Newspapers / Daily Tar Heel (Chapel … / Feb. 11, 1992, edition 1 / Page 8
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8The Daily Tar HeelTuesday, February 1 1, 1992 98th year of editorial freedom Jennifer Wing, Editor STEVE POUT!, University Editor CUILEN FERGUSON, Editorial Page Editor NEIL AMATO, Sports Editor CHRISTINA NlFONG, Features Editor ALEX De GRAND, Cartoon Editor MlTCH Kokai, Copy Desk Editor GRANT HALVERSON, Photography Editor Amber NlMOCKS, City Editor ERIC LUSK, State and National Editor MONDY LAMB, Omnibus Editor Jennifer Dickens, Layout Editor JoAnn RODAK, Managing Editor Amy SEELEY, Copy Desk Editor KATHY MICHEL, Photography Editor Get out and VOTE Democracy. It's up to you to make it work. It's up to you to vote today for the candidates and referendums you support. Based on interviews with candidates, The Daily Tar Heel editorial board has endorsed Mark Shelburne for student body president, Peter Wallsten for DTH editor, Charles Streeter for Residence Hall Asso ciation president and Tracy Kirincich for Carolina Athletic Association president. The board has also endorsed the referen dums, and the highest on our list of priori ties is to change the election of DTH editor to a selection process. The other three ref erendums dissolving the UNC Media Board, repealing last year's decision to adjust annually student activities fees for inflation and allowing congress candidates to run for a district that they will move into also deserve your support. But don't take our word for it. You still have a few hours left to check out the candidates and the referendums. Only you can ensure that your choice is informed. There are only six hours to vote noon to 6 p.m. and only six poll sites, so don't wait until the last minute to vote. We shouldn't allow the votes of a few activists on either side of the political spec trum dictate how student government will be run next year. We must all take part to make our campus government truly repre sentative of the entire student body. Vote 'YES' for DTH editor selection referendum The Daily Tar Heel has changed consider ably since its conception by the University Athletic Association in 1893. The DTH during its long history has adapted to the needs of students at UNC-Chapel Hill. It is time once again for our campus newspaper to continue this tradition by altering the editor selections process. This necessary change can occur only with voter support today for the DTH referen dum. The reasons for the referendum fall under three areas: objectivity, the problems of run ning in an election and the mechanics of run ning a newspaper. Objectivity One crucial component to a successful news paper is objectivity in journalism. The editor must feel he or she can make decisions based upon an unbiased perspective of the events. This insures fair, equal and accurate coverage of news and information. The election poten tially compromises the integrity of editor can didates by forcing them to make political state ments. The editor should concentrate on jour nalistic objectivity and not focus on winning political favoritism with voters. Politics and journalism simply do not mix. The Problems With Elections As everyone clearly understands by now, campaigning for political office is intense and time-consuming. The DTH suffers when senior members quit the paper to run for editor. Often, these individuals will enlist the aid of other members of the DTH for campaign support, and they must quit the paper as well. This loss of experience and leadership comes during the most difficult time for the campus newspaper Ruffin Hall Guest Writer elections. In addition, staff division over the election creates controversy within the paper that occasionally prevents qualified personnel from returning to the paper. Since the DTH would have only three representatives on the proposed 1 1 -member voting board that would replace the all-campus election process, the influence of individuals from the DTH would be limited, and staff division would be less ened. Mechanics of Running a Newspaper One of the most difficult tasks for any cam pus voter is selecting an editor based upon a limited knowledge of the candidates or what an effective newspaper really does. Political can didates state a position, and the voter under stands the ramifications of the policy. But an editor is not a political leader. We are selecting them to do a job to run our campus newspa per effectively and efficiently. A selections board can become informed on qualifications, experience and innovations necessary to insure success for the DTH. In addition, the process would not be taken out of student hands the selections board would have eight at-large po sitions. Members of the DTH or the DTH Board of Directors would be ineligible for these spots. So, the selection would still be made by the student body at-large to insure innovation and responsibility to the campus. Opponents of this change would argue a selections board removes the component of feedback from the paper, since editor