The Battalion: February 26, 2010

thebattalion

this day in

S U history

Feb. 26, 1983

● friday,

Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” hit #1 in the U.S. The album spent a total of 37 weeks at number one. The tracks included: “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin,’” “Baby Be Mine,” “The Girl is Mine” (w/ Paul McCartney), “Thriller,” “Beat It,” “Billie Jean,” “Human Nature,” “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)” and “The Lady in My Life.”

february 26, 2010

● serving

texas a&m since 1893

● first paper free – additional copies $1 ● © 2010 student media

coming monday

Politically involved With SCONA Conference 55 complete, what topics were of concern and who was there?

inside sports |4-5

BEAT TEXAS Find the full BEAT t.u. poster and take it to the game to cheer on the Aggies.

voices | 7

Annoying versus amusing It’s election time again when all common areas on campus are covered in campaigners. Is it worth your time to pay attention?

Jeremy Northum — THE BATTALION

The hopeful three Stories by Melissa Appel |

Okeson seeks to increase student opportunities VANCOUVER 2010 OLYMPICS medal count USA GER NOR CAN RUS AUS KOR FRA SUI CHN SWE NED CZE POL ITA AUS SVK SLO FIN JPN LAT BEL CRO GBR EST KAZ

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The Battalion

Robinson hopes to voice student body’s opinion

Sims wants to promote honesty and respect

Texas A&M University might be built upon conWhen student body president candidate Jacob RobBryan Sims is rooted in the Aggie Spirit through crete and mortar, but student body president candidate inson first fell in love with Texas A&M University and his family connection, but it can also be said the Aggie Matt Okeson said he shares a common foundation with the Aggie Spirit, he said he didn’t imagine himself servSpirit has some roots in the family of the student body the University and its unified principles and core ideals. ing the University in the top-elected student governpresident hopeful.

“I grew up learning about core values such as leaderment position.

“My granddad played football here for Bear ship, excellence and integrity, and those are all of what Instead, he dreamed of becoming a yell leader.

Bryant. My great aunt dated E. King Gill,” Sims A&M is about, so it just seemed like a per“I wanted to be a yell leader said. “My grandmother went to Univerfect fit,” Okeson said. “It just has so much up until high school,” Robinson sity of Texas but wears her Aggie SweetEditorial said. “All during middle school, Caught on heart Ring.” in line with my personal beliefs. There’s nowhere else where you can find a culture and I practiced the yell leader pushThe Midland, Texas resident has had decision camera the values like our student body at A&M.” ups every night. But that dream the values of the Aggie Spirit instilled in The Battalion’s Catch the interOkeson is a junior agribusiness major didn’t pan out.” him from a young age, in part because of editorial board views with each who is considering law school after graduaRobinson’s passion for his grandparents’ connection to the Uniendorses Jacob SBP candidate tion, with possible plans of entering public A&M began in sixth grade versity, he said. concerning their policy. Leadership and service are on his list Robinson for student when he attended a foot“One of my first experiences with the of important ideals, and he has worked to ball game. That spark of goals for the future. Aggie family that I remember, I had the body president. put them into action in his life, he said. interest in A&M was enincredible opportunity to go to a Bonfire voices | 7 thebatt.com “I’m the type of person that I’ve always hanced after his brother became when it was on campus. I went with my got to be doing something,” Okeson said. an Aggie. grandmother and grandfather,” Sims said.

“I’d rather be doing something for other people, rather “I applied to over 11 schools in fear of not getting “I don’t remember what [the yell leaders and R.C. than sitting at home doing nothing for myself.” accepted [to A&M],” Robinson said. “I got accepted Slocum] said, but I remember what I felt. It burned While at A&M, Okeson has served as president of to Texas A&M on the last round of acceptances. When the image of the Aggie Spirit in my mind forever.” the Agricultural Economics Society, president of the I heard that ‘yes,’ there was absolutely no question.

When it came time to decide on a university, Sims agricultural fraternity Alpha Gamma Rho and student A&M was where I always wanted to go.” said the choice was easy.

