Meal Plans are OK

From my experience with Randy Lait, having served on the University Standing Committee on Dining and on the Emerging Issues Committee in IRC, I don’t think that the meal plans would be provided to student representatives with the intent to soften their bite as advocates. It was likely to do the opposite; they want feedback for improving their dining services and typically do seek opportunities to work in support of student representatives to encourage that.

I’m frustrated when candidates work harder getting elected than when in office. SBP Mills hasn’t, as he continues trying to connect with students and listen to their concerns. Having student leaders in the dining halls a few times a week would be wonderful, IF they keep making the effort to be recognizable and accessible. Mills’ efforts were good spirited, wanting others in SG to be as accessible as he has made himself to be, and so far it seems at least one other officer has supported his initiative. SSP Doucette has been very public with how he intends to use his plan, having a calendar outside of the SG office detailing the dates/times he intends to be at the dining halls, as well as having asked the entire Senate to help spread the word to other students. The Senate should enact some restrictions on gifting, but for now, if our representatives remain passionate about doing actual work whenever they use their plans, I’m not worried.

Joe SevitsSeniorScience, Technology, and Society