This year’s election was yet again fascinating, especially given yet another odd circumstance. Last year, it was a run-off. This year, it was a delay of polling and the election results, which messed with everyone’s rhythm. Nevertheless, winners were determined (without run-offs!) and the cycle continues for another year.
This is my second GM Week at RPI. I have seen it from two perspectives, one as a spectator and one as a candidate. Let me tell you that looking at the elections behind the scenes can be quite horrifying. Those of you who have the good sense of not looking behind the curtain are very fortunate. Perspectives of people can be shifted in a heartbeat, even those of people to whome you have not even been formally introduced. Unfortunately, the spectators could only see what happens on the stage. Real personalities are revealed in the dressing rooms.
Though I only ran for the minor position of class representative, I was more involved in this year’s elections than I should have been. The fact that there were two people running for eight positions did not seem to get me all that worried about my own election. Most of my work has been done backstage, basically critiquing the actors’ lines and actions as they go on and off the stage. Nevertheless, the show still received high marks for excitement and suspense.
Anyways, enough with the Broadway analogy (a possible GM Week 2008 theme, maybe?); I would like to directly address two things. The first is that dishonorable campaigning should be punished more severely. Though the Rules and Elections Committee does a terrific job with overseeing the election, I still felt that some of the punishments given did not properly fit the violations. I also thought that a lot of immoral tactics were left unnoticed, especially on the day of elections. Most of those that were running this year have run at least once before and should be somewhat aware of what unlawful campaigning entails. Therefore, the rules should be stricter for the upperclassmen at the very least. Repeat offenses should be more so. I appreciate a principled, clean campaign, and my votes were based upon that criterion this year. I just hope that a bad example has not been set for future candidates.
Secondly, I would like to congratulate all the winners with some advice. The students have voted for you because they trust that you will serve them well. Do not abuse that trust. You do not want to leave RPI being known as the worst (insert position here) from the members of the student body. Represent the students to the best of your ability and make that a high priority. In turn, they will give you their respect.