See Okeson on page 2

See Robinson on page 2

See Sims on page 6

A&M-Commerce football players arrested, newspapers stolen COMMERCE, Texas –– Two student football players for Texas A&M-Commerce, Dionte Garrett and Deandre’ Bowers were arrested Feb. 19 after several bags of marijuana, pills and other drug paraphernalia were found in a campus apartment in McGill Hall by Sgt. Chris Vaughan of the Commerce Police Department.

Thursday, the A&M-Commerce student newspaper The East Texan published the report about the freshmen wide receiver from Garland, Texas, and linebacker from Brandon,

Pg. 1-02.26.10.indd 1

Florida. Within hours of the newspapers hitting the stands, the papers were removed from campus.

“I was notified by a crime information officer at 9:30 [Thursday] morning that most of the East Texan papers were missing and that people had been taking large numbers,” said East Texan Editor-in-Chief James Bright.

Police later told Bright 10 to 15 football players were gathered after a regular 6 a.m. workout and were allegedly encouraged by the recruiting coordinator to take the papers.

Security cameras from two of the oncampus distribution locations show two people taking the publications.

Bright has not decided whether to prosecute the offenders.

“I hope he pursues it. This sort of activity is not acceptable and they need to know you can’t escape bad press,” said online editor Jared Watson.

Lt. Jason Bone of the Texas A&MCommerce University Police Department said the arrests made were in the same apartment where two previous drug-related incidents occurred. As

reported in the Feb. 18 issue of The East Texan, police officers responded last month to an emergency call when a football recruit was vomiting. Upon arriving the police questioned football players Danny Masson, Cherrod Simpson and Bowers about the ill player. University police ascertained information that the sick recruit and Simpson smoked marijuana in the campus apartment that evening.

The two players were arrested after an undercover narcotics investigation. According to a press release

from Commerce Police Department, Vaughan began the investigation after he was approached by a confidential source regarding the issue.

Texas A&M-Commerce President Dan Jones said it is disappointing to hear about students acting inappropriately, but he is not jumping to conclusions.

“It’s early in the investigation,” he said.

James Bright, The East Texan, and staff writer Lorelai Willet

2/25/10 9:49 PM

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The A&M bands will present two free concerts Sunday in Rudder Theatre. The Wind Symphonic Band and Symphonic Winds performs at 3 p.m. The Symphonic Band and Concert Band will perform at 6:30 p.m.

Corps of Cadets will sponsor the Combat 5K at 10:30 a.m.

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Amanda Casanova, Editor in Chief THE BATTALION (ISSN #1055-4726) is published daily, Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and Monday through Thursday during the summer session (except University holidays and exam periods) at Texas A&M University. Periodicals Postage Paid at College Station, TX 77840. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Battalion, Texas A&M University, 1111 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-1111.

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Aggies for Life will have the Texas Students for Life Conference from 9 to 5 p.m.

Feb. 27 on campus. The conference is annually on Texas college campuses. “I’m really excited to bring the conference here at A&M, “said Veronica Arnold, Aggies for Life programs

Okeson We make it easy to...

Continued from page 1

senator representing the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. “Leadership is where I’ve devoted a lot of my time,�

Okeson said. “I love to give back to students and make sure that people have the same opportunities — if not better — than the ones I had.�

Serving in student government as a student senator highlighted for Okeson the important need for effective and comprehensive communication within the student body. “Without effective communication, we’re not going to accomplish very much,�

Okeson said. “We need to make sure we have bilateral lines of communication with all levels: in student government, with students and with the administrators. That line of communication needs to be based on respect.�

Okeson’s plans for increasing communication in the upcoming school year include posting updates on Student Government Association action for students to read, working with Legislative Relations in SGA to deliver the voice of the students in the upcoming state legislative term and holding all departments accountable to students when deciding on and allocating student fees. “I feel Texas A&M can only be as strong as its student body, and our student body needs to be able to communicate with each other,� Okeson said.

As the Kingwood, Texas, resident looks toward the upcoming school year, he knows he will have to fulfill an important role as student body president in bridging the gap between student opinion and the resultant action or policies. “My job as student body president is to make sure we advocate on issues that are most important to students,�

Okeson said. “That is my job,

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(

Vote early in Rudder

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director and junior biology and Spanish major. 40 Days for Life co-founder Shawn Carney will speak along with state Rep. Bryan Hughes, Arnold said. Registration is open at http://texas studentsforlife.org.

