Don’t ignore my racism
In response to ASUO President Jay Breslow’s letter (“Shame on sexism,” ODE, Feb. 26), I feel I must say something: Hey, I wasn’t just sexist; I was also racist!
When asked what I would do with student unions at the University, I responded, “I would align them under one banner, and that banner is ‘Kill Whitey.’”
I noticed that Breslow failed to mention this in his letter, and I think it was unfair for him to focus solely on one element of my campaign. If you’re going to criticize my words, Breslow, you should go for the whole nine yards.
Therefore, in conclusion, I’ll say this: To settle our differences, I propose that Breslow and I have an oil-wrestling match in the center of the EMU Amphitheater this afternoon. If Breslow wishes, it could be a tag-team match with Vice President Holly Magner as his partner and Mr. Billy the sock puppet as mine. Bring it on, Jay.

Sho Ikeda

ASUO Executive candidate


junior


history

Bailey and Oliver

for student voice
Apathy towards vital issues is not something that University of Oregon students tolerate; Eric Bailey and Jeff Oliver are the perfect duo to keep this attitude strong throughout campus. They genuinely care about University students and the community we build.
And Bailey and Oliver do not deal solely with the students by any means; the two of them have strong, indestructible ties with University Housing, student government, DPS, financial planning and athletic ticket distribution, and are highly motivated to maintain valuable and effective communication with any department, group or person needed. Because of their gregariousness, Bailey and Oliver will establish these new ties easily and keep them strong, in order to create a more unified community at the University and in Eugene.
Along with Bailey and Oliver’s attention toward as many peoples’ needs as possible, one of their biggest issues is renters’ rights. Students who live off campus do not always get the friendliness and hospitality that is expected from landlords; oftentimes, it can be a slow and painstaking process to get anything repaired in an apartment. Bailey and Oliver want this to change so students will have a more comfortable place to live and will not have to worry about things falling apart all the time.
No other candidate cares more about the student voice than Eric Bailey. Keep our voice alive! Vote for him and Jeff Oliver for ASUO Executive on Duck Web today until 5 p.m.

Brandi Church

freshman


Clark Honors College

ODE’s bid narrow-minded
Matt Cook and I were extremely disappointed to read the Emerald’s logic behind the endorsement for this year’s ASUO Executive ticket. While we know the Emerald has the right to make a decision based solely on the issue of diversity, we hoped that your editorial board would possess the foresight to see that not only do we have more specific and realistic plans to improve student government than the other candidates, but we also have an effective plan to empower groups through improved public relations as a cornerstone of diversity.
As this election continues, we’ll keep getting out our message of new ideas and a new approach to important student issues. If the Emerald wishes to support candidates simply looking to rise up through the ASUO bureaucracy, that is its choice.
However, it is disgraceful that the newspaper would endorse Nilda Brooklyn and Joy Nair simply on the issue of diversity, when the candidates themselves have chosen not to make diversity a platform of their campaign. It is clear that the Emerald sees the issue of diversity as one that simply runs skin deep. From many we’ve talked to, that isn’t good enough this year, when so much — from the Worker Rights Consortium to the Eugene Police Department — is riding on the line.
Diversity is an important issue, and that’s why we have specific plans to fight for it. But diversity isn’t the only issue, and voters who want an Executive to work for all their needs should consider us in this year’s election.

Bret Jacobson

ASUO Executive candidate


junior


business

Editor’s note: The Emerald editorial board based its endorsement on the merits of all of the issues presented by the candidates — not solely on diversity — as we wrote in our editorial. However, the idea of student representation was an issue for every candidate, and it was an issue that helped us make us a close decision. Skin color was never a factor in our decision; experience and issues were.

University staff join protest

of higher education cuts
Thanks to the Emerald for making its “correction” to an article (“Students lobby in Salem, learn legislative ropes,” ODE, Feb. 19) in which reference to the upcoming March 6 rally in Salem failed to mention the participation of the University’s classified employees.
Though to many readers it may seem of little consequence whether we’re recognized along with “students, faculty, administrators and alumni,” we are the 1200-plus workers who comprise the nuts and bolts of this institution. Our job types are many and include maintenance, clerical, food service, accounting and custodial.
Given that the governor’s budget falls an estimated $96.1 million short in funding higher education for the next two years, participation by parties affected (and concerned) is essential to influencing the Legislature. Not only would the shortfall impact tuition and programs, it could mean the loss of jobs.
Our concern as classified employees is compounded by the fact that we are also on the verge of contract negotiations with the Oregon University System, and we are faced with bargaining to maintain our current health care coverage as well as get reasonable wage increases.
Activism does not come naturally for us all. But I encourage you to join others from our campus as we stand outside the capitol with folks from other state schools. Call the Alumni Association at 346-5656 now to reserve your spot on one of the busses leaving campus on March 6. If we have a poor showing, we all stand to lose.

Star Holmberg

classified employee


computer science