I would like to clarify the situation in which I am now involved regarding the Towers Government of the Student Body Senate seat (“Towers representative faces short GSB term,” March 31.) Initially, I had expressed interest in the seat and attended one of the first meetings to inquire about the position. At that time, I was informed that the slot was in fact open despite the closing of Towers next year and that there was threat of a possible impeachment once Towers closed. I made the initial payment of $10 but decided to mull the decision further before turning in the $75 deposit and beginning to collect signatures for the petition. After some thought, I decided against pursuing the seat for a number of factors, including the fact that there would be no constituency next year. I believed that I had washed my hands of the situation, as the rules clearly state that one needs to pay the deposit and have the petition signed to be included on the ballot.

To my great surprise when I went to vote for GSB, my name was on the ballot. If the Election Commission or GSB had approached me before the election about my name being on the ballot, I would have happily agreed to have my name removed. When it was revealed post-election that I won the seat, I would have happily resigned the position had anyone on the Election Commission or GSB come to me with their concerns instead of threats of impeachment in a Daily article. Since I did not want the position in the first place, I do not want to accept it now. It simply fell into my lap. Unfortunately, I was not contacted by anyone and learned of the situation in a call from a Daily reporter.

This situation could and should have been handled more ably by the Election Commission and GSB. Because of the confusion caused by inaction on the part of GSB, I believe that Towers should have representation. The person who came in second should be allowed to fill the position if he or she wishes. This is an unfortunate situation that, hopefully, will be resolved in a way that best serves the residents of Towers.

Jeremy Putman

Junior

Management