Where on campus?

Think you know every nook and cranny at Texas A&M? The first persons to get the answer correct will have their names published.

Send your response with your name, class and major at photo@ thebatt. com

Blanca Guerrero, staff writer .com and www. that isvillagefoods what I will do.�

Aggies around Okeson said they have no doubt he can rise to the occasion of reaching out to each and every Aggie. “In reality, the role of [student body president] is simple: he or she articulates the voice of students to the administration regarding the issues students want addressed,� said Campaign Manager Andrew McNair, senior agricultural leadership major. “Matt Okeson embraces this liaison role with a sincere desire to serve. He understands what matters most to our beloved Aggie family.�

Rachel Thornburg, a sophomore agricultural science major and off-campus coordinator in the Okeson campaign, said Okeson matches what is needed in a SBP at A&M, complete with an attitude centered on others. “I wholeheartedly support Matt Okeson because he stands for the core values that every single Fightin’ Texas Aggie stands for and upholds on a daily basis,â€? Thornburg said. “He isn’t running for student body president to complete his personal agenda, or to spruce up his rĂŠsumĂŠ, but to serve his fellow students in the best way he knows how, along with making sure all students’ voices and opinions are heard.â€?

A common theme for both his campaign and the future as student body president will be unity. Okeson said he desires to see the Aggie family brought closer together, emphasizing the uniqueness of the student body by showing collaborative efforts. “The better our students can fit together, regardless of where they’re from, what they’re here for, or where they’re going after, that unity is important in achieving anything and making Texas A&M better,� Okeson said. “I want to make sure that every Aggie feels like they matter and that they have a place at Texas A&M, and that this is where they’re supposed to be. Students matter at Texas A&M, and that’s what I want everyone to know.�

Nicholas Badger — THE BATTALION

Last week’s answer:

Robinson Continued from page 1

He has been active in legislative relations, through which he had the opportunity to travel to legislative hearings and committee meetings at the state and national level during his freshman year. “We went up to Austin a lot and Washington, D.C. over Spring Break,� Robinson said. “I loved that we were able to do tangible things for students.�

For Robinson, his service has been geared toward his fellow students. He said when he became executive vice president for the 2009-2010 school year, he was given another way to live out this practice. “No matter if you are tired or frustrated with school work, whenever I walk out [of a meeting] knowing that I’ve done something for students, I’m on top of the world,� Robinson said.

He said his time spent this past year in meetings with administration and executive members of student government have provided him with the scope and experience necessary for the role of student body president. “I want to be the student body president to represent students,� Robinson said. “I don’t want to be someone who just sits in Koldus; I don’t want to be someone who focuses only on student government; I want to be someone who focuses on everything that affects students.�

The junior leadership studies major has been active in Aggie Men’s Club, was recently named a Dr. Joe Townsend Leadership Fellow and is a member of Maroon Coats.

Although he is unsure of how he wants to use his degree after college, he said he is firm in his plans for

Life Sciences Building

serving the student body in the upcoming year. “I know that I know that I know that I will always work day in and day out for students,� Robinson said. “There will never be a day when that is a question. I know without a shadow of a doubt that I’ll work hard for the student body.�

Those who know Robinson well said his heart is devoted to this University and his fellow Aggies. “[Robinson] loves everything Texas A&M stands for and values the voice of the students,� said junior biomedical science major Coral Zelon, Robinson’s campaign manager. “His experience and involvement in student government is unmatched. But most importantly, he is a man of integrity.

I can guarantee he will work hard every day to make sure the opinions of the students are considered first.�

His experience in the Student Government Association makes him an excellent candidate, said Brian Mathews, a sophomore finance major and member of the Robinson campaign. “One thing that makes him different from the other candidates is he’s not only personable, but he really has a heart for the campus and he has SGA experience, and that really sets him apart,� Mathews said.