candi dates would not have to campaign actively. This could make the DTH unresponsive and unaware of the readers' opinions. However, the problem with this perspective is the lack of consideration for the eight at-large positions and the need for the DTH to keep its primary readers students interested in the paper. Since it would require seven votes of an 1 1 -member board, the at-large students have the ability to outvote the DTH representatives ev ery time. If students are unhappy about the DTH, it will certainly communicate itself from these individuals. Also, if the DTH wants to keep its readers and its advertising revenue it must uphold its purpose of providing quality coverage of campus and off-campus news. This insists the DTH remain responsive to its read ers, regardless of how the editor is chosen. In summary, the superior method for choos ing the editor of the DTH is undoubtedly a selections board. Because of the need for objec tivity, the problems with running in an election and the mechanics of running a newspaper, students can only benefit by voting YES for the DTH referendum. As The Daily Tar Heel ap proaches its 100-year anniversary, it is impor tant to remember its strength lies in its ability to adapt to the needs of this campus it is now time to continue that tradition by changing the editor selections process. Ruffin Hall is a senior political science ma jor from Fayetteville and is president of the DTH Board of Directors. RHA candidates endowed Experience, dedication give Streeter competitive edge To the editor ' Few people at this university have impressed me as much as Charles Streeter. I feel confident in endorsing Charles for RHA president, because his dedication exemplifies his desire to bet ter student living. During the past six semesters, Charles has worked within the Residence Hall Association as a floor representative, as the governor of Craige and as a member of committees dealing with recycling, parking, transportation, finances and South Campus improvements. This past year, Charles has worked closely with Co-Presidents Christy Pons and Scott Peeler as their executive assistant. He has extended his understanding of the breadth, scope and importance of this job. This is not a cushy job with a slew of bureaucratic perks Charles wants your vote on Feb. 1 1 , because he is dedicated to student service. I have come to know Charles through a group called Peer Leadership Consultants. Together, we volunteer our time to individuals and organizational consulting. Charles will use his experience with groups to listen to every issue as judiciously as possible and to continue to make RHA an effective advocate for improvements in student living. One specific area for improvement is encompassed by Charles' support for the RHA's Racial Diversity Proposal. Streeter plans to create a minority af fairs assistant and, despite the fact that he really loves living in Craige, once elected, he plans to move to North Cam pus. As a minority student and RHA president, Charles understands that if he is going to ask fellow minorities to create a community on North Campus, it is imperative that he be a real part of paving the way toward enhanced race relations. If nothing else, you should elect Charles for his nostalgia. In his plat form he discusses his desire to revive such all-campus events as Springfest. On a different tact, Charles is also a strong proponent of improved and in creased services to the residence halls' computer labs and even future cable TV subscriptions. Charles is a great leader; he sees himself as just one part of a much greater whole. Charles Streeter has the experience, competence, insight and desire to best serve you in the com ing year. EVAN EILE Senior Political Science Streeter Going beyond the call of duty for RHA To the editor: In the two years that I have known Charles Streeter, I've had the opportu nity to work with him in a large capacity through dorm government, and because of this, I've seen firsthand how truly dedicated he is to the Residence Hall Association. On numerous occasions, in order to pull a project off success fully, Charles has gone above and be yond what was required of him as dorm governor so that things would run smoothly. Charles also has been very aware of his responsibility to the environment as well as to the surrounding community. By continually supporting and promot ing recycling projects in and around Craige, Charles has striven to reduce waste as much as possible. By that same token, rather than disposing of excess food from government programs, Charles has taken measures toward do nating the food to a local soup kitchen. As dorm governor, Charles had spe cific goals for Craige, and as RHA presi dent, those goals are just as valid. Along with improvement for the environment and community, Charles places a large emphasis on minority issues through out RHA. From interaction between minority students and the RHA office, to finding a solution for self-segregation between North and South cam puses, Charles