It is my belief that the Daily’s Feb. 22 editorial “GSB election lacking competition, competence” mischaracterized the Government of the Student Body Election Commission’s work over the past few weeks.

First of all, I would like to address why several of the races may seem uncompetitive in the Editorial Board’s view. The board is correct in saying that only 11 senators are seeking re-election. However, of the senators who are not running for re-election, only eight are non-seniors, and thus, available to run again. I am included in this group. I chose not to run for re-election because I will be studying abroad next year. It is a senator’s personal prerogative to decide whether to run – that is why terms are limited to one year. I can’t fault any person for choosing to focus on class over choosing to run a campaign for GSB. It is not the responsibility of the Election Commission to get current senators to run for re-election.

I would also like to point out some of the successes the GSB Election Commission has already made. The Election Commission has worked tirelessly to moderate thousands of electronic messages, flyers, signs and debates. This requires a significant time commitment, and it shows in the level of regulation that has been brought to this election. Last year, only a handful of audience members showed up for the candidate debates. On Tuesday night, more than 40 people listened to the candidates at the Maintenance Shop, and many more heard the discussions over KURE radio.

More candidate seminars took place this year than in years prior, and I have faith that Election Commissioner Mansoor Khadir is committed to maintaining this pattern of improvement until the day the election results are certified.

Brian Phillips

Off-campus senator

Government of the Student Body