Well, it's that time of year again. It's time for students to vote for the new Student Government leaders. I can't believe a year has past already. It's upsetting that some of this year's tickets aren't running clean and friendly campaigns like we did last year. Some of the best memories I had were of Katy, Johweyeh, and me standing together side by side on the campaign trail while encouraging students to look at all the options. There was even a question during the debate when we were asked to state something positive and something negative about the other candidates. Sure enough, nothing negative was said. To quote Johweyeh: "It was an election of love".
While Molly, Justin, and myself are not endorsing any candidates, I must say I was thoroughly unimpressed by some of the things said during last week's presidential debate. I think now I can understand and appreciate some of Annette's [former SG president] frustrations during our campaign season, when certain impossible statements about platforms were made. Obviously some statements are made simply to be elected. Being on the other side, it's easy to spot them. I will not call out any candidates by name, however, I will give my opinion on certain platforms.
Above: Last year's presidential debate. We were so kind to one another.
I really don't appreciate, however, having our administration ridiculed for having a so called "disconnect" with the student body. And for certain campaigns to insinuate that we do not have an open-door policy - that's just wrong. Not only is our door always open when we are in the office, but my daily/weekly schedule has been posted on the door to increase transparency within Student Government. Between the 12 different members of our Executive Board, one of us would always be available to speak to somebody. I consider our Executive Board to be the most accessible students on this campus for students to speak to. Friendly, approachable, and open-minded are all words that come to mind when thinking about our team. I would challenge anyone who would argue that.
Regarding some platforms:
1. The Ibis Ride Shuttle on Halloween: This was simply a fundamental disagreement of views between the administration and students. The University could not justify facilitating a "party bus" on a school night. We fought hard [very hard]. I co-chaired a Halloween Ibis Ride Task Force with Richard Walker. The Task Force put together an extensive realistic plan to address the logistical issues. Again, the reason the University ultimately said no was because it was on a school night. We have been given the approval that next year the Ibis Ride will run on Halloween since it falls on a Friday night. But, I think the candidates should look at the bigger picture. Ibis Ride might not be running at all next year. Rather than proposing to ADD nights for the Ibis Ride during the week (Tuesday is being proposed by one ticket) and add more recreational shuttle routes (Monty's being proposed by another), something should be proposed to reduce the number of "incidents" taking place week after week on the shuttle. I wrote a letter to the Hurricane encouraging students to be responsible on the bus (read the letter
here). We stand the great chance of having the Ibis Ride discontinued due to weekly vomiting, fights, and urinating incidents on the bus. The Ibis Ride is a privilege, not a right. Best of luck to the candidates who propose expanding this deteriorating service who's future is not very bright unless something is done immediately to correct student's behavior.
2. CFLs in the Residential Colleges. About a month ago I was invited to join a Facebook group [and petition]: "
Energy Saving Lightbulbs to be used at the University of Miami". I am fully supportive of this initiative, and in fact made several inquiries with administrators and made them aware of the petition. Here is an email response I received from Mr. Johnny Williams, the Facilities Manager:
The bulbs referenced in the student petition are in fact being used by
Facilities now. Whenever we have a request to change out a light bulb and find
the burned-out bulb is an incandescent, we replace it with the CFL. As a rough
estimate, I would say that 70% or more of the bulbs in Housing areas have been
switched over to the CFL. We have started doing the same in the Village. We have
had a recycling program for used bulbs and ballasts in place for some time now.
Thank you, Johnny Williams Facilities Manager
So as can be seen by the email, Facilities is actively moving towards energy saving light bulbs. Stop criticizing and start realizing what is actually being done. It's unethical to take this initiative and make it your own, especially when 70% of residence halls facilities already have been replaced with CFLs.
3. Add 150 parking spaces. So there's this little thing called the UMCAD. It's actually not so little and it's actually not so simple. In fact, there is an entire Office of Campus Planning led by Janet Gavarette. Janet has the difficult job of advancing the University's campus forward while keeping the City of Coral Gables and its residents happy. By proposing to pave the gravel lots, I don't think you'll find 150 new spaces. Regardless, I'll put down some math here. Each parking space on the University costs $6,000 (this takes into consideration real estate, installation, and maintenance costs). By adding 150 spots, you are proposing to spend just under $1 Million toward a platform goal. From experience, I can tell you the University thinks very hard about spending that type of money. They also tend to prioritize their assets. And sorry to say, the SG budget can't afford it either. Lastly, it's completely absurd to say that the reason UM was not chosen to host the Presidential Debates this year was due to a lack of parking. We've actually increased the number of parking spaces on the campus since the 2004 debate. Furthermore, when the Serpentine lot opens in front of the BUC, several hundred more spaces will be available. Parking was not the reason for us not getting the debate. Check your sources.
4. University Shuttle Improvement Plan. This sounds really exciting, but I'm sure students would love to see the plan. During our campaign, one of our platforms was Podcasting on iTunes U. We actually posted our 10-page plan that included a strategy for marketing and implementing the program. This further legitimizes any plan, in my opinion.
I know campaigning and elections are very stressful times. I would just continue to encourage the candidates to be nice to one another. It's immature at this level to put down another candidate just to put yourself up. If you want to talk about another ticket, say something positive. Don't go out on a bashing spree. So best of luck to all the candidates and may the most qualified person win!
It has truly been an outstanding experience and a privilege to serve you. We have worked on many projects that we hope will continue to benefit you. We currently have five ZipCars on campus with plans to expand the fleet this semester. Rent your ZipCar for only $8 per hour by clicking here, best of all gas and insurance is included...and you only have to be 18+. Also, Starbucks is open later on Sundays, the parking lot by the Wellness Center is all-access, register for classes online now, UBikes are available at the bookstore for only $69, the Health Center is open on Sundays from 12-4pm, the Latin Honor policy was revised thanks to the Senate and there is a recycling bin next to nearly every trash can on campus thanks to GreenU. We also continue to work on our promise to improve advising. A proposal has been presented to the Deans and SG will continue to move forward with the project this coming year with the information that we received from you through the Advising Survey.
Orientation is here and we are very excited to start off the new year.
already been completed! 
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen is the first Cuban female to be elected into Congress, and as a Cuban myself, I was extremely honored to meet her. She mentioned how the US-Israel relationship is a bipartisan issue. Nobody can disagree that helping the Israeli people is the right thing to do.
