8
Friday, February 11, 2000
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out coverage?
Contact the
ombudsman at
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Scott Hicks
EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR
Katie Abel
UNIVERSITY EDITOR
Jacob McConnico
cm EDITOR
Board Editorials
Representative Voices
The Daily Tar Heel is endorsing several
students who are bold and caring enough to
aim for Student Congress seats.
Student Congress provides a voice for all
students and allocates student fees to campus
organizations. Congressional elections give
students the chance to choose who will rep
resent their concerns.
The DTH endorses the following Student
Congress candidates based on platforms,
personal statements and responses to survey
questions.
Districts 1 (Two Seats), 2 and 3
No one sought these graduate student
seats. The editorial board recommends writ
ing in responsible candidates.
District 4
Sarah Tully Miller earns the DTH
endorsement for this seat. Sarah believes that
students should vote on all available options
for United States Student Association mem
bership and has expressed excellent ideas
about improving training and pay for teach
ing assistants. She also wants to raise student
fees to increase the number of activities
made available to students.
But her belief that Congress should be
involved in world and national issues, espe
cially at a time when there are so many press
ing University concerns, proves to be a neg
ative aspect of her candidacy. In addition,
her plans for allocating more student funds
for transportation and lodging for student
groups could put a severe strain on Congress’
budget.
District 5
No one sought this graduate student seat.
The editorial board recommends writing in
a candidate.
District 6
The Daily Tar Heel endorses David
Ruddell. Ruddell, who is the incumbent in
this district, has experience fighting for stu
dents’ best interests. For example, as a mem
ber of the Committee on Student Conduct,
Ruddell helped to stop an administration
effort to include drug use as an Honor Code
violation.
He also realizes that Student Congress is
supposed to address issues of importance to
students and admits that when Congress con
siders issues outside its jurisdiction, it dam
ages Congress’ reputation, making students
think that the body has nothing better to do.
Ruddell serves as president of the DTH
Board of Directors, which has no say in the
paper’s editorial content.
Districts 7,8 (Two Seats) and 9
No one sought these graduate student
seats. The editorial board recommends writ
ing in responsible candidates.
District 10
Heather M. Yandow secures the DTH
endorsement. Heather has expressed good
ideas about requiring rape awareness and
defense classes for students and will be an
advocate for pedestrian safety if elected.
However, like Miller, she has said
Congress needs to address problem outside
the University. If elected, Yandow should
make sure she addresses constituent con
cerns first.
Why write in Thad Woody?
■ Experience and dedication to
UNC ...
As an undergraduate at UNC, 1
served as senior class president in 1996
and two consecutive terms in Student
Congress. While serving in these posi
tions, I had the opportunity to network
with the University community and
state legislators.
I returned to UNC for law school
because I genuinely enjoyed my time
here and the opportunity to serve the
University community. I hope to con
tinue this tradition of service by advo
cating for graduate and professional stu
dents as Graduate and Professional
Student Federation president.
■ An advocate for graduate and
professional students...
Serving as GPSF president requires
you to be in the spotlight at various
times, addressing what are now
unknown issues.
Whether opposing a tuition increase
in the state legislature or representing
Rob Nelson
EDITOR
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Matthew B. Dees
STATE & NATIONAL EDITOR
T. Nolan Hayes
SPORTS EDITOR
Leigh Davis
FEATURES EDITOR
District 11
Bharath Parthasarathy receives DTH
approval for his concern for the disabled, a
group of students whose concerns are often
underrepresented. Parthasarathy will serve as
a much-needed advocate for this constituen
cy. He also has suggested improving the fee
allocation process so that student groups bet
ter understand how to ask for funds.
Parthasarathy is a member of the DTH
Board of Directors, which has no say in the
paper’s editorial content.
Districts 12,13 and 14
No one sought the District 12 seat, and
candidates Urenna Lekwauwa (District 13)
and Kia Scott (District 14) failed to turn in the
required materials. The editorial board rec
ommends writing in responsible candidates.
District 15
The DTH endorses Sandi Chapman for
her defense of groups that get shafted by the
budget process.
However, her support of Congress’ recent
tendency to debate issues outside its jurisdic
tion is disheartening. She needs to focus on
student concerns, not outside issues. In addi
tion, the extent of her commitment to other
activities leads the DTH to endorse her with
reservations.
Districts 16 (Three Seats) and 17 (Two Seats)
No one sought these on-campus under
graduate seats. The editorial board recom
mends writing in responsible candidates.
Districts 18 (Three Seats) and 19 (Two Seats)
No one sought these off-campus under
graduate seats. The editorial board recom
mends writing in responsible candidates.
District 20
Alexandra Bell gets the vote of confidence
from the DTH. She is very well-versed on
transportation issues, which are especially
important to her constituents, and she has
displayed a willingness to fight town ordi
nances seeking to restrict student living
arrangements.
