In response to the editorial (“Slates are detrimental to student government,” ODE, March 19): Although I agree with the Emerald’s assertion that the typical ASUO slate is shallow in content and stacked with a close-knit group of student government insiders, I believe that the Hamilton/Papailiou Campaign for Change is a much different kind of slate. First of all, instead of drawing from a select group of close personal friends and student government insiders, we reached out to students from a variety of backgrounds. The Campaign for Change is made up of 20 candidates with experience in many different aspects of student life.
We’re regular students who’ve come together because we share a common vision. We believe that the ASUO, which takes around $200 per term from every student, should represent every student. We believe that the budget process should be updated in a fair and efficient manner to meet the ever-changing needs of campus life – it is unfair for large contracts to compete with student programs for funding.
In short, our slate is neither an entrenched group of insiders beholden to a small group, nor do we advocate ideas that are shallow or uninformed. In fact, we come from a myriad of backgrounds and believe that the ASUO has a role to play in making the University more enjoyable. We have bold, pragmatic vision for the future of the ASUO; but, more importantly, we have the ability and experience to turn that vision in to real progress for all students.
Neil Brown
University student