To the Editor:
After reading The Dartmouth's articles concerning the latest political infighting within the Student Assembly and the call for the impeachment of President Nicole Artzer, I cannot help but respond to the ridiculous antics of our so-called student representatives. Although the Assembly is plagued by political-infighting every year, this year's group appears to boast some of the worst examples of self-centered politicians who choose to focus on frivolous politics rather than real student issues.
When these politicians occasionally shift their focus to aaddressing student concerns, they end up affirming their own fears of an Assembly viewed as a "laughing stock." While the majority of students certainly have complaints regarding Dartmouth Dining Services, the Assembly renegades who chose a boycott as the only effective means to make progress show a true lack of creativity and vision. If these members wish to prevent the Assembly from appearing a "laughing stock," I believe it is too late. I cannot imagine how the administrators and students who must deal with Assembly members in their quest to "serve student concerns" view these diplomats.
While this faction chastises the leadership of Artzer, I cannot help but recommend that Vice President Steve Costalas reflect upon his own actions. The vice president's responsibilities included building coalitions to ensure that disparate political factions within the Assembly would not hinder the true purpose of the body, which is to serve the students. If Costalas cannot function in this capacity, then perhaps he should consider his own resignation before attempting to seize the presidency for himself. If he is failing as vice president, what makes him think he could be president?
I receive the pro-SA propaganda in my Hinman Box every week, and I'm sure it is a huge accomplishment to have changed the format of the SA newsletter and put one Mac in the Hop. But if the Assembly members could take another five minutes to more fully address student concerns, then they would be addressing important issues, such as the impending loss of Webster Hall.
According to members of the Programming Board, once Webster is transformed into a wing of Baker Library, students will be left with no space to hold mid-range concerts such as the past performances by Jerry Jeff Walker, Phish and De La Soul. While the new Collis benefits us all, I view it as unfortunate that at the same time we are losing much-needed student space. I think students care more about whether their favorite bands can come to Dartmouth in the future than they care about the Assembly's superfluous politics.
As one of the students whom the Assembly claims to represent, I encourage them to stop with their juvenile self-serving quarreling and begin representing those of us that elected them.
KATHRYN MURRAY '94
