As we reflect on the last few weeks of campaigning, debates, and elections, we say congratulations to our new and returning student leaders who will have much work ahead of them in the coming year. On this note, however, we also want to remind them that they have important jobs to do and The Poly is looking forward to keeping tabs and reporting on their progress.
One area we have emphasized throughout the past few weeks has been the importance of holding our elected officials accountable. This extends beyond just the Grand Marshal and President of the Union, and we want our student leaders to know that we will be watching as the next year unfolds.
We have seen many initiatives within the Student Senate and Executive Board that have led to positive changes on campus—however, there are also ideas that have flopped. With campaigning in recent weeks, we have heard many promises to improve student life, campus housing, and sustainability efforts; to finish the Union Games Room renovation; and to establish on-campus concerts as an annual event. We hope that these ideas and more will come to fruition with little time wasted in getting to work on them.
While we did not endorse either of the candidates who are now filling the two highest student-elected positions, we have high hopes and, more importantly, high expectations for them. Their positions cannot be taken lightly and we fully intend to be a player in holding these officials accountable. It is critical that our officials stick to the agendas they shared with their constituents and be willing to work with other students and campus administrators to enhance and fine-tune their plans. Through columns within our paper allotted to various areas of our student government, we hope they will share their goals and progress on them as they develop—our News department will undoubtedly do the same in covering these happenings. This is an exciting opportunity for great change and we look forward to helping everyone be a part of it.