Putting the interests of students as a priority is something that Robinson said he has put into action already this year as executive vice president, and it is a habit he said he would set in place if elected student body president. “That is my role,� Robinson said. “As student body president, sometimes you have the privilege of voicing your opinion, but the majority of the time you’ll voice the student body opinion — that’s what you’re there for. That’s the full force of the job.�

corrections The Battalion welcomes readers’ comments about published information that may require correction. We will pursue your concern to determine whether a correction needs to be published. Please e-mail at editor@thebatt.com.

howtoapply If you are interested in writing or contributing content in The Battalion apply at thebatt.com, or call 845-3313.

Ron Kuppersmith, M.D. • Andrew de Jong ,M.D. • Michael McMahon, M.D. Lorin Catalena, M.S., PA-C • Kellous Price, M.D. 1730 Birmingham Drive

Pg. 2-02.26.10.indd 1

College Station, Tx 77845

www.texasentandallergy.com

The Battalion welcomes any Texas A&M student interested in writing for the arts, campus, metro or sports staffs to try out.

We particularly encourage freshmen and sophomores to apply, but students may try out regardless of semester standing or major. No previous journalism experience is necessary.

2/25/10 10:27 PM

Roundup

sports

thebatt.com

Wednesday Men’s basketball No. 23 Texas A&M

66

at Baylor

70 Baseball

Stephen F. Austin

7

at Texas A&M

6

Reed Arena ofďŹ cials should change the system for students to enter games.

Swimming Big 12 Championships

thebattalion 02.26.2010 page3

all day

at Texas A&M

Thursday Softball Texas A&M vs Fordham at Calif.

Texas A&M vs Oregon at Calif.

Swimming Big 12 Championships

all day

at Texas A&M

Living and breathing A&M

Today

Casey Strange has been defying the odds for years

Baseball Texas A&M

6 p.m.

vs Western Kentucky

By Rachel Latham | The Battalion

at Waco, Texas

hen you see the letters ‘CS,’ W College Station may come to mind, but for some it is the

Softball Texas A&M

5 p.m.

vs UNLV at Calif.

Texas A&M

7:30 p.m.

vs San Diego State at Calif.

Track & Field Cross Country Big 12 Championships

all day

at Ames, Iowa Men’s Tennis noon

Texas A&M vs St. Edward’s Texas A&M

6 p.m.

vs TCU Women’s Equestrian WEF Collegiate Equitation 6 p.m.

Challenge at Wellington, Fla. Swimming Big 12 Championships

all day

at Texas A&M

Saturday Men’s basketball No. 23 Texas A&M

1 p.m.

vs Texas Women’s basketball No. 15 Texas A&M

3 p.m.

at Colorado Baseball 1 p.m.

Texas A&M at Baylor Softball Texas A&M

noon

vs Stanford at Calif.

Track & Field Cross Country Big 12 Championships

all day

at Ames, Iowa Swimming Big 12 Championships

all day

at Texas A&M

Sunday Women’s Tennis Texas A&M

10 a.m.

at South Florida Men’s Tennis Texas A&M

1 p.m.

at LSU Baseball Texas A&M

5 p.m.

vs Texas State at Waco, Texas Men’s swimming Texas A&M Last Chance at Texas A&M

all day

Women’s swimming SCM Reveille Invitational at Texas A&M

Photos by J.D. Swiger — THE BATTALION

Senior captain Casey Strange won the 2006 Texas state championship in the 50 yard freestyle with a collapsed lung.

all day

wondered how did he swim at state without full lung capacity? What could have happened if it had continued to collapse further?�

Doctors hoped the lung would inflate on its own.

Strange took a month off from all physical activity, and during that time he came to visit A&M. “When he came to visit here, we picked him up at the Rec, he got into the car and said, ‘This is where I want to be,’� said Terry Strange, Casey’s father. “He visited a lot of other schools, but he was holding out for A&M,� Kelly said. “This was his dream to be able to come here and swim.�

After a month, the doctors saw no change. They gave Strange one more week, but it had only worsened. “I was in surgery the next day,� Strange said. “They cut a tiny hole and deflate the lung, spray it with basically glue, and then reinflate it so it sticks to the inside of your chest. Yeah,

it’s kinda cool.�

Strange spent his time out of the water thinking about being back in the water, while also name Casey Strange. And those learning some important things who know this Texas A&M about himself. swimmer see no coincidence in “The human body is cathose initials. pable of pretty amazing things,� “He was destined to go Strange said. “I learned to not let here,� said Kelly Strange, the little things bog you down.

