Editor,
Many rumors have been buzzing around campus about what The People slate really stands for and, more importantly, what we do not. We understand that equal representation can be achieved, but only if all students commit to helping to develop it.
Labels have been placed on every one of us who attend this University: black, white, brown, greek, gay, athlete. We, The People, have contended that each student should carry these proudly, but avoid allowing them to divide the campus.
It has become apparent that these labels tend to precede the person, and barriers are built between us. These barriers can be broken, but only with every student committed to learning about each other in order to allow representation of all groups with regard to their own unique concerns.
False accusations have been made about groups such as The People, which only strengthen its good intentions. For example, The People has been pegged as “anti-Greek” and “anti-athlete.” Not true. In fact, our slate includes two Greeks, two pledges, and another who plans to pledge in the fall. We have seven female and five male candidates. We have people from a multitude of majors. We have a soldier, a mother and people who work in the community.
Most importantly, we are the only candidates trying to use our experiences to bring a new way of thinking into our student government. We are committed to “thinking outside the box.”
There has been much talk about communication between the student body and its student government. The Coalition is a tool that The People will use as a forum in which all students and community members can voice their concerns directly to those who represent them.
The Connection, however, has not yet given so much as a hint regarding how they plan to make an honest effort to reach out to students. The Connection members continuously say, “I think,” or, “I believe,” without realizing that the limited knowledge or ideas of an individual are not as valuable as those of a collective body: the students of UNM.
There is a reason why our slate decided to identify itself using the same name used last semester: change is an ongoing process. The People’s work has just begun. A huge disconnection exists between ASUNM and the student body, and it will take time to rebuild that bridge.
Trust must be regained, but it will be nonexistent if we remain disconnected. Proof of this lies in that most students do not even know what ASUNM is or does, or that an election is being held today.
The People’s goal is not to represent only a small portion of the student population, but all students. Through direct accountability, student empowerment and a cooperative attitude, The People will always carry student concerns with us, no matter where we are. It’s about time that our student government stands up for our rights, our issues and our needs.
Don’t stay disconnected, vote The People.
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ASUNM candidates
The People slate
