In considering the five candidates for Student Body President, we were faced with a fundamental question: does Student Assembly matter to the average Dartmouth student? In light of widespread apathy with regard to the Assembly, a charismatic candidate who will advocate for change provides the best solution. Therefore we endorse Paul Heintz '06 for Student Body President, albeit with significant reservations.
Heintz, who has never served on Assembly, is certainly the most controversial candidate. Heintz's outsider status will provide the Assembly with the jolt that it needs. Student Assembly's greatest failure is the lack of interest it inspires in the student body. Heintz has the spark and drive to overcome student apathy, wants to take charge and wants to rebuild the Assembly on the basis of greater campus inclusion. His proposals to reach out to various organizations on campus could enhance student awareness of and interest in Assembly. The vast majority of Dartmouth students who think the Assembly is irrelevant will respond to Paul's enthusiasm and charisma.
Furthermore, Heintz seems to have a grasp of "the vision thing." He has the will and the willingness to fight for his proposals, and the imagination to devise new solutions to problems affecting the student body. His proposal to institute an advisory system for students facing Committee on Standards charges, for example, addresses an important need. Furthermore, his plan to introduce all-night student eating options shows imagination. Finally, Heintz has pledged to reinstate composting at dining halls.
When we questioned his leadership experience, his record as president of the Young Democrats stood out most. Heintz led the Young Dems to success in New Hampshire in turning out record numbers of Dartmouth voters. We believe that the passion he exhibited during the 2004 election will be augmented by the challenges of leading Assembly.
The past two Assembly Presidents, Janos Marton '04 and Julia Hildreth '05, represent the extremes of Assembly leadership that the next President must avoid. While Hildreth has focused too much on internal Assembly affairs, Marton's disregard for policy details often left the Assembly without clear leadership. Heintz walks the line between Hildreth's inability to reach out to the rest of the campus, and Marton's alienation from the Assembly. While Heintz has likened himself to Marton many times throughout his campaign, he must be careful not to let his boisterous bravado replicate Marton's ineffective style.
As a newcomer to the Assembly, however, it will be incumbent upon Heintz to learn the intricacies of the body quickly. In addition, his dealings with the College should reflect a spirit of mutual cooperation rather than the antagonistic tone his campaign rhetoric has reflected. Heintz must work carefully and closely with existing Assembly members to preserve the strong structure that Hildreth has erected during her presidency. It is imperative that Heintz not turn away students and administrators with his sometimes abrasive leadership style. We believe Heintz can overcome these challenges, though we will be the first organization on campus to criticize him should he fail.
Noah Riner '06 provides a compelling second choice to Heintz. Though we believe that Riner will largely affirm the status quo, he has shown his leadership during his three years on Assembly. In addition, his promises to work with the trustees to create effective policy is original and essential to future success. Whoever wins this election should get to know the trustees on a first-name basis. In addition, Riner has strongly advocated using the Assembly's influence to pressure the College to keep class sizes small. Riner has been the only candidate to raise this issue. Furthermore, Riner's experience would help him in dealing with the College.
With the introduction of instant runoff voting, voters must rank candidates in the order of which they support them. After Heintz and Riner, we support Brian Martin '06, Mats Lemberger '06 and Todd Golden '06 in order.
For Vice President of Student Assembly, Jeffrey Coleman '08 has shown the dedication and diligence that highly qualify him for Assembly's number-two post. The Vice President's constitutional role is to moderate within the Assembly and to maintain internal affairs. Coleman has a strong understanding of the Assembly's committee system, having served on four of them this year, and achieved tangible results. Coleman's organizational skills and his indefatigable nature distinguish him clearly from the other candidates. His quiet and persistent leadership will provide strong assistance to the new President.
In the end, though, the responsibility falls on each Dartmouth student to cast his or her ballot. Don't be intimidated by the new instant runoff voting system. Vote.