Casey’s mother.

Keep your eye on the prize.�

Strange’s story is different Once Strange had resumed from that of the average swimswimming, his focus turned mer. His senior year of high toward college. school, about a week before the “I met him when I went state meet, Strange had trouble recruiting,� said Jay Holmes, taking a full breath.

A&M’s head swimming coach. “I had told my parents, but “We liked what we saw in the I didn’t want to go to the docwater and out of the water.� tor because I did not want to Strange was recruited by find out something was wrong A&M, and at the end of the and have to worry about it,�

Strange said. summer in 2006, he made his Strange went on to win the way to College Station.

50 freestyle event at state for “I had a really rude awakenWestside High School. ing when I got here,� Strange “After state he went for a said. “We do a lot of things run, and he came back, and he here; we hold our breath a lot. was white,� Kelly said. “He For a sprinter, it’s very imporsaid, ‘Mom, that place in my tant to control when you’re back is killing me, and I cannot breathing because taking a get a deep breath.’ And that’s breath takes up time. It was when it hit me.� hard for the whole first Both Strange’s father semester.� and grandfather had Since his first semesspontaneous pneumoter here, Strange has thorax, a condition in lived as a student athwhich the lung develops lete, balancing school, a weak place allowing sport and friends. He air to leak out causing watches movies, listens a collapse. A visit to to music and says the doctor’s office and “Howdy� when he an X-ray later, Strange makes eye contact with learned his lung was someone. Most of all, partially collapsed. he is an Aggie. “I knew it would “He has learned he be OK because we had Strange is competing in the 2010 Big was born to be an Agbeen through that with 12 Championships this weekend at the gie,� Kelly said. his dad,� said Kelly. “I Student Rec Natatorium.

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Dear Fellow Aggies: Since you elected me State Senator, we have: Cut school property taxes by $14 billion Reduced spending and prohibited more unfunded mandates with the “Ogden Floor Amendment�

Saved over $7 billion in our Rainy Day Fund Received a national award for reducing highway fatalities (Ogden Bonds) Protected unborn children and Texans with intellectual disabilities Built a medical school in Round Rock

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Made major transportation improvements, including SH-130 and SH-6 Begun rebuilding UTMB after Hurricane Ike Increased funding for Sam Houston State and Texas A&M Universities Increased pay for state law enforcement, correctional ofďŹ cers, and teachers

Thank you for allowing me to be your State Senator. No district in the State of Texas has a greater interest in state government than ours. This is our home. It is worth protecting and defending. If you send me back to Austin, I will.

Sincerely,

Stephen E. Ogden

Early Vote: February 16, 2010 through February 26, 2010

Election Day March M h 2, 2010 2010

EXPERIENCED enough to sa ay yess. TOUG GH enough to say no.

Pol. Ad. Paid for by the Steve Ogden Campaign, Andrea Woods, Treasurer; P.O. Box 3126, Bryan, TX 77805-3126

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TAKE A PIECE OF A&M HISTORY WITH YOU ¡ Order your 2010 Aggieland (if you haven’t) The 2010 Aggieland yearbook will be a 700-page record of the 2009-2010 Texas A&M school year.

Books will be mailed out during Fall 2010.

¡ Purchase the award-winning 2009 Aggieland (if you haven’t) The 107th edition of Texas A&M University’s official yearbook is a 624-page photojournalistic record of the 2008–2009 school year chronicling traditions, academics, the other education, sports, the Corps, greeks, groups and seniors and graduate students.

Drop by the Student Media office, Bldg. #8901 in The Grove (between Albritton Bell Tower and Cain Hall).

Hours: 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Monday–Friday. Cash, check, VISA, MasterCard, Discover and American Express accepted. Phone: 979.845.2613. Or go to http://aggieland.tamu.edu.

2/25/10 9:54 PM

news

page 6 friday 2.26.2010

thebattalion

Continued from page 1

“I always grew up wanting to be an Aggie. I think one of the first hats I wore was an Aggie one,” Sims said.

