Friday, May 1, 2009
Liberal Arts Job Interview
According to the Senate agenda for May 6, these are the people who turned in applications for the open Liberal Arts seat vacated by Matt 'Douchebag' Maggy.
- Christopher Day - Freshman - Ran in the election
- Eric Thornley - Freshman - Did not run
- Jacob Neely - Freshman - Did not run
- Alejandra Melgarejo - Freshman - Did not run
- Leissan Sadykova - Freshman - Ran in the election
- Erin Gelmstedt - Junior - Did not run
In general, there are a number of factors that come into play when the Senate selects one to be part of the exclusive club. The process is, some would argue, more difficult than campaigning. When you're campaigning, it's all about name recognition and knowing lots of people. Getting appointed by the Senate is about four things: 1) friends on the Senate, 2) Greek affiliation, 3) gender, and 4) class standing. I know some might think #3 is sexist, but it's a reality. The difference between this process and the election is that the people making the decision have a lot more information at their disposal. Not that we don't think popular elections are fair, or that voters are not well-informed, but these voters (the senators) will have way more information than any regular voter. Not only do they know what it was like to run, but they are accepting someone into their little club. They can ask questions, debate qualifications, personality, whatever they want.
We would encourage all the senators to closely examine all of these candidates, their resumes, their experience, their plan if they become a senator, and their drive.
But this is a political blog, so let's look at the politics of this.
- We have 5 freshman (soon to be sophomores) and one junior.
- Three men and three women
- One member of Kappa Alpha Theta
- At least 3 Political Science majors
- Two people from McQueen High School
- Two people from Vegas
- Two who actually put their names on the ballot this last election
Now let's look at the makeup of the Senate:
- 11 women, 10 men
- Three members of Kappa Alpha Theta
- Student Ambassadors / SOS
At this point it could go to anyone: since the candidates don't post anything online, there isn't much information about what they would do, so we only have biographical and demographical information.
The Senate is likely to pick one of the two people who ran in this last election. There are many reasons but mainly they know them and they might have some pity because they didn't win but tried. It says a lot about a person when they don't put their name on the ballot but would like to represent people. We aren't making an endorsement, and the Senate can pick whoever they want, for whatever reason they want--they are the judge of their own members, but...
We invite our readers to give us their predictions in the comments, and any more information that you think should be made public.
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I think Chris should get it.
ReplyDeleteHe got more votes than Leissan, barely lost at that, and is one of two who ran in the election. I dont like people who wish to represent people who didnt feel confident enough to talk to their potential constituents.
Personally, I hope the Senate doesn't just consider the amount of votes one person gets. In a election, especially a school election, one could simply put their name on the ballot and win by pure name reconigition alone, without stating their intentions, purposes or abilities. Not that I am attacking anyone, it's the idea that is silly.
ReplyDeleteDemocracy is a "silly" idea Eric? Is that your campaign platform? BTW make sure to wearing your UNLV gear when you give your presentation to the Senate, I'm sure they'd love that.
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ReplyDeletethere are only 2 active members in Kappa Alpha Theta. Just FYI.
ReplyDeleteGetting appointed by the Senate is about four things: 1) friends on the Senate, 2) Greek affiliation, 3) gender, and 4) class standing.
ReplyDeleteYou make it sound like if you have these four things then you are in. This is certainly not true. People with Greek Affiliations get criticized more harshly when other Greeks are on the Senate. Also, class standing can be a plus but also a negative, why punish freshman that want to get involved for the get go? They may not know as much but they may have more drive and will also be around. I'm not arguing either way, I'm just saying the four things you listed can also really hurt a candidate...which is probably why you already started listing Greek Affiliations.
Wow you must be pretty naive to think that elections aren't popularity contests. Any political scientist will tell you that half the battle in an election is name recognition (aka POPULARITY). There is no difference in ASUN elections.
ReplyDeleteWhile you might have good ideas, I seriously doubt the Senate will take you seriously given the fact that 1) you've made an idiot of yourself on the Sagebrush website and 2) you were on campus but didn't even put your name in for the real election. It's one thing to say that you just transferred or you were sick, or studying abroad during the election, but to just not run because...? Nope.
My advise, try again next year. And if you don't put your name on the ballot next year, obviously you don't care this year.
People think appointment to a vacant seat is the easy way, it's not. Think of this as a job interview with 21 highly critical peers. They will be judging you based on your year on campus, if they know you, what your resume says, and your presentation.
