I am writing as another candidate about the endorsement of the Pilliod/Buzbee ticket for ASUO Executive. It is clear that they have a lot of experience, but it is also clear that they do not represent the student body on the whole.
They speak of voter registration and health care. These might be great goals, but they are not representative of the average student. Also, if they are as enthusiastic as the Emerald editorial board claims, why were they the last to put up posters and start a campaign?
Our campaign set out to address what we feel are the issues that the average student cares about. Students want more seating at football games, better parking and more things to do on campus. We know this because this is what students have told us.
We have heard complaints about OSPIRG spending money off campus. Now, we are not against OSPIRG, but this shows that people want something tangible from their fees.
Also the editorial board claims, “most importantly, Pilliod and Buzbee are not making outlandish promises they will be unable to keep.” I believe that they are, in fact, making such promises. Their issue of health care is something that they have no control over. If they get more registered voters, they may have more pull with one senator and one representative, but still not enough lobbying power to bring change.
Lastly I feel that they are mocking democracy and the intelligence of the voters with their gorilla outfits and chalking. Are they afraid that a common student will look at their issues and not see how it will help?
I don’t want to sound bitter. I wouldn’t even have issue with this endorsement if I felt that the reasoning behind it held water, but it doesn’t. Clearly students don’t want the status quo, as there were seven tickets running on not being that.