SMC elections try the polis
Letter to the Editor
It is my opinion and the opinion of at least 51 percent of Saint Mary's College voters that Koelsh/Rodarte is the winner of the recent election. Although Renner/Nagle is qualified — as all four tickets were qualified — they were not the resounding choice of the campus. Had they been, three separate elections would not have been required to elect next year's President and Vice President of Saint Mary's.
If they [the other tickets] are declared winners, for whatever nonsense reason, I will not feel adequately represented in BOG. I will no longer have confidence in a school I have attended for nearly three years. The week-long election was stressful for all of the candidates — that I know first-hand. But a winner has been selected, and that winner deserves recognition.
The elections, though numerous, were handled in a fair and professional manner. The decision for a second run-off after the unprecedented first run-off tie was made with clear and thoughtful consideration of the welfare and desires of Saint Mary's women. It was a situation that all of the candidates seemed in agreement with — that is, until a winner was chosen.
It is my understanding that Renner is the Elections Commissioner of BOG, a title that was relinquished to Bridget Heffernan for this particular election, as Renner was a candidate. As someone who held this position for more than a semester, and who would be aware of all the intricacies of the process, it seems as though this complaint could have been lodged at a much earlier time. If there had been such a serious error in judgment and procedure, it should have been brought to Heffernan's attention prior to Sunday night — even Friday morning. Perhaps even before the Renner/Nagle ticket posted additions to their fliers, encouraging the student body to vote in Friday's election, to "Come Together One More Time." Unfortunately, losing does not justify a procedural appeal.
In addition, there is no reason whatsoever to take Monday's results into further consideration. In that election no ticket held the clear majority, and this necessitated a run-off. If we were to add that result to Wednesday's result, at least 20 percent of the original voters would be un-represented. Although 43 percent voted for Renner/Nagle and 37 percent voted for Koelsh/Rodarte, 20 percent of voters chose the other two tickets. And Wednesday's vote was a clear tie. There was no winner. A third vote was vital.
In any election, the winner must have a simple majority — 51 percent of the vote. Koelsh/Rodarte was the only ticket to do so, in any of the elections. Thus, there is no cause for discussion or review.
I made a commitment to have my voice heard by voting on Friday, even if I did have to go all the way to the Noble Dining Hall to do so. Apparently, other Saint Mary's women did the very same thing, including off-campus students.
I sincerely hope that Georgeanna Rosenbush and the Elections Committee will not renege their resolution in light of current hustling by a losing ticket. If everyone is truly interested in doing what is "best for the student body," as Renner stated in yesterday's article, they will stand behind the decision of that student body.
Friday's decision should stand. Koelsh/Rodarte was the choice of the campus and the Observer Editorial Board. I look forward to experiencing the fruits of their leadership.
Desirée Hollis
Junior
Le Mans Hall
February 7, 2000
All Viewpoint Stories for Tuesday, February 8, 2000
