Only a few bobcats came out to play this year for the top positions in the Associated Student Government. Political science sophomore Samuel Hillhouse and public relations junior Melanie Ferrari were the only two candidates running for president this semester. Mass communications junior Colter Ray is running unopposed for ASG vice-president.
Students are making their opinions known about the lack of choices for the ASG and the candidates are also expressing concern.
“I wish there was more opposition,” said Ferrari. “I’m just glad that I do have an opponent.”
Ferrari’s running mate, Colter Ray, will become the next vice president whether or not she wins the presidential election.
Although both have little to no competition, they consider themselves overqualified for the positions. Taking a glance at their campaign website you’ll find yourself reading an essay long rap sheet about their accomplishments at Texas State, the organizations they’ve been a part of and led, and their school spirit.
Senator Jonny Riggs had nothing but good things to say about Ferrari and Ray. “They are the first people I’ve seen who are 100 percent for what students want.” Riggs said, “They have a point of view that is very genuine and they are very passionate about what they do.”
For some bobcats, the candidates’ abilities and pride are not enough to make up for the shortage of people running.
Texas State alumnus Michael Hufschmid commented on the “ASG Debate” facebook group. “Wow, two presidential candidates and an unopposed vice presidential candidate! The apathy of this university is getting worse every year,” said the former ASG senator. “I don’t see the point in having a debate at all if these three students out of our 30,000 are the only ones willing to be the ‘voice’ of the Texas State University student body.”
University Star web editor Scott Thomas shared Hufschmid’s view calling this year’s race “one of the most boring elections in years.”
Riggs said that there seems to be a big controversy over there not being enough candidates every election. “People don’t understand what an emotional and mental drain student government is. They [ASG] are in charge of taking care of so many problems while maintaining school.”
Despite the scarcity of candidates, the Ferrari-Ray campaign is pressing on at full force. One of their initiatives includes a “Be Proud Campaign” that will educate students, staff, faculty, and visitors through posters and media about how great our university is and barely known facts about Texas State.
Another initiative involves two changes for the Alkek library that will consist of engraving the alma mater into the steps and also lighting the building in maroon in conjunction to the lighting of the Victory Star.
Ray hopes to one day “come back to San Marcos and see the library lit up all the way from the highway with maroon lights.”
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