Opponent Meghann Shinners also pro
vided the DTH with some good ideas, such
as providing more 24-hour computer labs
that off-campus students can access, and Bell
should try to integrate them into her plans.
Districts 21 (Three Seats) and 22
No one sought these off-campus under
graduate seats. The editorial board recom
mends writing in responsible candidates.
District 23
The DTH supports Anthony Larson for
his desire to keep the student body informed
about Congress’ actions. His ideas to
improve student safety, such as lengthening
the P2P Xpress route and increasing the
number of streetlights in high-crime areas,
are also commendable. In addition, Larson
will prove to be a strong voice in opposition
of a student fee increase and, if elected, he
could help to ensure that any such increase
would be reasonable.
Districts 24,25 and 26
No one sought these off-campus under
graduate seats. The editorial board recom
mends writing in responsible candidates.
GPSF Write-In Candidate Platform
graduate student
concerns to anew
chancellor and
provost, the issues
that may material
ize during next
year’s presidency
will require adapt
ability.
I have experi
ence working with
both University
administration and
Thad Woody
state legislators to stop a proposed
tuition increase and have established
relationships that would allow me to
attack a variety of issues.
■ Housing...
One of the biggest concerns affecting
graduate and professional students in
the upcoming year is housing.
Although the numbers are not large,
for some students, student housing is a
necessity.
In my role as a member of the com
mittee, deciding what to do with the
Opinions
aliD Hath} alar Brrl
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Robin Clemow
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Write In Brian Bersticker for SBP
“Politics are now nothing more than a means of
rising in the world. ”
- Samuel Johnson
“I am all about the Party Party. ”
- Brian Bersticker
Student government has always been
more of a ladder for ambitious, egocen
tric students than an effective means of
instituting change. Everyone knows real
change comes from the University administra
tion, and thank goodness. We don’t really
want to have to worry about consequential
matters. We’re in school. We want to have a
good time and focus on our own education.
So when student elections roll around, the
only people who give a damn are the candi
dates, their stooges/supporters and The Daily
Tar Heel (case in point).
Student politicians act like real politicians.
They all discuss the same issues. First, the can
didates will all work for better food and prices
in Lenoir Dining Hall. Folks, it’s a school cafe
teria: Get over it.
Second, they will work to prevent tuition
increases. Tuition will always go up. It hap
pens on every college campus. Look how suc
cessful previous student body presidents were
at keeping it low.
Next, student politicians make numerous
promises, attempting to appease all the con
cerns of the stooges who run their campaigns.
Of the six candidates running for student
body president, Brad Matthews tops the list of
shameless vote pandering. He made 42
promises in his recent platform in the DTH.
There are some gems. Matthews seeks to
“institute a life-skills seminar” because “we all
need to know how to prepare our own taxes,
save for retirement and mortgage a house.” A
seminar on taxes? More people would attend
a seminar on taxidermy. Matthews also
promises a clock in every classroom. (Wear a
watch, Brad.)
Some candidates come with a built-in vot
ing base: their fratemity/sorority. Matthew
Martin would appear to be that candidate, as
he will sponsor a “Greek Service Day.” Do we
really need a day for this?
And given the common argument that fra
ternities/sororities are so philanthropic,
Horace Williams tract of land, I will
work to have new graduate student
housing included in the design plans.
■ Childcare ...
The availability of childcare has been
a complaint among graduate and pro
fessional students for several years. The
University provides very limited child
care services, but the communication
between graduate and professional stu
dents and those opportunities often falls
short.
I will highlight the problems of stu
dent parents to the new chancellor and
ask him or her to address the pressing
needs.
Also, the lack of childcare for toddler
age children and for school-age children
during public school holidays and can
cellations is a problem which I will
lobby to alleviate. Further, the opportu
nity for children of students in family
housing to access University facilities
and attend sporting events should be
reevaluated.
■ Helping Teaching Assistants ...
■
BRIAN FREDERICK
ON TAP
shouldn’t there be more than one day a year?
Candidates like to make vague statements
that seem to address serious concerns. Martin
promises to “form a committee whose job is
to inform students of programs and services
that the University provides.” (That would be
one overworked committee.)
Erica Smiley promises to “make student
government laws more understandable.” (As
if the reason we don’t know student govern
ment laws is because we aren’t smart enough
to understand them.)
There’s always a fringe candidate. Preston
Smith and his campaign cronies meet at
Jimmy John’s. Guess I’ll never run into them.
Smith claims “the student body is currently at
a huge disadvantage on campus.” Really? “We
are unable to control our own destinies or
future within this University.” Maybe you
should pick anew major, Preston.
Lest you think me too cynical, I will admit
that I have seen leadership this year. Like
many of you, I cheered my ass off at the
UNC-Duke game.
