The most important qualification for voters to consider in this year’s Student Senate presidential election is practical experience, a characteristic that dictates whether a presidential ticket could actually address the needs and concerns of the student body.

That’s why The Spectator deems Avril Flaten and Jon Radcliffe the most qualified candidates for president and vice president of Student Senate, respectively.

While the two other tickets may have exhibited enthusiasm and presented innovative ideas, neither demonstrated an ability to channel their passion into tangible change.

The Flaten-Radcliffe ticket, meanwhile, features extensive experience and considerable insight into student government.
Flaten and Radcliffe understand procedure, have dealt with the countless issues and have fostered key relationships with university, city and state officials.

These factors ensure that a Flaten-Radcliffe administration would, at the very least, understand how to accomplish its goals and preside over Student Senate.

That being said, any ticket suffers from shortcomings.

In the case of Flaten and Radcliffe, The Spectator staff observed a disheartening lack of enthusiasm, which is a possible indicator that they have become bogged down by Senate inefficiency and don’t posses the ambition to inspire change.

They also seem less professional than other tickets, and need to work on representing student interests in a presentable manner. In addition, differences between their respective voting records and issue emphases in the past could create future division.

Furthermore, Flaten and Radcliffe need to place a greater emphasis on increasing student involvement in Senate. That means encouraging more students to run for office, as well as remaining connected with student opinion on issues.

Editorial Board Votes

Flaten-Radcliffe: seven;
Wagner-Nielson: two;
Coyer-Johnson: none;
no endorsement: two;
abstentions: two