It’s that time. The electoral Zero Hour — thousands of students casting ballots for next year’s leaders and every campaign working to get its share of the total. For the candidates for Student Body president, this is where each will find out if weeks of effort have paid off. You’ll have six options on this year’s ballot, but three are worth highlighting:
* “The Populist:” If intensity was a reliable indicator of voting results, Will Langley of CHASS would have been sworn in as the next Student Body president before election season even started. The first candidate with campus-wide publicity, Langley has stunned observers with the volume of his campaign. Running with the theme “Let It All Hang Out,” he touts a platform that focuses on “regular students.” “I sat out this year and saw they weren’t doing many good things,” he says of Student Government. “We should be doing things students appreciate and want to take part in.” Endorsed by the College Republicans and a panoply of Hillsborough Street businesses, Langley promises to move forward on a Textbook Rental Program and wants to turn the Hillsborough Hike into a block party rivaling UNC’s annual bash on Franklin Street.
The most vocal criticism of Langley is that he “doesn’t take things seriously,” be it Student Government, his campaign or even himself. It’s an understandable argument — but seems like a bizarre complaint coming from people who elected a president that dresses and talks like a pirate. Langley has also drawn ire from administrators over a photoshopped picture of Chancellor Oblinger hoisting a keg, created as social commentary on the Facebook.com controversy earlier this year.
Sources in Holladay Hall claim the Administration is worried about a potential Langley victory, so if he wins big this week expect Vice Chancellor Stafford to nullify the SBP election results ostensibly because of part-time student Scott Stephenson’s presence on the ballot.
* “The Professional:” Taking a more old-fashioned approach to the campaign trail, Will Quick of the College of Engineering wants to “bring accountability and trust back into Student Government.” Hoping to capture voter attention with the catchy “Click on Quick” campaign message, his platform includes a veritable laundry list of proposals from lobbying other government bodies to revitalizing Hillsborough Street. Quick points out that he can achieve those projects because “I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with leaders across campus on efforts like Compassion in Action and during my time as Senate President.” A brother of Sigma Chi fraternity, Quick has also received the backing of the Interfraternity Council and the CALS Agri-Life Council.
While Quick highlights his leadership experience, his critics insist “The Professional” is really just a professional politician. They regard his stewardship of Compassion in Action with suspicion and argue his attitude is one of those “too smooth by half” types reminiscent of former U.S. Senator John Edwards. Some also criticize his membership in Greek Life and possible involvement in last year’s theft of athletic ticket vouchers. Quick has done his best to respond to these criticisms, and hopes his record will speak for itself with voters.
* “The Novice:” The newcomer to this 3-man race, Cody Williams of CALS is running as a fresh face with a more program-oriented focus than his opponents. President of the InterResidence Council for the past two years, his platform centers on Hillsborough Street and making it an enjoyable destination for students again with a “Taste of Hillsborough” program and a Hillsborough Street Guidebook. Endorsed by the IRC and the African-American Student Advisory Council, Williams also highlights his nonparticipation in Student Government: “I have not been involved with the problems between the branches or the past scandals, yet I still have the relationships in the University to have a productive year.”
But with that lack of involvement comes a lack of a record, and Williams’ detractors argue he is secretly the “Administration’s Choice” and will be a tool of their agenda. Williams strongly disputes that claim, but as a product of University Housing and CSLEPS he may need to work more aggressively to convince student voters of his pedigree.
There you have it folks. One of these three men will be your next Student Body president; which one is up to you. Choose wisely.
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