abolishing the Student Senate. But in an election with so many options, the choice will ultimately come down to What Voters Want.
By LAURA ROMPF
Assistant News Editor
Wednesday afternoon, four junior girls sat in LaFortune at a table near Burger King. They had pens in hand; notebooks and papers scattered all around, and were working on a group project for their Air Force ROTC class.
Just upstairs, on the second floor, the student government office was also busy. The secretary was on the phone, judicial council officials dealt with election matters, and several students filtered in and out.
Despite the student government office being physically close, the four girls, Julie Skluzacek, Andrea Renaud, Erica Walter and Vivian Ryan, said they felt removed student government.
"I don't really know what student government does throughout the year," Skluzacek said. "So I voted for you, but what did you do?"
Because student body elections are right around the corner, questions arise about what students are looking for in a president and vice president. Are issues or personality traits more important? Does campaigning, having a male/female balanced ticket, or race effect how a student will vote?
What are students looking for?
From increasing diversity to improving gender relations, this year's candidates have attempted to address issues that effect the Notre Dame community.
"I like the idea of bringing the prices in the bookstore down," said freshman Marcos Sosa.
"On some posters, I've seen the idea to extend weekday parietals to 1 a.m.," said freshman Alex Roodhouse. "I think that's a good idea."
Other students asked for more phones around campus for security, a third food service plan, Flex 10, cable TV and a monorail system.
Some students felt many campaign promises were used simply to get votes, but in actuality would never be accomplished.
"A lot of the goals seem unrealistic," said Ryan. "They are promising to do a lot that they have no control over."
Walter agreed, saying a promise to open the stadium for concerts was deceptive. "I've heard these before. They are things that just won't happen."
Junior Marc Nuno said he isn't concentrating on issues such as parietals, food or football tickets, but the dedication of the candidates.
"I don't want some who will start strong and end up squeaking through at the end," Nuno said. "I'd rather have someone with a few good ideas who will do everything in their power to get those things done."
Who are students looking for?
When asked what personality traits are most important in a student body president, students quickly answered everything from being approachable, to relaxed, to sincere to having integrity.
"I want someone who is willing to represent the student body, not focus on their own ideas," Skluzacek said.
"It shouldn't be someone who is stuck on their own ideas," Renaud added. "They have to be open to what students want."
Senior Emmett Malloy said despite the personality traits of a student body president or vice president, student government is often ineffective because of the University's administration.
"Their personality doesn't seem to matter because they can't do much," Malloy said. "They have to follow what the administration is telling them to do. Their jobs seems to have minimal impact, they could be chimp and it wouldn't matter."
Nuno said a student body president has to be a good leader. He said if the president is too head strong, he will try to handle every issue himself, and thus be ineffective.
"A good leader delegates," Nuno said. "If you have too many things on your shoulders, you won't do a good job."
Nearly every student interviewed said they want a student body president who is easily approachable and will listen to concerns.
"I want to see a leader with energy," said freshman Mike Bott.
"I need someone who's articulate and can speak well in public," added Roodhouse.
Who will get the vote?
Every student interviewed said the candidates' race and gender would not determine how they cast their ballot.
"If the two girls have what I'm looking for, I'd vote for them," said Skluzacek. "Gender and race are definitely not issues."
However, all agreed campaigning is important.
"I don't have time to go to the debates," said Renaud. "I do read the posters, and think the taller, more professional ones are effective."
Nuno said having a broad platform that addresses several issues will be the determining factor on where he places his vote.
"I don't want the platform designed simply to get votes. I want a candidate that listens to what people say and represent the student body," Nuno said.
Sosa, Bott and Roodhouse said because they are freshmen, they aren't sure about all the issues, but look to the posters to see the different ideas.
"I will base my vote on their ideas and platforms," said Bott.
Ryan agreed, saying the posters are helpful, but added the Web sites are also a good place to find information.
"The emails can be annoying, but at least you can go back and read them later," Ryan said.
Malloy said having a balanced ticket is important to represent the needs of the entire student body.
"I think you should have one guy and one girl, because then you have the two sides of the coin," Malloy said.
The Bottom Line
By Wednesday night, the four girls had left the table by Burger King and were busy in other activities. Simultaneously, all of the candidates for student body president and vice president were explaining their platform and ideas during a debate in the Library Auditorium.
Each ticket said they want to represent the student body and address the students' concerns. Each said they would listen to what the students want and need. And each said they would work with the administration to make their promises a reality instead of far-fetched vows.
Nuno said he hopes the new administration will follow through with their commitment to the student body once elected.
"The president and vice president are there to represent the student body," he said. "We can't go and argue for what we want, but if they are approachable and listen to our ideas, they can tell the administration and supervisors what we are looking for, and hopefully do something for the students."
All News Stories for Thursday, February 8, 2001
