I am writing in response to a Post article on the third page of Friday’s paper, “Senate debate draws crowd,” in the hope of adding a few relevant details — plus commentary.
First, the piece did not mention that the ONE ticket’s presidential candidate, Jordan Ballinger, showed up to the debate several minutes after filming began. He excused himself on the grounds that he was at the Take Back the Night march, but it is interesting that he did not show up punctually. Surely, we seek a senate whose leaders can manage their time and respect the time of others?
Second, it is true that about 60 people were present, but the candidates’ supporters were not evenly represented. Members of the Restart ticket comprised well over 70 percent of the people in attendance. The admirable turnout by Restart supporters was evidence of their dedication to their candidate, Megan Marzec, and their cause – restarting Student Senate for good.
Third, the ONE ticket added proposals to alleviate rape culture to its platform after the beginning of the campaign; insofar as their commitment is genuine, I applaud that. But they made this change without acknowledging that Restart included this issue as part of their platform from the beginning and that many of Restart’s members were among the first and staunchest supporters of Ohio University’s movement against rape culture. They simultaneously failed to give credit where credit was due and treated human rights for OU’s women as an afterthought. Is politics-as-usual the best course of action for OU’s reputation, students or efforts to ensure the safety of women on this campus?
Fourth, the article neglected to address the most substantive issue of this campaign: what our Student Senate has been, and the chances these tickets present for what it can be. In the words of Mr. Ballinger himself, senate has been “a broken body.” Lest we forget, public signs of this brokenness include misogyny (Twitter), a university van full of liquor (Twitter), and a public tasing (in person).
By Ballinger’s own admission, his ticket is composed of 25 percent new members. To put this in perspective, 75 percent of the ticket is composed of the same crowd that surrounded Nick Southall, the same bunch that failed to bring us improved student wages, more affordable tuition, a safe and respectful campus or more accessible student activities funding. Is “25 percent new” a selling point or a confession? Zainab Kandeh’s Action ticket improves on ONE’s but includes members from the old senate and opposes direct voting.
This senate race is a chance to positively change the culture on this campus at every level. Restarting senate will give students the ability to vote on the issues they care about year-round and impact university policy in concrete ways. In 2014, voting is still a radical idea; but we Bobcats can help change that. Vote for the entire Restart ticket for senate, April 17!
Zach Wilson is a senior studying philosophy and a former columnist for The Post.