As did one player on the Carolina bench:
Brian Bersticker. The tall blond guy dressed in
street clothes, Bersticker urged on the crowd
throughout the game and had he been able to
play, would have undoubtedly provided the
lift we needed.
Hmm ... Brian Bersticker for President.
President Bersticker. He’s the perfect write-in
candidate. The UNC student body president
and senior forward on the Tar Heels. Think
about the story it would make on
Sports Center. And all the highlights next year.
(Stuart Scott: and President Stick vetoes that
shot. 800-yah!)
And think about the morale boost we could
give the team if we elected Bersticker as presi-
Asa TA in the UNC School of Law, I
can attest to the fact that we are under
paid. TA stipends seem to be the last
thing the University supports during
years of budget crunches, which
inevitably seem more often than not at a
state university.
Although I cannot promise better pay
for all TAs, I will advocate strongly for
better pay.
What the University can do, howev
er, is express its appreciation to TAs,
which begins by restoring full funding to
the TA Appreciation Barbeque. TAs
play a tremendous role in the teaching
process at UNC. That should not go
unnoticed or un rewarded.
Also, I will lobby vigorously for the
funding needed to implement the rec
ommendations of the Task Force on
Teaching Resources so that no TA has to
pay out-of-pocket expenses to teach
classes.
■ Institutional pride and social
interaction ...
Graduate and professional students
Vicky Eckenrode & Cate Doty
‘ MANAGING EDITORS
Thomas Ausman
DESIGN EDITOR
Megan Sharkey
GRAPHICS EDITOR
William Hill
ONLINE EDITOR
are often left on the perimeters of
University life. Asa past member of the
UNC General Alumni Association
Board of Directors, I believe that grad
uate and professional students would be
interested to leam more about the histo
ry of the University and the opportuni
ties that are here outside of their respec
tive departments.
Sponsoring an evening at the Alumni
Center that highlights University life and
the history of the University would help
promote institutional pride among grad
uate and professional school students
and would hopefully make their time at
the University more meaningful.
Also, I will continue the popular
GPSF-sponsored socials that began this
year.
■ And about those basketball tick
ets ...
I’m a fan of all Tar Heel sports, but I
have to mention basketball. The recent
debate between undergraduate students
and the Department of Athletics regard
ing decent student seating at men’s bas
ulljr Satly (Ear Heel
Terry Wimmer
OMBUDSMAN
dent, especially going into March Madness.
It could let the team know that despite their
struggles and the ugliness regarding student
seats, we’re still right there behind them.
(Incidentally, who better to lobby for better
student seats than Bersticker?)
His Cabinet could consist of Capel,
Haywood, Lang and Owens.
In case you’re wondering how Bersticker
stands on all the “real” issues, he has only one
promise: a bitchin’ block party in the fall. I’m
talking about shutting down a block of
Franklin Street for a night and having a
national act play on stage. We’ll worry about
the bands and the logistics later.
Just take a moment and imagine a night of
unrivaled celebration in the early fall. We
could hold it on the Friday night before the
N.C. State game. Everyone would have a
grand time.
Now, here’s how we elect Bersticker. You’re
going to have to vote. I’m sorry. I normally
don’t do it, either. But I promise you that if
you find just five minutes on Tuesday, they
will be worth a whole evening come this fall.
The easiest places to vote are the Student
Union, Granville Towers, Chase Hall, the
School of Lawl or Hanes Art Center. Write in
“Bersticker.”
(Perhaps you’re supposed to be voting for
one of the other candidates. Well, you’re in
luck. Fortunately, no one will ever know how
you vote. Write in Bersticker, the Party Party
candidate. You know a big party sounds a lot
more exciting than anything your candidate is
proposing anyway.)
All, make sure you tell your friends. At par
ties tonight, discuss who you’d like to see play
the big block party. E-mail all the listservs
supporting Bersticker. How about some signs
at the Wake Forest game? Keep that spirit
going through Tuesday.
This could really be fun. And who would
have ever thought voting could be fun? Write
in Bersticker for student body president on
Tuesday and we could be celebrating through
out March and next fall.
Brian Frederick is a graduate student in
journalism and mass communication from
Lawrence, Kan. Reach him with questions and
comments at brifred@yahoo.com.
ketball games has been exhilarating.
Almost every year since I have been
at Carolina (and it’s been a while), the
debate has taken place. Never before
has there been so much student enthu
siasm.
As an alumnus and a person who has
worked with the Educational
Foundation on other issues in the past,
I would throw my support to the stu
dents and the Carolina Athletic
Association.
I would also work to preserve and
expand ceiling fan seats for graduate stu
dents who might not have time to wait
in long lines but who are serious fans
nevertheless.
Please share your thoughts and
remember to vote ... I welcome your
comments and feedback about this plat
form.
Please e-mail me at
twoody@email.unc.edu. I look forward
to hearing from you.
Please remember to write in Thad
Woody for GPSF president on Tuesday.