United States citizens voted for change in the 2008 presidential election, but Saint Louis University students remained satisfied with their status quo in 2009.
As many predicted, The Next Step swept Student Government Association elections on Monday, ensuring a straight red-ticket executive board for 2009-2010.
The last three year’s elections saw the appointment of straight-ticket, red-team executive boards. The upcoming transfer of power in SGA is no case of “out with the old, in with the new;” it is, rather, an extension of the Howard administration that ensures more of the same old, same old on next year’s SGA Executive Board.
And that’s precisely why The Next Step was elected.
Students likely voted with the old addage, “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it,” in mind. SGA’s operating procedures could stand to be streamlined, but a complete overhaul, as suggested by opposition ticket The Remedy, would be overkill in its innovation.
Much of The Next Step’s allure rests in its members’ experience. Harriss’ candidates set clear, manageable, tangible goals. They united under a cohesive platform. They communicated as a team. The Next Step’s executives proved to be the more sensible, suitable choice for SGA leadership.
The Remedy’s impressive range of ideas would be helpful brainstorming in any Senate meeting, but its members’ lack of experience and cohesion made the platform impractical.
Now, Next Step, it’s up to you.
You can do better than the platform you’ve proposed. Use the cooperation you’ve developed to push brainstorm and push through some ambitious reforms. Taking the door down is just the first step.
For three years, the same color ticket has inherited executive power in SLU students’ senate. The same system has structured SGA, placing and replacing candidates with the experience and connections that keep student government’s wheels turning. Like an old-money dynasty, The Next Step’s members stand on the shoulders of senates before them, fostering a body of work that other leaders built.
Yet, this year, it works. If a system isn’t broken–if it just needs tweaking-fix it and move on.
The Next Step seems solid, though not heroic. Its members would do well to accomplish their platform as quickly as possible to prove their mettle, then start on more ambitious goals-a 24-hour study space and better weekend dining options are a good start.
Harriss, Mason, Moehle, Miller and Chlebeck, here’s your chance. You’ve proven that you’re good Senate material. Work to become great.