has committed himself to developing a rigorous agenda for continued advancement in these areas utilizing the gathered information and suggestions from those individuals it concerns most the residents. I am writing this letter endorsing Charles for the position of RHA presi dent not just because I consider him a capable young man who can get the job done, but because through his work within the RHA office and University housing, I am confident Charles has gained on-the-job training for this spe cific position. This training will enable him to determine resourcefully which avenue to take in RHA administration to obtain what we as residents of UNC want and need the most. KIMBERLY MOORE Sophomore Industrial Relations Davis tackles tough issues in campaign for RHA To the editor: Yes, another spring, and another atro cious election. From the politically motivated Elections Board debacle to the short-sighted, undemocratic poll site fiasco, this election promises to be no different than the last. As someone who has tried to remove himself from the overly politicized branches of stu dent government, I have watched with disgust at the political games of some congress members, candidates and elec tion officials, but I have watched si lently. However, the latest round has left me appalled. I am shocked at the way the Elections Board has dealt with those candidates who did not make what I perceive to be a very vague deadline. It is, in short, a joke of democracy. The vagueness of election rules is not the point of my letter, however. My point is that these candidates, whether they be recognized by the Elections Board, the DTH or any organized po litical forums, are still candidates. In the interests of democracy, Wendy Bounds and Dacia Toll, Laura Allen and Jenni fer Davis must be given a forum, and their ideas must be considered. They should be given the same opportunities as all the other candidates. I am supporting Jennifer Davis for RHA President. She is experienced, and she has what I see as a very strong program for dealing with the problems which will face the RHA in the next year. Since she is not an "official candi date," I feel it is my duty as a student and as a supporter of democracy to give her a forum in this paper which "serves the students." First, Davis is prepared to deal with the tough issues of racial diversity and the visitation policy with the students' interests, not political interests, in m ind. She is also prepared to develop a pro gram which gives upperclassmen the chance to move from South Campus to North Campus, while also maintaining freshmen integration. Finally, she is prepared to continue and improve the RHA relationship with TARP recycling and continue to improve the RHA quiz file. I believe she will give RHA amuch needed non-political and pro-student orientation, and she is the best candi date for the job. In the interest of democracy, Jennifer Lynn Davis deserves your consider ation. Don't let an unfair system decide who the best candidate is: YOU decide and vote. I know I will be writing in Jennifer Lynn Davis today, and I en courage you to do the same. JOSHUA HAJEK Sophomore HistoryEnglish Don't let bureaucracy stop vote for Davis for RHA To the editor Bureaucracy Boots! It's a shame that a candidate as qualified as Jennifer Lynn Davis is not allowed on the ballot. The Elections Board on this campus has done itself and the University a grave disservice by letting bureaucracy hinder the chances of such a resourceful and talented young leader. Jennifer Davis advocates "strong leadership in a criti cal year," and she would be the best candidate to administer that strong lead ership. This university could be the ben eficiary of herexperienceandher strong willed yet attainable goals. As hall senator her freshman year, Davis not only informed residents of government actions but received feed back as well. Her success and popular ity as a hall senator propelled her to attaining the title of Henderson Resi dence College area governor in spring 1991. Being a member of that HRC assembly, I was and am still impressed with her drive and detenu ination. Davis has also been involved with RHA di rectly, as chair of the Enhancement Committee and by serving on the hous ing Housing Advisory Board Visitation Subcommittee. Although experience is important, the issues are what really count. Davis has always supported the new Racial Diversity Program and will continue to do so. She also hopes to update and reform thecurrent visitation policy with out forgetting roommates' rights in the process. In addition, she seeks to pro mote strong ties between RHA and TARP (TAr Heel Recycling Program), which is an integral part of the recycling program in the residence halls. These and many other topics will be responsi bly addressed by Davis as RHA presi dent. Davis' experience and determination make her the best candidate for RHA president. Having spoken to Davis at great lengths about these issues, I can guarantee her 100 percent commitment to her platform and to the people