The candidates of the Elevation Party for SUNY SA - Robert Batdorf, Russell Cox, Emily Johnston and Thomas Martin - have shown that they are well aware of the issues and obligations that are part of being UB's voice in Albany.
With the controversy that often surrounds the Student Association president, vice president and treasurer, the duties of the SUNY SA delegates - who bring the concerns and desires of the students to a state-wide level - are overshadowed by these more prominent officials.
The Elevation candidates stressed their desire to increase student awareness of campus issues through media such as distributing flyers and through press coverage. They proposed a press conference on SATV for students and the media that would be aired once a week. This would be a way for every student to have easy access to the status of SA's current affairs.
"Bull Break" is another prominent focus of the SUNY SA candidates. This would expand on the idea of using the Student Union as a mingling area during an hour break between classes. With music playing and club tables present, Elevation hopes this will be a way to reach out and expand communication, especially for commuting students.
It is important to note that the three other independent candidates for SUNY SA delegates running against Elevation did not show up for endorsements.
The current SUNY SA delegates have for the most part been strangers to the UB community, failing to follow through on last year's campaign promises of regular meetings with students in the Union. This Elevation group is making the same promises and will hopefully follow through.
Students must remember that these are paid positions with stipends taken from student tuitions. The actions of SUNY SA must not slip into the shadows and everyone must remember to hold the delegates accountable for all their promises.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
