At the head of every student government election is the big question as to who will become the next SGA president. To help students decide, candidates Samantha Simmons, Kyle Porter and Aaron Rak launched campaigns full of promises and change.
And yet, many of these proposed changes are unlikely to come to fruition, serving more as political fodder than real outcomes. From proposed changes out of the power of the SGA president to proposals that will likely require more than a one year term, the future president of SGA may be using flashy changes that average students are unaware exist beyond the jurisdiction of the position’s power.
Aaron Rak’s biggest push through the campaign has been eliminating costs. In his statement of candidacy, Rak said he wanted to change parking prices and eliminate the $30 course change fee implemented last semester. Rak also claims that the University is intentionally keeping the UA bus system terrible to force students to pay for parking. While it is undeniable the bus system does not operate efficiently, the University has made efforts to change it just earlier this year. Rak claims simplifying and cheapening the ability to get to campus would increase “student activities”; this is an argument with little correlation.
Rak isn’t alone in this claim. Candidate Kyle Porter also claimed to push for cheaper campus parking on his Instagram page.
While no student wants to pay exorbitant parking prices, the student government has no ability to change the prices of parking itself. Because of this limitation, SGA has already turned to other methods of decreasing the price burden of parking through the Parking Ticket Forgiveness program launched in 2019. Unfortunately, the price of parking passes lies in the hands of the University’s administration and whether or not they decide to build and fund new parking options.
Outside of false promises, candidates fall back on flashy rhetoric without identifying the needs of the campus. On Porter’s platform, he said he would increase opportunities for students to “take breaks, relax, and enjoy their time at the University” or advocate for students to get involved on campus, whether that be through recreational clubs or volunteering.
Yes, all of these things are important, but they’re not exactly the job of the SGA president. Every year, Get on Board Day gives students the opportunity to join over 100 student organizations, including sports, academics and volunteer based groups. As of now, Porter has nothing on his platform that explains why his platform increases student engagement beyond where it already is.
Samanatha Simmons’ statement of candidacy, while much more concise, is still full of unspecific promises such as “strengthen academic resources, and improve the quality of life on campus.” In her statement she makes a point of including her relevant experience and her goals for the University. Out of all three of the presidential candidates statements, hers seems to be the most clear and actionable.
Student government campaigns are designed to grab the student’s attention, using flashy language like “cheaper” and “ultimate college experience” to get votes. Yet many of these promises are empty, just like the power the SGA president has to throw a concert in February.
Ultimately, student government campaigns should be rooted in honesty and loaded promises within the jurisdiction of the position — promises that respect all students on campus. Students deserve leadership that understands the limits of the position, works within those boundaries effectively and represents all members of campus with integrity and respect.
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