The Government of the Student Body is not perfect. I will be one of the first to admit that, but the opinion column by Stelios Vasilis Perdios neglected many things about GSB that do benefit students. He starts out by claiming how GSB is full of would-be politicians, but that is far from the truth. GSB is filled with future doctors, engineers (a lot of them), computer analysts, student affair professionals, leaders in the military and so on. Like me, a vast majority of the senators ran and got involved in GSB to serve students better than the senator we replaced. I for one know for a fact that as an Inter-Residence Hall Association senator, I have improved the residence hall community by working with Facilities Planning & Management and ISU Dining on improving the fences around the residence halls and working to keep costs down for meal plans but keeping the quality of food.

Now, not every senator on GSB does his or her fair share of representing their constituents. I would say that a vast majority still do though. GSB has funded and worked on projects like Analysis of Social Services Evaluation Team, Cyclone Cinema, CyRide, national headliners like Lupe Fiasco and Nick Offerman, Student Services like Financial Counseling, Student Legal Services, and Student Counseling. Not to mention the 9/11 remembrance event, One Community event, KURE Fest and the lectures brought to you by the Committee on Lectures is funded by GSB. Oh, and GSB funds Veishea, too. This senate has been one of the most active in funding great groups, events and services than previous senates.

One problem that GSB does face is the bylaws and rules for funding and getting changes done. GSB is a student government, and we cannot just waive the rules and bylaws we have for everything. GSB has a duty to serve the groups of Iowa State fairly and even though I do not agree with them all the time, they still need to be followed. We cannot just fund one group $50,000 in September and then not have enough money to fund conference trips and campus events. This year GSB started a program called “Connecting with Constituents.” Perdios summed it up correctly that it more or less says that each senator goes to a different club or student organization each month. I personally have tried to double that at the minimum, and I know other senators that have done the same.

Elections are coming up in two weeks, not every senate seat has enough people running in each constituency. I was a write-in for the IRHA and won my seat with 38 votes. But I still have taken my position very seriously and now that I am the chairman of the University Affairs Committee for GSB, and I have worked night and day to come up with projects and events to improve campus with my committee.

You want to make a change to GSB, campus and this university? Go out and vote. And I mean actually vote. Read the platforms, find out who is running for senate, hold them accountable and come to GSB meetings on Wednesday. Perdios says GSB doesn’t represent students, and he is right to a certain degree, but students need to be active in approaching senators, cabinet members and the president and vice-president about concerns and wishes.

GSB may not be able to promise to lower tuition, but we certainly try at Regents Day every year. I disagree with Perdios’ opinion and the manner he goes about it in his column, but just know that GSB really is here to serve the students. I await the rest of his GSB series, and I hope he has actually looked into how hard working each and every member of the executive, legislative and judicial branch works for the students.

Oh, and one last thing, GSB funds the Daily. So you’re welcome, Perdios.