As a concerned student of NIU, I am writing this letter to the editor to remind you, as students, of your right to vote in the Student Association’s executive elections this week. In light of recent publicity I would like to remind the students of the current SA leadership’s trying to hold the administration “accountable.” The current president has repeatedly used this as one of his major accomplishments. Unfortunately for the students of NIU, his efforts have led to the fourth tuition increase in four years. I would not call this “holding the administration accountable.” Also, as the incumbent candidate for SA President, he is building his platform on his past accomplishments. While not attacking these, I would like to point out that several things were started years earlier (the student regent vote has been around since 1977). He is building his accomplishments on past work done by others. In addition, he does not give us any indication of anything “new” that he will initiate. His platform is based on continuing his progress. What progress? I am challenging you as students to go out and look at other alternatives to the current SA leadership. If you as students are not happy with things on this campus, it is an indication of the current SA President’s failure to make significant changes while in office. You as students must decide this for yourselves, if you have not already done so. Go out and vote for new leaders to guide the SA for the upcoming school year. Experience does not mean effectiveness.

Leadership is very important in student government, and it reflects heavily on the president if the SA does not know which direction it is going in.

I have given to you some insight about the holes in the current SA President’s platform, and now I will give you a voting alternative. His name is Michael Murvihill. He is a strong leader. As a former marine, Murvihill is well-versed in dealing with slow, ineffective bureaucracy and expediting issues. He is experienced in dealing with government officials and administrators. Murvihill has the know-how and the leadership skills it takes to make the SA an effective voice of the students. New ideas, a new approach, and know-how are some of the things Michael Murvihill can bring to office if he is elected president of the SA. He can do it.

emember to vote. The polling areas are located in DuSable, Blackhawk, and Founders Library. Isn’t it time for a change?

Scott Pritikin

senior, political science