ANOTHER SSVP Write-In!

Well—the SSVP race is suddenly the most interesting of the bunch. At first, there was no doubt that official candidate Jenny Moore would win. Then, we received word that she would be challenged by write-in candidate Levi Wolfe. Now, another write-in joins the mix. Anyone else?

I know the field for SSVP is very weak this year and the election snafu has given us a chance to launch a real candidate for the position. Meet Speech sophomore Tim Griskey, a Shepard senator last year. And, yes, he has a real platform. Why are we launching his candidacy so late? Because we believe that no one else has the ideas to replace the bang up job Rox has done. We really thought it was too late and we would end up with a mediocre SSVP but the election nullification gave us hope for a serious VP. Now, his platform:

1. Bring a bar back to Norris. Every other Big Ten University has a bar in their student center. It allows alumni and students of age have a gathering place on campus as opposed to having to go out to drink. Furthermore it will not increase underage drinking as we all know that any student can get alcohol if they choose. Rather, it allows us to recognize students of age as adults and give them the responsibility they are entitled. Why should alumnae and grad students have to go to The Keg or My Bar to go out for an enjoyable drink?
2. Tuition. For years tuition has been rising about 5.3% a year. Suddenly this year Bienen raised it 16.6%. Inflation has remained steady around 3%. Many prospective students are scared away from Northwestern when they hear that tuition and board costs over $30,000/year. Rather I propose a tuition increase which is equal to the inflation rate of that year. Northwestern has been doing fine with the endowments we have and really don't profit from greater tuitions as they have to give out greater financial aide.
3. Handicap accessibility. Many students on campus have the unfortunate experience sometime during their collegiate career at Northwestern of trying to get around campus on crutches or in wheel chairs. This can be very hard as many know. The University has not made this a priority as over half the buildings are non-handicap accessible. We can examine Annie May Swift, which just got a ramp put in this year, it leads to the basement where the only thing is a washroom and drinking fountain, it does not allow access to the first, second or third floors where many RTVF classes are held, nor does it grant total access to WNUR. Furthermore the attempts the University has made have failed repeatedly. How is a disabled person supposed to use the ramps around campus that have those large flower pots in the middle of them. Or the ramps on the library stairs that have stairs for the final flight! We must update our facilities so that all students can use them!!!
4. Non-ASG committee. I intend to have my committee made up of non-ASG senators so that the true student body gets to give input. Senators get to put their two cents in during debate of bills while true students are out of reach. I want to bring the student body back into the decision making process.
5. More student parking. The plans for the three new buildings on campus all include underground parking lots. However, these new lots have already been designated F(faculty) lots, allowing no increase for R or C(student) lots. I propose that we designate all new lots as F and the old F lots to R and C lots. This would allow more juniors and possibly some sophomores to have cars on campus.
6. Re-recognize all ASG derecognized groups. These groups provide vital services to students and I believe that it is better to have these groups than allow ASG to roll the money over. These groups combined did not have the budget that A&O or FMO had alone. I believe that all groups deserve a chance to serve the student body and that this service be the only guideline to recognition of STUDENT groups.
7. On-line registration. I believe it would facilitate registration. Furthermore the Registrar’s office is in full support of this. This is a program that is well on its way and all I would do is make sure it is set-up user friendly.
8. Better student seats at football games. I attended Northwestern games as a small child and the majority of people that showed up were Northwestern students. It was this support by the student body through seasons of 0-11 that allowed us to get a wonderful coach like Barnett. However, Bienen has forgotten this as he has many other contributions that others have made.
9. Change Ryan to Ryan Field at Dyche Stadium to keep the Dyche name alive.

ASGossip would like to thank Mr. Griskey for continuing to make these elections interesting. Best of luck to all of you!