As a journalism major learning the methods of accurate reporting, I would like to address some misguided ideas in last Friday’s guest commentary “Reform ASUO campaigning.” Although I agree some elements of the ASUO elections have room for improvement, I do not believe they are a joke. My campaign for the journalism senate seat was cited as proof of the election’s hilarity; however, I see nothing funny about my decision to run for Senate. I will take my candidacy seriously — like I took my campaign seriously. This is not a commitment I take lightly.
Lucas McAdams’ statements about me were incorrect. I have worked hard to attain full journalism major status as a freshman. I made a conscious effort to run my campaign by the rules and got permission from an Allen Hall representative to hang my posters where I did. I can only account for my misspelling of the word “bridge” as human error. A typo does not translate to incompetency. Perhaps my correct spelling of “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” will persuade any who remain doubtful.
My tie to Reality Check, although helpful in securing my Senate seat, is not the reason I find myself a senator-to-be. Even without the “umbrella of Reality Check,” I would have found support among my peers. Reality Check chose me because I am qualified, enthusiastic, driven and passionate about the field of journalism. As an active member of the communications community, I earned each vote. I am a member of the school’s televised news show DuckU and have worked as a multimedia reporter for the Emerald. I have learned that fact-checking is a must before pointing fingers. Journalism 101: Get to know the subject of your criticism before you publish.
It’s debatable whether or not slates improve the campaign process. My experience has led me to believe that the elimination of slates would only hinder student participation in elections. Reality Check’s incredible success this year was not a usurpation of Senate power by a “mighty” slate. Each candidate is an individual student with unique personalities and strengths. The formation of a slate allows like-minded students to come together under a banner of issues and effectively inform students of the changes they believe should be made. I was involved in the ASUO campaigning process and can attest that Reality Check did just that. A blind vote is in no way constructive. Instead of employing gimmicks and games, we used our platform to win over voters. I speak for all of Reality Check when I say that I am proud of our campaign. We tried our best to legitimately earn every vote.
As someone who values communication, I believe the key to fixing the disconnect between ASUO and the student body is dialogue. Keeping students aware and interested in ASUO proceedings would end the allure of flashy T-shirts, choreographed breakdances, and propagating balloons during elections week. We can solve the problem of the “uninformed” voter simply by providing answers to questions and being accountable to the student body throughout the year. Easy as that — no jokes about it.
It’s time to bury the hatchet. ASUO elections are over, and the results are what they are: a direct reflection of our student body’s voice. If changes need to be made, let’s make them. A silly typo and the number of candles on my birthday cake does not make me unfit to be a part of that change. I’m ready to take my position in the Senate and promise to never forget the people who gave me this incredible opportunity.
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Bridging gap between fact, fiction
Daily Emerald
April 10, 2010
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