“I only applied to one school. It only took one visit back here to remember why I always wanted to come here.”

As the senior industrial distribution major stands as a candidate in the race for student body president, he said his love for Aggieland is highlighted in his desire to serve his fellow classmates and Aggies.

“I have such a passion for all the people and students here,” Sims said.

“Ultimately, it’s just a place. It’s the people that make the difference and make this place stand out among all universities.”

Since his first day at Aggieland, Sims said the value of selfless service has been of importance. As a member of the Christian fraternity Brothers Under Christ, Sims said he has grown as a man and in his understanding of how God wants him to

PLACE

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serve in his life.

Friends said they can also vouch for Sims’ character.

“Bryan is a servant, devoting his heart, his time and his leadership to guide others to truth, love and faith,” said sophomore marketing major Brian Hutson, director of design in the Sims campaign. “He is humble when he could be proud, compassionate when he could be upset, and bold when he could be apathetic.

Bryan loves this University, lives by our traditions and his battle cry is to serve this campus.”

Selfless service was a theme Sims’ friends highlighted.

“I see the man that Bryan Sims is and how selfless he is, and how he puts other’s needs before his own, and that’s the kind of person who I want to lead me: someone who will put my needs above his needs every day of the week,” said freshman general studies major Casey Bush, director of on-campus advertising for the Sims campaign.

Sims said he wanted to use the position of student body president as a

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means to encourage the student body to live out the Aggie Spirit and values.

“I want to serve, and I want to inspire others to serve to the maximum,” Sims said. “The Aggie Spirit is rooted in a service lifestyle, and if that is not encouraged, fostered and fed, then eventually we’ll lose the Aggie Spirit.”

Although he was not involved in student government, Sims said a wise leader would surround himself with wise people. In his campaign and in his future role as student body president, Sims promised to focus on the people around him.

“An open-door policy is nothing if you’re not approachable and not a real person. I want to be approachable in every way. I want to be someone who

people feel they can actually come talk to,” Sims said. “The student body president is not about the person; it’s about the people.”

Sims has goals of one day earning his master’s degree of business administration and a law degree. Until that day, Sims said he will focus on the goal of using his work to inspire greatness in his fellow Aggies.

“If at the end of the day, no one remembers me, I want people to remember one thing,” said Sims. “There was an Aggie who stood with many, who stood for something different, who stood for service, who, in an effort to serve others, forgot his selfish desires and motivation and could only think of the Aggies standing next to him.”

SeaWorld keeps killer whale ORLANDO, Fla. — Despite calls to free or destroy the animal, SeaWorld said Thursday it will keep the killer whale that drowned its trainer, but will suspend all orca shows while it decides whether to change the way handlers work with the behemoths, said Chuck Tompkins, chief of animal training at SeaWorld parks, a day after a 12,000-pound killer whale dragged a trainer into its pool and thrashed the woman to death as audience members watched in horror.

Associated Press

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Pg. 6-02-26-10.indd 1

2/25/10 9:35 PM

EDITOR’SNOTE

The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors and forum participants in this paper do not necessarily reflect those of Texas A&M University, The Battalion or its staff.

GUESTCOLUMN

thebattalion 02.26.2010

Finding a figurehead

Representing students

O

verly enthusiastic campaigners, giant signs blocking major intersections on campus and a tidal wave of Facebook messages may cause some Aggies to despise student body elections.

At face value, campus elections may seem like a popularity contest in which the candidate who evokes the most hype with the catchiest slogans reaps the reward. Some students consider the office of student body president to be an obligatory nod, representing social affluence and nothing more.

E

very season brings change, and with the coming of spring a menace develops along the pathways of campus. Hordes of lemming-like followers gather around Blocker and the Academic Building, shouting, waving and handing out free candy with as much fake enthusiasm as they can muster.

Sadly, that thought process is terribly misguided. Campuswide elections serve one purpose; selecting the leaders who will represent more than 48,000 students to the administration, community and the greater family of the Aggie network.

Though the qualifications for each position differ, the position of student body president is remarkably more significant to the student body than my colleague believes.

