To the casual observer, the ASMC elections have evolved into a
mockery of the electoral process similar to what the nation
experienced four years ago.
Candidates are crying foul play, accusations of influencing
voters at the polls are flying, and the process itself has
undergone changes midstream. The ASMC Judicial Board chair at one
point told The Weekly that they were going to meet to decide
what they could talk to us about regarding the issues surrounding
the elections.
Last week students learned that Liza Kuney, Director of Student
Activities and ASMC advisor had resigned. Kuney’s abrupt departure
left students and administration struggling to piece together
information that had been funneled through her regarding
elections.
It is our understanding that the Judicial Board chair who was
appointed to oversee the elections process did not receive
assignment to that post until the voting was completed. In
addition, candidates complained that some received campaign rules,
while others did not. Kuney postponed, then canceled an opportunity
for students to hear from candidates, due to a lack of
participation. The “lack of participation” should be called a “lack
of communication” and should come as no surprise since there are
claims that candidates received no formal notification of the
event.
Other students have expressed concerns to The Weekly that
they didn’t get to vote because they didn’t see any information on
dates and times of elections.
In short, it’s clear that the election process was anything but
clear to students and candidates. While this editorial does not
seek to lay blame on any one party, it does seek to point out the
importance of efficiently communicating and disseminating
information, especially in what is supposed to be a democratic
process. The ASMC is in a unique and powerful position. They are
undergoing many changes, which includes new board members, a new
advisor and a proposed new constitution. It is our hope that the
ASMC will take the lead in setting an example as true student
leaders by taking steps to rectify these issues.
In doing so, it will require establishing a communicative and
inviting relationship with the student body. It will also require
that ASMC is able to utilize the new advisor as a consultant and
support system, rather than having a dictator. The Weekly
believes that Kuney had a strong hold on the ASMC, leaving us
questioning as to whom was actually running the student government.
We hope that incoming members as well as whomever the new advisor
is will be able to recognize the power of the students’ roles as
the leaders of the organization, as the primary decision makers,
while looking to the advisor for support.
An overhaul of the Mills electoral process is needed. That
cannot happen with the breakdowns in communication currently
plaguing the student government.
