To the everyday student who believes ASUO elections represent the essence of the term ‘dirty politics,’ allow me to confirm your sentiments. I am deeply disappointed in the ill conduct of my opponents and their shady tactics to undermine a democratic election.
Throughout the last two weeks, we have faced a number of grievances that have done nothing but stall our campaign with paperwork and distract students from the voting process. The ASUO Elections Board overturned its own ruling and stated that we weren’t allowed to advertise in the Emerald. I was later told that selling 25-cent pizza was against the rules. Yet when many people came forward with signed testimonies that members of my opponent’s slate were libelously claiming that we intended to cut student programs; however, the Elections Board viewed this as insufficient evidence. Of the six grievances my opponents filed leading up to the end of primary week, all were upheld. Yet when my campaign filed just three grievances in defense, all were dismissed. There can be no other explanation in my opinion than clear and outright bias on the part of ASUO Elections Coordinator Kendell Tylee.
Is it not clear that we faced an opposition filled with insiders? Just look at the staff of my opponent’s campaign. The Campaign Manager, Matt Rose, is the current ASUO Finance Coordinator. Another self-described Campaign Director, Jennifer Lleras, is the current ASUO Chief of Staff. Other campaign members include ASUO University Liaison Alison Fox, ASUO Programs Coordinator Emma Kallaway, ASUO Marketing Director Ella Barrett, and numerous others including many ASUO senators.
Far too long has the University student government diminished the voice of the everyday student and disenfranchised the will of the student body. Far too long has the rule of law been discarded for insider politics and personal campaigns.
Despite a concentrated effort from special interest groups to derail an honest campaign, the desire for change could not be drowned out. The margin of victory was so large that a majority was reached in the primary week of voting, a historical moment for University students.
In the few days after the ASUO Executive race was decided, my opponents have chosen to ignore the student voice and continue their irresponsible smear campaigns. While some members of ‘Rock The Yellow’ claim to be victims, they themselves have many questions to answer: Why does their expenditure form not mention web site costs? Why did they accept more than the allowable $500 from Cimmeron Gillespie, as reported in the Emerald (“Big Spenders,” ODE, Apr. 16)? Why were at least 30 T-shirts given out for free, clearly defined as a bribe by the election rules?
The only way faith in the elections process can be restored is if all parties come together to reform the entire system. Yet as long as political insiders deny the student body’s mandate for change, coalition building of any kind is impossible. I sincerely hope that instead of personifying the worst politics has to offer, we as student leaders can serve as examples of people who are willing to work through differences and initiate positive and important change for our community.
Johnny Delashaw is ASUO Vice President-elect