Some students may not know what the Government of the Student Body is or why it is important, but the men at the helm this year are out to change that.

GSB President Matt Craft and Vice President Garrett Toay stepped into their roles in mid-April and worked throughout the summer to make sure the 1999-2000 school year will include more student involvement and uphold the success of the two prior administrations.

Craft and Toay’s first attempt to reach out to students will be their weekly radio show, airing on KURE 88.5 FM from 8 to 10 a.m. on Monday mornings.

Beginning in September, GSB also will hold town meetings for students to share their opinions and express their concerns with Iowa State.

“I think we’re already off to a great start for improving that [communication with students] for the year,” said Craft, senior in political science and pre-law from La Porte City.

Craft said that during its first meeting, GSB will deal with one of this year’s most important issues: the cancellation of CyRide’s Brown Route.

“I’ve heard a lot of strong feelings from both sides,” said Toay, senior in agricultural business from Stockton, Ill.

Craft said because of the ramifications of the issue, it must be decided as soon as possible.

“We can’t put it off and wait for the senators to get their feet on the ground,” he said.

Other major issues Craft and Toay anticipate working on include the future of the Memorial Union’s ownership and increased multicultural awareness.

Toay said GSB leaders can’t do their jobs to the best of their abilities without a lot of input from students.

“It’s easy to get involved with GSB, and it really does have a supporting role to their education at Iowa State,” he said.

Craft said he urges students to e-mail senators and cabinet members with any thoughts or concerns about both pending and potential issues on campus. He said they also take criticism very well.

To get informed about GSB what is doing, Toay said students should ask upperclassmen about the organization and keep up with news articles about current legislation and activities.

“When an issue comes up that you have feelings on, make sure your opinions are heard,” Toay said. “Tell your senators or cabinet members.”

Any student can get involved firsthand by applying for cabinet committees, which will be chosen during the next few weeks. Applications will be available in the GSB office in the East Student Office Space of the Union.

Toay said he and Craft have a very laid-back administration, which is different from years past.

“Just because we’re GSB president and vice president doesn’t mean we’re more important or better than anyone else,” Toay said. “We’re just students at Iowa State.”