2008 Woodie Awards
Power to the people
Our View: College Park City Councilwoman Mary Cook's proposal to expand the SGA-appointed city liaison position to a committee increases the student voice.
Staff Editorial
Issue date: 3/6/07 Section: Opinion
Newly elected City Councilwoman Mary Cook was sworn in only three weeks ago, but already she has proposed changes that could radically change the way students interact with the College Park City Council. Cook has proposed expanding the current SGA-appointed city liaison into an entire committee of six to 10 students, and we are in support.
And how could we not be? This change further strengthens the lines of communication between students and the city - what was before a solitary individual heavily influenced by the institutional mindset of the Student Government Association would now be many, each with their own views and opinions. Badly needed are students who are unfettered with political and personal concerns, and can speak out of common sense and a love of the university.
Just recently, the city held a special election over winter break, when the majority of students were absent and unavailable to vote. Yet, objections were hardly raised. Whether this was because of a simple lack of will a fear of political reprisal is ancillary - we doubt 10 independent students would remain so quiet.
Unsurprisingly, the SGA is hesitant for the change, as they would lose their near-monopoly in student-city relations. SGA members interviewed by The Diamondback appear to welcome increased relationships but question the need for the city to be advised by students out of traditional student government channels.
Cook has specifically cited this aim - to increase the breadth of student voice - as a reason for her proposal. She appears to be serious, mentioning that Councilwoman Karen Hampton is set to explore student interest the next few weeks by visiting university dorms.
We wonder if the acrimonious campaign between Cook and the SGA partially contributes to her desire to bypass student government from the student voice, but this is no reason to put a significant damper on a good idea.
It's a welcome sign that Cook is reaching out to the students so early in her term. The SGA should suppress their objections to her proposal for now - even with the expanded liaison position, their role will still be huge. Only now, they'd be accompanied by fresh voices as well.
And how could we not be? This change further strengthens the lines of communication between students and the city - what was before a solitary individual heavily influenced by the institutional mindset of the Student Government Association would now be many, each with their own views and opinions. Badly needed are students who are unfettered with political and personal concerns, and can speak out of common sense and a love of the university.
Just recently, the city held a special election over winter break, when the majority of students were absent and unavailable to vote. Yet, objections were hardly raised. Whether this was because of a simple lack of will a fear of political reprisal is ancillary - we doubt 10 independent students would remain so quiet.
Unsurprisingly, the SGA is hesitant for the change, as they would lose their near-monopoly in student-city relations. SGA members interviewed by The Diamondback appear to welcome increased relationships but question the need for the city to be advised by students out of traditional student government channels.
Cook has specifically cited this aim - to increase the breadth of student voice - as a reason for her proposal. She appears to be serious, mentioning that Councilwoman Karen Hampton is set to explore student interest the next few weeks by visiting university dorms.
We wonder if the acrimonious campaign between Cook and the SGA partially contributes to her desire to bypass student government from the student voice, but this is no reason to put a significant damper on a good idea.
It's a welcome sign that Cook is reaching out to the students so early in her term. The SGA should suppress their objections to her proposal for now - even with the expanded liaison position, their role will still be huge. Only now, they'd be accompanied by fresh voices as well.
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