I've been to a lot of Duke Student Government meetings this year, and let me tell you, they are not exactly the highlight of my week. Don't get me wrong, I find DSG very intriguing. But the meetings themselves are, well, boring.
I will note, however, that the meetings could be a lot worse. Luckily, Executive Vice President Joe Fore, a senior, knows what's up. He runs the meetings smoothly and efficiently. And I honestly think he sleeps with a copy of Robert's Rules of Order under his pillow. He's just plain good at what he does.
That being said, Tuesday marks this year's DSG elections, and I'm optimistic for next year. Sophomores Alex Crable and Jordan Giordano are vying for EVP, and in light of Fore's example of great leadership, I think this is the one match-up of all the races that every student should look at most seriously.
Crable and Giordano have both been assets to DSG this year, and I find it a shame that one will have to lose this race.
Both are experienced in DSG. Giordano currently holds the position of vice president of community interaction, while Crable serves as the chair of the Student Organization Finance Committee.
Both are well-spoken. I've had the opportunity to speak with each of them one-on-one and to listen to them address the entire Senate; they handle both situations with poise and power.
Both are driven. Crable and Giordano have both accomplished a lot this year in DSG. Crable can boast of the University keg fund, while Giordano successfully chaired the Young Trustee Nominating Committee.
I honestly believe either candidate could hold this position next year and do great things for DSG. The student body just needs to consider what those great things will be.
Giordano is focused on improving DSG as a whole by shifting some responsibilities from the president, updating the bylaws and holding a constitutional convention to revise DSG's governing document. He also hopes to be a great help to the other vice presidents, a goal he has because he has served on two of four DSG committees and held a vice presidential position himself. Lastly, he hopes to tackle the Campus Culture Initiative report by gathering opinions from anyone and everyone and sharing them in open conversations with Provost Peter Lange.
Crable plans to take a different approach to the position. First, he hopes to improve the DSG structure through greater distribution and collection of information, including polling data on how students feel about DSG actions. He also aims to improve student life both through supporting the performing arts and creating a "functional University calendar" complete with opt-in RSS feeds. Finally, he wants students to "have a voice in issues that will affect us in years to come," highlighting the CCI and Central Campus.
Considering my respect for Fore, I asked each candidate individually that single aspect of the way Fore served they would change. Surprisingly, they both responded in the same way: both desire to push more personal projects and legislation.
Crable and Giordano each added that he had respect for his opponent, and they both enjoy joking with each other as they go through the campaigning process. Crable even noted that he and Giordano texted back-and-forth last Wednesday morning about whose Chronicle photo was more embarrassing.
These candidates both bring strong leadership to the table and a sense of humor to boot.
I can honestly say as I write this column that yesterday I had every intention of voting for Crable, today, for Giordano, and I couldn't tell you whose side I'll be on come tomorrow.
I strongly encourage the student body to do its research for this position. I feel that for most of the other positions, there is at least one candidate who stands out above the rest, but for this one, it's a crapshoot.
I have no doubt either of these men will get done what he aims to or at the very least, give it his all. Take the time to decide which platform is more reflective of what you want to see on campus. Each candidate has a very informative website and a Facebook group. Before you vote, use all that time you already spend on Facebook to actually accomplish something. Give each candidate the time and consideration he deserves.
May the best man win.
Allie Vergotz is a Trinity freshman. Her column runs every other Monday.
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