The position of president is a real job, without pay of course, and the workload is intense. Kolin Loveless, this year’s president, regularly expects at least a 40-hour week serving the student body, and he must balance classes on top of that. Loveless said he spent 59 work-related hours during Bonfire Remembrance Week —attending meetings with administrative officials, presenting speeches at ceremonies to remember fallen Aggies and replying to e-mails from concerned students and other stakeholders of the University. He recalled heading off to bed at 4:30 a.m. after attending the Bonfire Remembrance Ceremony, only to wake up two hours later to talk to media from around the state regarding Bonfire’s 10-year anniversary. This is the type of dedication the position entails.

I have no doubt President R. Bowen Loftin and other administrative decision-makers would love to speak with every Aggie about making the quality of experience at this University better. But the reality is this feat would be impossible. Instead, there is the systematic means of appointing one student to represent the needs of thousands. The student body president is that one, who appoints an executive team to branch out and capture the best ideas from the student body.

Jacob Lopez, a senior political science major and election commissioner said, “The student body president is the link between administrators and students, student groups and other students, Student Government Association and students. The point is, because they are elected, one person has to be in the middle of 48,000 students plus advisors, plus faculty and the administration, and the SBP is the mediator between all of those.”

Evan Andrews — THE BATTALION Loveless said within any given week he may interact with the chancellor of the A&M night dining options to be extended longer System, the Board of Regents, the chairper(hence Bernie’s is open an hour later), diversison of the Association of Former Students and fying on-campus dining options (an Asian-style the president of A&M. But student body food option is set to open on the south presidents do not attend meetings side of campus) and advocating for just to take orders or listen; they The student the eastbound lanes of Joe Routt are in a position to provide input body president Boulevard to open (this decision is and suggestions that reflect the is more than just slated to be announced soon). needs of the student body. One a figurehead, he Loveless said next year’s presiexample is how the president serves as liaison for dent will have as important a task advocates for students with a the student body. as any, as he will be creating plans shortened budget. and preparations to move back into “The budget reduction is a $28 the MSC. Also, the State Legislature million ordeal, and the SBP’s job is will be evaluating the costs of higher educato analyze that data and make sure none of tion. Loveless predicts the future president will those reductions are going to hurt students,” be called upon to testify before the Higher Loveless said.

Education Committee.

Lopez said part of the job description is “The next SBP will be in Austin next being accessible. “They are the ultimate figsession, almost on a weekly basis, talking to urehead for students to go to. Students don’t legislators about tuition in higher education,” always know who to talk to about an issue. It’s Loveless said. the ultimate resource for students,” he said.

Regardless of who has the flashiest colors Loveless said the student body president can and catchiest slogan in this year’s presidential then connect the student with the approprirace, do your homework. Look at the experiate University official to further address any ence and value that each candidate will add concerns. to the student experience at A&M. Find out Loveless gave a simple example of how what matters to you, take a stand for what the student body president can make positive you believe, and then run with change instantly. A student contacted Lovethe candidate of your choosing less about the spotty wireless Internet access in and vote.

Rudder Tower, and noted the increased student use of that location with the closure of the Memorial Student Center. A few quick e-mails Stephen Humeniuk is a senior from Loveless to the right people, and Rudder had quality Internet. Loveless and his team have political science major and an responded to student needs in other noticeable off-campus student senator. ways as well, including advocating for late

Pg. 7-02.26.10.indd 1

‘ voices

“At least with the MSC being closed it will be easier to avoid people clamoring for my vote,” said Thomas Raabe, sophomore sport management major.

Almost everyone is hassled by the campaign, but does anyone know what a student body president actually does.

“Who is the student body president? What is he doing?

Is he doing anything?” said senior psychology major Kelli O’Neall.

This apparently captures the general attitude of most students at Texas A&M. The last run-off election between Eric Beckham and Ben Debayle resulted in only 11,096 students voting. On a day that set the record for student participation, less than one fourth of A&M students cared enough about what goes on in the student government to vote.

The office of student body president is a joke, embodying very little real authority. The position is simply a way to simultaneously prove the president’s popularity while padding their résumés for graduate school or a future career.

