforms vary very little. All four say that they would work to improve meal plan options, expand wireless Internet access and heighten campus security. Shaw also wants the University to implement a readership program, like one at George Washington University, which would provide free newspapers. He also says that he and his vice-presidential candidate Matt Appenfeller (COL ‘08) have more experience than any other ticket. Shaw and Appenfeller are the only ticket with two candidates involved in the Student Association.
Shaw and Appenfeller have advertised their platform with flyers across campus declaring: “I love Georgetown but …” followed by complaints about the school.
Hillman’s campaign responded quickly with copycat flyers proclaimed “I love Georgetown but … I’d love it more if Luke Hillman were president.” Hillman and Raley also argue for expanded increasing GUTS activity on Sunday mornings.
Styacich, who currently serves in the cabinet as the Secretary of Housing and Facilities, emphasized the relationships he’s already developed with administrators while working on extending meal plans to cover Hoya Court and the development of the Darnall cafeteria.
Bevel’s plans include installing more sockets in Lauinger Library.
“The student government often errs on the side of practicality and convenience, instead of legality and constitutionality,” Bevel said.
Some students are skeptical about the organization’s effectiveness. Enrique Gasteazoro (SFS ‘08) questioned the motivation for students’ involvement
“I really don’t think that people who do this have, as an ultimate goal, helping the student body … They see it as preparation for the future,” Gasteazoro said.
