With the soap opera that has been the ASI election coming to a close, it’s now time for all of us to step back and reflect on what all this has meant to us. Well, for me it’s been very interesting, but for most students it has meant nothing. Why? They don?t take the time to vote, they don?t take the time to care, and they barely take the time to go to classes.Even though most of you don?t care?and only 8 percent of you will take the time to vote (if we are lucky)?these elections will still end up to be highly successful for everyone involved. There really isn?t any point to beat the “go out and vote” drum, as most people who read this newspaper would be inclined to vote anyway. It?s the students who go from class to class and then their car that won?t vote.

For those of us who care, all students should be excited about the prospects for a new set of ASI politicos taking office. There is nothing better than fresh faces and new ideas in our representatives. Hopefully, the best candidates that each group has to offer will gain a spot in the student government.

Regardless of how the elections turn out, the makeup and direction of ASI is sure to change. Here?s a glance at what each slate may have in store if they were to be elected.Vision: If elected, look for more attention to be paid to minority outreach programs and ethnic student retention programs, which is certainly something that needs to be done. Also, look for a renewed focus on bringing students into the many processes of ASI and increasing participation.

Support US: If elected, this slate would provide the most drastic change in the make-up of ASI Leadership. Their presidential candidate, Hans Weichhart, is a theatre arts major (as opposed to government like most other candidates). Additionally, this slate has come up with a variety of ideas for change on campus?all designed to make campus life better.

Students First: The late coming but highly organized slate based on realistic goals and solutions would certainly bring a broad range of experience and ideas to the ASI board. Look for programs to increase student participation and quick solutions to many campus problems if this slate is elected.

Either way, it looks as though ASI will be in good hands for the next year or two. Let?s just hope that they will keep the promises that they have made thus far and bring more students into the process.

Now that?s something that would improve campus life.

Brendan D. Wonnacott is a Government & History major and is opinion editor of The State Hornet. He can be reached by e-mail at [email protected].