The few who have ever even glanced at our Student Government Constitution find the duties and powers given to the student body president under Article II Section III. One of these is simply calling special meetings. Perhaps the most telling responsibility is being the student body’s “ceremonial representative.” The most “important” responsibilities of the president are presenting “legislaThe election for tive programs” from the Student Senate, vetoing student body bills passed by Student president is a Senate and executing popularity contest, enacted legislation. as the position has Student Body Presino real power. dent Kolin Loveless said the legislative programs are goals. These goals include helping to improve academic counseling and creating a more positive first year experience. But as great as those ideas are, ultimately the senate carries them out. Once the president outlines the goals, which happens at the first meeting of the fall semester, the duty of presenting them is fulfilled.

Veto power sounds like it has the ability to make changes around campus. But the Constitution states in Article II Section III (a): “This veto power shall not extend to resolutions, the student senate or judicial court bylaws, or measures approved in an initiative or general election, but shall extend to the Student Government Constitution.”

In layman’s terms, the student body president can only approve or disapprove of changes made to the Constitution. The veto does not apply to legislation, or anything that in reality affects most students since most of them probably did not even realize a constitution exists.

The office of student body president is simply a popularity contest that has even less bearing than in high school. Even the legislation passed by the Student Senate is subject to review.

“The legislation can be just words on paper.

Whether or not the legislation gets passed is based on pre-existing relationships with decisionmakers,” Loveless said. “Student fees go to the student fee advisory board, which is comprised completely of students … Other campus issues go to the Board of Regents or Loftin or the Faculty Senate depending on the issue.”

The president may represent the ceremonial voice of the student body, but at the end of the day, the office holds no real authority to make actual changes. My advice this year is not to waste time considering which candidate to vote for, unless you want to vote for yourself and pad your résumé a bit.

Richard Creecy is a senior classics major.

MAILCALL GUESTCOLUMNS Submit Mail Call or guest columns to The Battalion. Mail call must be fewer than 200 words and include the author’s name, classification, major and phone number. Staff and faculty must include title. All submissions should focus on issues not personalities, become property of The Battalion and are subject to editing for style, clarity and space concerns.

page7

EDITORIALBOARD

The Battalion’s editorial opinion is determined by its Board of Opinion, with the editor in chief having final responsibility.

Editor in Chief Amanda Casanova editor@thebatt.com Managing Editor Jill Beathard battcopy@thebatt.com Opinion Editor Ian McPhail opinion@thebatt.com

EDITORIAL

Robinson best to serve as student president

T

he A&M student body president is a leader, a servant, a representative and speaker, among many things.

He or she deals with students and administration while pushing student concerns. And while there are three qualified candidates vying for the position, The Battalion editorial board endorses Jacob Robinson for president.

After sitting down with each candidate to discuss Current vice goals for the uppresident will coming school draw from experience to year, we were lead students. most impressed

by Robinson, who demonstrated essential leadership qualities in his rhetoric, proposals and his personality.

Robinson is a junior leadership studies major who served this year as student executive vice president. His experience with student government and his involvement in other organizations, such as Aggie Men’s Club and Maroon Coats, have helped him construct a platform based on communication and advancing the “Aggie experience.” He said he would work hard to keep tuition rates from rising drastically. He also has specific courses of action planned to help him reach his goals, such as visiting other organizations and campus events to “externally focus” on those outside of student government.

For students who do not know what legislation is being debated or brought to Student Senate meetings, Robinson promises to keep these students informed through weekly video updates.

Specific answers to questions and knowledge of the University solidified our decision to support the Waco native. Robinson showed passion and preparation, and we look forward to seeing what he can accomplish as student body president.

MAILCALL From Kyle Richter, senior mechanical engineering major While campaigning for a friend in front of the Commons, several members of the “5 for Yell” campaign thought it would be a good idea to mock us and slander our campaign. I want to point out that we are all Aggies, and that acting like children is not how “5 for Yell” or the Corps wants students to act. I am very disappointed in these individuals who claim to be Aggies.

Direct all correspondence to: Editor in chief of The Battalion (979) 845-3315 | mailcall@thebatt.com

2/25/10 9:51 PM