Soon enough UC Davis undergraduates will choose six new ASUCD senators out of the 15 that are currently running. The nine not elected, however, should not give up.
All 15 candidates have put plenty of time, effort and strategy into their campaign this fall quarter. But the effort should not end if victory is not theirs after results are announced tomorrow.
Candidates, and others interested in improving and changing ASUCD, should still participate and introduce legislation. If their platform goals are genuine – if candidates really do feel the need to make a change without the title of “ASUCD Senator” – then the loss of an election should not be a reason to stop them.
For example, Greg Webb ran for senate multiple times and was unable to obtain a seat in the 12-person senate. However, Webb showed the same enthusiasm as he did when he campaigned. He put forth more legislation than some senators did last academic year.
Only senators need to introduce legislation at meetings, though anyone can author a bill or resolution. A template can be found at ascud.ucdavis.edu, although at press time, that portion of the website was malfunctioning. The ASUCD Internal Affairs Commission also regularly puts on legislation writing workshops that are open to the public.
Perhaps the best way to see how legislation is presented is to attend a senate meeting – every Thursday at 6:10 p.m. at the Memorial Union’s Mee Room – and see the legislative process firsthand. Copies of bills that will be presented are available at meetings or can be found online.
So candidates, show the rest of UC Davis that loosing an election is not the end of the world. If you really feel strongly about the platform goals presented in your campaign goals, then follow through with them and improve this university.
We look forward to seeing you all in action.
