That's right folks, it's that time of year again. And no, I'm not talking about drinking, I mean, Little 500. It's time for IUSA elections! Students can vote for candidates from 10 A.M. Tuesday, March 25, to 10 P.M. Wednesday, March 26.
If you're like a good number of students, you are probably wondering "what the hell is IUSA, and what do they do?"
IUSA is the Indiana University Student Association, the student government and self-described "Student Voice" of our excellent university. It's comprised of an executive branch, legislative branch, and judicial branch (are those 8th grade Social Studies lessons starting to come back yet?), which include 93 students.
According to the
organization's website,
"IUSA is a congregation of Indiana University students that work to protect student rights, enrich student life, and improve Indiana University. Students join together to voice common concerns, hopes, grievances, and most importantly, to take action to realize an even stronger University."
Opinions vary concerning whether these objectives are actually being met by the IUSA's elected members. Are these elected representatives really representing us well? As a person who has heard little to nothing about the dealings of the IUSA, I definitely feel like I may not be getting enough from our student government. As one IDS reader commented,
"IUSA has been about padding resumes, getting connections with higher-ups in the administration, and general self-advancement for the people IN the organization rather than actually functioning as a legislative and representative body."
Whether this is accurate or not, the elections have gotten a lot of publicity lately with the whole
E-mailgate scandal concerning a member of the Big Red Ticket. While in some ways any publicity is good publicity, this doesn't exactly help mitigate the stereotypical disdain for politics that many students carry.
Will this year's elected students help to reinvigorate the IUSA and ensure that it is a large part of Indiana University's workings? Here's a quick rundown of this year's tickets:
INdiana Ticket
Presidential Candidate: David White
Key Facts: Second-year law student, Chairman of Indiana University College Republicans. Legal clerk for Carl Lamb & Associates here in Bloomington.
Vice Presidential Candidate for Congress: Rachel Schlarb
Treasurer Candidate: Michelle Landis
Platform
- Cut IUSA Budget-return $13,000 to students as scholarships
- Bursar Billing-for textbooks, etc.
- Support Assembly Hall Monitors (Bonus points!!)-student section in Assembly Hall
- INShape IU-programs to promote wellness on campus
Big Red Ticket
Presidential Candidate: Luke Fields
Key Facts: Junior studying Business Administration. Vice president of Internal Affairs for Residence Hall Association. Partner at Fields & Schmid LLP, a graphics and web design firm.
Vice Presidential Candidate for Congress: Andrew Hahn
Treasurer Candidate: Robin Featherston
Chief of Staff Candidate: Billy Bennett
Platform
- Hoosier Basketball-student seating (Please?!)
- Textbooks-cut taxes
- Health Center-Arrange for weekend hours
- Meal Points-100% rollover
Kirkwood Ticket
Presidential Candidate: Joe Weis
Key Facts: Junior studying Business Administration. Intern at Innovative Financial Solutions/New England Financial. IUSA Chief of Staff in 2007-08.
Vice Presidential Candidate: Robert Bercovitz
Vice Presidential Candidate for Congress: Amanda Bushemi
Treasurer Candidate: Nancy Kazarinova
Chief of Internal Candidate: Nate Schnader
Chief of External Candidate: Eric J. Gibson
Platform
- Leadership: inform students about leadership opportunities
- Liaise: Better communication between faculty, students, and IUSA
- Recreation-recreational centers and residence halls
- Sustainability-"green initiative"
Related Sites:
Welcome to the INdiana Ticket!
votebigred.com - Home
Vote Kirkwood for IUSA 2008!
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