that really count: the residents. Therefore, I encourage anyone who is concerned with the important issues of campus housing to write in Jennifer Davis as RHA president. She is the one candidate who will provide strong lead ership in this, a very critical year. JEFF HOWARD Sophomore English Editor's note: Regularcolumns and letters to the editor should return tomorrow. The Daily Tar Heel apologizes to readers for the recent lack of space for letters not pertaining to elections, but because of the need for elections material space, many letters and guest columns that have been re ceived over the past two weeks can not be printed. Class of '93 hopefuls touted PhilsonPedigo would lead UNC to productive, fun year To the editor: We are writing to endorse Caroline Philson and Christopher Pedigo for se nior class president and vice president. As members of the class of '93, we feel that Philson and Pedigo are the best candidates for the following reasons: Leadership. Philson is presently co chairwoman of EEK! (Earth Education for Kids) and has been actively involved with the Student Environmental Action Coalition and UNITAS. Pedigo is the co-founder of the Russian House. He has also worked in student government and with Pauper Players. Philson and Pedigo have proven that they are effec tive leaders of various organizations, that they can be strong leaders of the class of '93. Goals. Philson and Pedigo have goals that affect not only the senior class, but the entire University. Let's face it: We've been here for three years. Our awareness of the University's policies and problems put us in a position to do something about them. Now is the time for seniors to give back to the Univer sity. Philson and Pedigo hope to imple ment a book-loan program that would save all students money on books. They also plan to organize a task force to keep students informed about the budget cri sis and what the legislature is doing. Unity. Philson and Pedigo want to work hard to include all seniors in se nior class activities. After three years of hard work, it's time to have some fun, but one-sided senior class activities are only fun for some. Philson and Pedigo hope to create activities that all seniors will feel comfortable participating in. Accessibility. Philson and Pedigo hope to be accessible to all seniors by participating in activities that encom pass all seniors. This will include mo bile "office" hours in places such as Lenoir Dining Hall and the Pit. Fun. These two are some of the most fun people we know. They will most certainly lend their enthusiastic atti tudes to everything they do. Remem ber, "For a good time, vote for Philson and Pedigo." Philson and Pedigo know what the offices of senior class president and vice president entail. They '11 let George Bush promise you a job, but if you want to have a great time and help out the University in your last year at UNC, vote Philson and Pedigo for senior class president and vice president. TRAVIS THOMPSON TYGART Junior PhilosophySpeech Communication RUBY SINREICH Junior Environmental Protection PenderShipp boast proven ability as an effective team To the editor: Good ideascanmakea year exciting. I but only the right people can make ideas work. With that said, I would like to let Brice and Sebastian's platform speak for itself and take this opportunity to explain why Brice Pender and Sebastian Shipp are the people to make things happen for the class of '93. This past year, I had the opportunity to work with Brice and Sebastian as a part of the orientation staff. From the beginning, both had distinct leadership styles. Brice was a very organized and assertive leader. Sebastian was an ac tive listener and a perceptive coordina tor. In the months to follow, I found my first impressions were lasting ones. They were ambitious and hardworking, and both showed an excitement for the job. Their ability as a team proved effec tive as they lead -Hinton James Resi dence Hall to an incredible freshman orientation. Together they recruited more than 60 orientation counselors and helped plan five days of successful programming. Their success in Hinton James and their enthusiasm throughout the summer convinced me that they had the potential to be an exceptional team as senior class president and vice presi dent. But they have proved themselves far beyond orientation. Collectively, Brice and Sebastian have been involved in more than 10 organizations including SEAC, dorm government. Order of the Bell Tower and the Glee Club. Together they sang in Heels to Heaven and are members of the Student Vocal Performing Arts Council. They volunteered at the hospi tal and worked for Habitat for Human ity. Sound overwhelming? Perhaps it is, but it has never stopped them from getting things done. Rather, they have used their experience to become better leaders and to serve the University more effectively. Brice and Sebastian have proven their ability as a team and their effectiveness as student leaders. They have shown their dedication and commitment. Therefore, I