Politicians have duty to keep campaign promises
There’s so much to think about during an election. The politicians go on television and make campaign stops to promote their platform. Most times when we elect someone, he or she keeps the promises made. Upon hearing about the wonderful things politicians have to say, the public determines if the candidate has their interest at heart. Last spring, the campus community decided Chelsi Mobley had the students’ interests at heart, and she would be the best choice for Student Congress president. Looks like campus dropped the ball on that one. Looking back, Mobley made some big promises about how she intended to change things with campus and Student Congress. During the Student Congress Presidential Debate hosted by The Franklin last spring, Mobley said the first major change she wanted to make was inside Student Congress. "We have to know how to be leaders for you, and how to hold ourselves accountable for representing you," Mobley said during the 2009 debate. But there has not seemed to be much of a chance in Student Congress from last year to this one. Are our Student Congress representatives really doing their best to make themselves known and represent the student body well if no changes have been made? Another point made by Mobley during the debate was that e-mail is overused on campus. No argument there. However, she went on to say representatives of Student Congress should go out and talk to students about the issue. Out of the five members of this editorial board and 10 other newspaper staff members present at the time, none of them have ever been approached by a member of Student Congress regarding an issue. So either Student Congress is being selective in the people they discuss issues with, or they are not talking to students. To Mobley’s credit, she has helped keep more students on campus. The establishment of the Griz Den student section has not only brought more students to games, but also increased school spirit. But optional attendance is still lacking at other campus events, such as speakers and chapel events. It’s one thing for teachers to force students to go to events. We need students to want to go to campus events. During last year’s debate, Mobley said the major goal of the Student Congress president should be a friend before an official. And if that’s how she thinks a leader should act, we hope she doesn’t run again.
"Hello. Nice to meet you..." This is the type of thing we say to the people who come to our meetings every week. I find it funny that no one that is on the editorial board has heard these words from our meeting because they have never attended. I have talked to two of the members of the editorial board about Student Congress related items in the past month. Why not raise questions then? I mean, I know that "The Franklin" takes 6 weeks off of publishing but Student Congress Exec has been meeting for all of that time. We have accomplished so much this year. The paper will be receiving a list of accomplishments for the year as part of my letter to the editor that I will be sending in this weekend. I don't want to give away all of my future letter, but I will say that this opinion editorial was not only flawed in its factual nature but more importantly with ethical journalistic standards. Evan-How many times have we seen each other at the bar, walking across campus or elsewhere that you could have easily discussed Student Congress? A LOT! You sat on Three Sportsketeers and asked for increased school spirit... you have it. I just have to ask how and why you think Congress has anything to do with the Chapel events. We don't sponsor or put these on. START LOOKING UP FACTS. This saddens me not just as someone who considered you as a friend, but just as importantly, as someone who I thought respected some of the Journalistic standards that I also respect. Grab an extra source, step outside Shirk Hall for a minute and become an active part of this campus. Right now, we are so lucky you and your pessimistic and apathetic views are leaving in May. Enjoy unemployment! To The Franklin- When did you become Franklin College's No. 1 source for news? WFCI would love to see that poll.
