Voting polls for the 2007 Student Association elections open tomorrow, and while candidates may be holding their breath for a few days, undergraduate students should be taking in a collective sigh of relief, as this year's candidate pool seems stronger than it has been in years.
With that being said, The Spectrum's editorial board recently met with the candidates to see whom this publication would be endorsing. Each member looked for the qualities that constitute a good leader and found that each party had their own pros and cons, as well as gimmicks or strategies for winning the election. However, there was one quality that shined through all of that - confidence.
When it comes down to it, some of the best leadership qualities, including public speaking skills, dedication and enthusiasm, stem directly from confidence. A confident leader must also be confident in their plans and initiatives, and although all three parties had a platform, it was those with the most concrete initiatives that had the most charismatic delivery.
Each of the three pairs of running mates discussed this year's leadership and how they would like to change the Student Association's image. Those issues may seem like the broad and bland type of B.S. we've all come to expect from politicians, but how each party addressed the topics was what set them apart.
The Greater Tomorrow party had a refreshing take on the campaign process. Casually dressed, they came off as open and honest, and explained how they represented the common UB student.
However, they teetered on the line between honesty and apathy. Party members successfully explained why they wanted their respective positions, and although that made for an interesting outlook on politics, they failed to address what they would do with the jobs if elected. The medium is the message, and Greater Tomorrow seemed to lack the vision to execute long-term goals.
On the flip side of that coin, the UB Redefined party formally and passionately presented their ideas for next year. However, they got stuck in a rut and continued to bellyache about this year's leadership rather than address the future.
The Redefined party described themselves as SA's "disgruntled employees." It made for an interesting paradox, given that their candidate for vice president, Shuja Hussain, is the younger brother of this year's SA President Viqar Hussain. Although that connection may be trivial, one simple fact stands: whiners aren't winners, and they certainly don't make good leaders.
The Progress party was the only group that was able to avoid a reactionary stance regarding SA and actually address their goals. Initiatives included upgrading the Student Association's online textbook exchange from a Web site into a brick-and-mortar facility as well as addressing the lack of "hangout space" for commuter students.
With those criticisms in mind, I would like to paraphrase something a wise man once told me: "Every leadership position is what you make of it."
Every candidate in the race is a great asset to UB, and should keep in mind that "winning the race" doesn't mean the candidate has won anything - it only means they've been given the chance to lead the university's undergrads, and a responsibility to make a positive difference for a large group of people.
Most of the candidates will not win the election, and a great deal of students will be voting for a losing team.
The buck does not stop there, however. Unsuccessful candidates should take every opportunity to continue doing their best to serve the UB community.
That responsibility extends to "Regular Joe" students as well. We all have the responsibility to vote in this year's elections. Inform yourself and vote, because this race is important and will affect every student on campus.
But don't stop there - even if you don't approve of who gets elected, make sure to use your voice to affect next year's Student Association. Whether it's in person or through e-mail, phone call, or pony express, make sure you use your power to mold the winning candidate into someone who knows what students at UB care about.
