LC Meridian

Issue date: 4/1/07 Section: Election 2007

Preceded by only four days of intense campaigns and followed by a year of promises and controversies, the student government elections are nevertheless a decisive moment where students get a chance to improve their school and their campus life. From April 24th to the 26th, Lehman College students will have to choose which candidates are going to represent the student body. This year, one independent candidate and one newly created party, Leaders of the New School, will be challenging the current leaders of the Campus Association for Student Activities (CASA), Lehman Students United.

The week before elections, no platforms had been submitted by the two parties when in most CUNY universities, such as Hunter College, debates and written platforms are mandatory. The Independent candidate spontaneously joined the pack on the deadline. Mr. Sullivan, Director of Campus life, reminded both parties bylaws required candidates to keep their lists secret and avoid campaigning before the election week.

"We need to talk and not only during those four days of gorilla marketing and advertising. You're not going to be blinded by two flyers," said Chad Scott, candidate for the presidency of CASA, and founder of the LNS, the Leaders of the New School party.

The limited voter information circulating on the elections also explains the low rate of student participation. Last year a record 981 students voted out of the over 10,000 students enrolled.

"The students that we are looking forward to reaching are the first time voters. They don't even know what CASA is and who those people are," claims Jamel Johnson, adviser to LNS.

Though every student with a GPA above 2.0 was invited by mail to present their candidacy, 14 people are actually running for CASA positions and 35 for senate seats.

"I feel that people don't always know who they are voting for. They know the people in their classes but that is it. Maybe there could be a place to see the candidates and their thoughts before the election," said David Lowenstein, senator candidate.

Continued...

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