Candidates address USG's internal woes

By TRACY WILSON
Collegian Staff Writer

As Wednesday's election approaches, many Undergraduate Student Government presidential and vice-presidential candidates are making promises to the voters. But to fulfill these promises, they must first ensure USG is working correctly from the inside.

USG candidates recognized some internal problems of the organization and offered solutions for a more efficient USG.

Art Spicciati and Rob McClure

USG has become too political and a less goal-based organization, Spicciati said.

"Other organizations have one goal and obtain it," McClure said. "They're not as politically burdened."

Spicciati said he wants to see USG follow the example of how other organizations set and achieve agendas.

"Each year, Thon has a goal, and each year they do even better," he said. "USG is constantly bickering and not working constantly toward their goals."

Beth Silvia and James Hornick

"More communication with other student organizations is one of (our) big concerns," Silvia said.

Even though liaison positions exist between USG and other organizations, she said she wants to set up a specific position with the purpose of getting in touch with student leaders.

Greater awareness of other organizations would allow USG to fund and support more programs, she said.

Vivek Narayanan and Christopher Blackwell

Lack of communication among the branches of USG is a problem Narayanan and Blackwell want to address.

"There are a lot of different groups in USG," Blackwell said. "They schedule meetings, have meetings, but don't accomplish a lot. They don't address problems that come up."

Blackwell said they plan to improve the situation by making themselves available outside of regularly scheduled meetings.

Desha Girod and Garrett Fitzgerald

USG needs to be more project-oriented, Girod said.

"Too many (USG) members think not working for students is acceptable," she said.

If elected, Girod said she plans to launch her platform projects as soon as she and Fitzgerald take office.

"As we accomplish more, the morale will increase," she said. "Better morale and publicity will ensure USG stays project-oriented."

Dougie Bennett and Ryan Knauss

Lack of communication within USG and between USG and the students are the concerns of Bennett and Knauss.

"Everyone's out for themselves," Bennett said.

They plan to host a weekly radio show to improve communications with students.

"If USG is going to accomplish anything, they need the backing of the students," Bennett said. "USG is out of touch with the students."