ask that you turn good ideas into a great year. On Feb. 1 1 vote for a team that will make things happen. Vote Brice Pender and Sebastian Shipp for senior class president and vice presi dent! CHRISTY L. PONS Junior International Studies PatyMitchell bring strong experience into campaign To the editor: We are writing to endorse the candi dacy of Bob Paty and Elizabeth Mitchell for senior class president and vice presi dent. As juniors, we believe Bob and Elizabeth are the best candidates for these positions, because of both their prior experiences here at Carolina and their innovative ideas for the class of 1993. First, Bob and Elizabeth are the most qualified candidates forthejob. Through Bob's involvement with the Order of the Bell Tower, he has worked with the three offices that work hand in hand with the seniorclass officers: the Office of University Development, the Office of Special Projects and the General Alumni Association. Toourknowledge, no other candidate can say that. He has also served on the University Traffic and Parking Board for two semesters. Elizabeth has been involved with the Order of the Bell Tower as well. In addition, she has served as membership chairwoman of the Campus Y and vice president of Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority. These two candidates bring together a variety of experiences that will enable them to serve effectively as seniorclass officers. Second, Boband Elizabeth havedone their research. They have both talked to current seniors about concerns and prob lems and discussed their ideas with University officials involved with the senior class. What good is it to propose ideas that cannot be implemented next year? Bob and Elizabeth want to give the class of 1993 every available advan tage, and they are already aware of what opportunities exist for next year. Finally, the Paty-Mitchell platform strives to involve the entire class of 1993. Bob and Elizabeth want to make sure everyone is actively included in the class next year, primarily by keeping everyone informed. Those who plan to enter the work force, those who plan to attend graduate school and those who aren't really sure of the options avail able to them can all rest assured that Paty and Mitchell will work to make every alternative known. Additionally, Bob and Elizabeth realize that the of fices of senior class president and vice president last long after graduation, and therefore they want to involve every senior in activities that will enhance class unity. Bob Paty and Elizabeth Mitchell com bine valuable leadershipexperience with good ideas for the class of 1993. They will, as their platform and experience suggest, work to give you every advan tage. WENDY HILL Junior Journalism PATRICK BURNSIDE Junior Chemistry GallagherRieger exhibit commitment to University To the editor: Art Gallagher and Yvette Rieger are the most qualified candidates for senior class president and vice president. Their ideas, platform and enthusiasm are di rected to the needs of al I sen iors and the campus as a whole. It is this enthusiasm and direction that characterize their cam paign and distinguish them as tomorrow's leaders. I met Art four years ago, and we immediately became friends. It was his genuine nature, honesty and commit ment that made him very easy to get to know. After working with Yvette and Art this year, I found both of them exhibit these qualities that make them excellent leaders. As a rising senior, I want next year to be the best possible. Our university is going through many changes right now, and it is imperative that we have strong leadership. Art and Yvette are prepared to meet these changes, and their plat form ensures that they will build our future with their new senior priorities. In fact, their platform specifically ad dresses the monumental changes that are affecting us. With its focus on job placement, graduate placement and public affairs, their platform meets the concerns of all seniors. I know Art and Yvette can't assure me of a job upon graduation, nor do they claim to have that ability. But their emphasis on Job Search '93 will make the overwhelming task of finding a job a lot easier in this depressed mar ket. Art and Yvette are targeting these and other new senior priorities in hopes of unify ing the seniorclass. They do not represent or cater to one specific group. Rather, their ideas have universal ap peal. Their concerns affect everyone, regardless of race, culture or ideology. I feel confident that Art and Yvette will work diligently to keep the entire senior class informed, involved and in step with thechanging employment and scholastic environments. By retaining and enhancing time-honored seniortra ditions and keeping a watchful eye on the future, Art and Yvette will help the class of '93 have a positive and produc tive senior year. ERIKA GANTT Junior Public Health
Daily Tar Heel (Chapel Hill, N.C.)
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Feb. 11, 1992, edition 1
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