A candidate can have the best ideas, but if they have enemies on the Senate, they're fucked. Politics is a full contact sport, if your not willing to put yourself in harms way, you shouldn't put your foot on the field.
Good luck next week, but I guarantee they will ask you about UNLV & NEVADA sports, and if you give some bullshit answer like you do on the Sagebrush site, I doubt you'll get one vote. Senators usually have a ton of school pride, and there is no way they will want someone who they perceive to be a traitor sitting next to them.
Chris Day got 93 votes in the election
ReplyDeleteLeissan Sadykova got 89
4 votes? That's pretty close.
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ReplyDeleteWow, have fun with that answer. "Sporting affiliations" are EVERYTHING in college. Don't you wonder why people in their 50s, 60s, 90s, still cheer for their college team?
ReplyDeleteSenators are usually more involved than most students, they usually attend almost every football/basketball game, and again, if your cheering for UNLV on THIS campus...your a traitor. It's just that simple.
I really feel sorry for you if don't wise up and start cheering for YOUR team. Did you know that money you pay to go to school here goes towards OUR team? ASUN spends money on free tickets to OUR games, and a small amount of your per credit fees go towards athletics. That's why students get free tickets to the games, because we pay for them. Your not going to win this argument, and WHEN a Senator asks about it, your done.
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ReplyDeleteI'm just trying to give you some advice, your a freshman, you don't know how deep this rivalry goes. Learn some history and some tradition, and maybe you'll understand.
ReplyDeleteIn the meantime: FUNLV! Go Pack!
http://www.unr.edu/traditions/
Well, again, sporting rivalries should not get in the way of my true intents and asking about them, which the senators should know about through my personal letter and letters of recommendation.
ReplyDeleteSo... Does anyone have any actual ideas as to who should get it?
ReplyDeleteAlthough it seems that the Chris and Leissan thing was pretty close, Chris got the most votes.
I dont think Eric has a shot in the dark.
I think it should be between Leissan and Chris. Were I a senator, i'd probably vote for the person who got more votes.
Without even questioning their intentions?
ReplyDeleteWell, we've seemed to created quite a stir with this post. Personally, for the candidates who are reading this blog (we know Mr. Thornley is), I'd like to know what your intentions are. Why do you want the seat? What would you like to do? If you'd like to submit any materials for posting here, we'd be happy to upload them.
ReplyDeleteWell, what is your e-mail?
ReplyDeleteI can be reached at vislupiestgrex@gmail.com. The authors of this blog have access to it. I'd prefer that you respond in a comment so our readers can become more familiar with you and your platform.
ReplyDeleteVery well. I was going to send my Statement of Intent if you wish to look at it.
ReplyDeleteTo the other decent people who read this blog:
If I did not care about this university, I would not be so interested in this blog, nor would I have bothered to apply for the open senate position. Throughout the past couple of months, I have become more aware of the problems this university faces besides the budget cuts. We have many problems, and I decided that I wanted to apply so I could make an impact and help to protect what I find the most valuable part of UNR, our academic institution.
You see, as a student, I quickly realized after my first semester that there are many hidden gems (at least in my opinion) that our University has. Professors, programs, opportunities, etc. I feel those things are becoming endangered in such a uncertain time. I do not wish to see UNR's outstanding academic traits be destroyed by incompetence.
If I am to become Senator, I will work with other senators to make sure that the student government works in the best interest of the students and in the best interest of the university, both of which should be academic standards. What else is a university for? It should be there to promote academic freedom and development with things that should not be in danger of elimination or degrading. Working on the Academic Committee, if possible, would be another goal.
I also plan on working closing with my constituents through newsletters/online updates or perhaps even a few speeches. I believe that student mobilization is the best weapon against incompetence.
I have already gone over the Budget and I find it quite weak. It ignores several laws and it wastes too many funds that can be delivered to more meaningful aspects. For example, the funds that are used for executive escapes can be used to strengthen the funds for programs that could actually benefit all students, not just a select few. Not to mention, Eli's "stimulus package" also seems to be wasteful and those funds could be re-directed elsewhere.
To "Anonymous" - I have no ill intentions. Besides, it is impossible to benefit yourself in a student government. Why would I risk being a lousy senator and ruin my reputation here forever? My interests are in line with the academic institution and the students.