Congratulations to the newly elected N.C. State officers. it was an entertaining race to say the least. To our new Student Body president, you have big shoes to fill. Kelly Hook and Team 90 were one of the best we had. Represent your Wolfpack well.

Let’s face it, Student Government has a bad reputation for being a good old boys club. You have to be born into the Student Government family to have any chance at winning an election. Really, out of over 23,000 undergraduates at N.C. State—this is the best we can get?

So why the discrepancy? Why can’t we have a well-rounded, well-informed group of individuals run for office? It’s because the entire election process is unjust. Instead of allowing officers to spend more than $700 on signs, mints, hats, T-shirts—I propose we make requirements and challenging ones at that. This is no joke; these officers represent our entire University to the nation. Let’s make sure the election process is not some spending competition that pollutes our campus with ugly signs and fliers.

Some suggestions: cap funds toward campaigns at $200. May not be used for favors. Only for website designs, booths for the Brickyard, chalk, etc. No sandwich boards that destroy the environment and hide beautiful bricks.

Require candidates to pass a test based on Student Government bylaws and procedures, trustee facts, University history and happenings. The test should be specific for each office.

Require candidates to campaign at a certain number of meetings for clubs, fraternities, sports, etc.

Require candidates to give more speeches to inform the student body of their platform and credentials. The University should help by posting such information on its Facebook page, YouTube, etc.

This is not a Student Government election, this is an N.C. State election. Let’s stop secluding 72 percent of the University’s population. Let’s attract good candidates. Let’s see their vision and let’s elect the right officers to lead us to be the top university—with the lowest student fees.

Editor’s note: The word count for this letter has been waived for content purposes. 

Claire Lucas

sophomore, industrial engineering