Since the Student Association president is now interested in “clarity” (based on her letter to the Star Oct. 13), perhaps she could clarify a few things for the students.

How is it that the SA, a student organization, recommended a non-student for the open city council position? Why is it that she did not disqualify herself from the process in view of her past relations with candidate Valadez? Why did she become so upset about the bypassing of Nickie, that she ran down to the city council meeting and made an ass of herself, not to mention embarrassing the entire university? Why did she find Jeff Monroe, an excellent candidate, so unacceptable after only a 15 minute interview? Perhaps she resented Monroe’s accurate assessment of the SA.

She claims Monroe is immature and lacks political experience. However, it was not Jeff who threw a tantrum in front of the city council over some stupid technicality. Also, what sort of experience was she looking for? Perhaps Jeff should serve a term as governor before thinking of joining the council? What about Nickie’s experience? He served briefly as SA president, but was not elected to the post. Then his buddies appointed him student Regent twice, where he brought a whole new meaning to the term “do-nothing lackie.” Nickie lacks the integrity, intelligence, insight and substance to be a public official. (In other words, he will make a fine lawyer.)

The mayor and the city council deserve credit and praise for recognizing Valadez’s lack of qualifications beyond being a suit and a resume. Mayor Sparrow was most likely just being polite in even considering Valadez. You see that’s part of his job—being polite to people he finds ridiculous. Now, if Ms. Scheidelman can answer any of the questions put forth in this letter reasonably, perhaps there is a chance that she should be taken seriously in the future. If she cannot, she should resign or be impeached for misconduct and misuse of her office.

Bill Gannon

NIU alumnus, 1989