To the editor:

As a member of the Daily staff, Mr. Wong, it would seem to me that, even though your article is categorized as opinion, factual information should be the basis of your argument. However, your article on GSB presented quite a contrary impression of your journalistic skill. It was anything but ethical and informative, lacking the factual base that would clarify your issues of concern.

Allow me to clarify a few points. The allegedly student-funded “GSB T-shirts” mentioned in your column were, in fact, purchased individually by senators, not with student money. Secondly, the money GSB reimburses presidential candidates is offered to ensure that any student can campaign for the GSB executive slate, ANY student, so as not to limit this opportunity to those that can personally afford it.

To address the GSB retreat, student organization retreats allow for the generation of ideas, the implementation of goals and the education of its members. It has been my experience that they do nothing but enhance motivation and effectiveness.

As a member of our student government, I found the one GSB retreat this year to serve as an enhancement of my training to assist and represent my constituents. I, as a member of our student senate, am proud to serve my fellow students. I do so honestly and sincerely, with their best interests as my only priority. There is no hidden agenda, Mr. Wong.

I applaud your efforts to raise money for People Serving People. As a volunteer for a similar program in Minnesota, Community Food Response, I understand its need for assistance at this time. Additionally, I not only hope your camp-out is a success, but I intend to contribute to this excellent cause.

However, in the midst of professing your self-worth to Iowa State, you conveniently failed to recognize the GSB’s contribution to student life on this campus.

This year, we passed a bill funding a greatly needed bus shelter, gave money to allow the Brown Route to continue running smoothly and funded students attending both educational and leadership conferences, just for starters. Perhaps we could meet to further discuss these and other contributions in depth if you are curious about our effectiveness.

To make inaccurate assumptions about the efforts of GSB, and in the same breath thinking it is a conflict of interest to take a proactive approach on these issues, is completely unimpressive and inexcusable.

I challenge you to step out of your comfort zone of criticism and take an active stand to make our GSB even better. I welcome any advice or suggestion with open arms.

Working together, proactively, will motivate the rest of this campus to take a positive, and foremost, active interest in the affairs of GSB.

Jessica Rohlfing

Junior

Psychology

GSB Panhellenic Senator