There weren’t many questions that Mike Banasiak couldn’t answer in detail. Actually, there weren’t many questions — Banasiak seems to know what people will ask before it is even asked.

Years of experience with the Government of the Student Body — including time on the cabinet — have trained Banasiak and his running mate Ben Albright, a GSB senator, well.

Will those seeking a change in GSB find it in Banasiak and Albright? Perhaps not. They are self-proclaimed “GSB insiders”. And Banasiak does not want to stay involved with GSB if he does not win in this election, saying the other candidates would not effectively lead the organization.

But those seeking dedication to goals and the ambition to achieve them quickly have a winning bet with these two candidates. They promise to strengthen the communication system between students and the Iowa Legislature. To this end, Banasiak has already been meeting with politicians, including Ames Mayor Ted Tedesco, for more than a year. Currently, in the midst of the presidential campaign, he’s already accomplished one of his goals — getting an ex officio student member on the Ames City Council.

Both Banasiak and Albright are aware of the struggles that face students when trying to make an impact on politics: “It’s hard for them to take us seriously,” Albright said. “If [students] aren’t the ones voting for them, why should they care?” Currently, he’s in discussions to organize open forums with ISU administrators that would allow students to voice campus concerns.

These candidates are also concerned with bringing entertainment options to the 21-and-under crowd. This is the least likely goal to see success in the next year, a weak element in an otherwise sturdy campaign.

The issue all slates are weighing in on is creating a multicultural center to promote diversity. And this is where Banasiak and Albright admit they want to slow down. They want research before action.

Slowing down for research is a good idea. But action before promises is an even better one. In campaigns, empty promises are abundant. But these two don’t need promises — their work speaks for them.

Editorial Board: Cavan Reagan, Amber Billings, Ayrel Clark, Charlie Weaver, Katie List