Even though SGA elections are postponed to Monday, April 2, contributor Lilliane Long feels students should not be bribed with the free food and performances to vote for someone but have your own thought process

Election time has arrived at N.C. A&T, which means loud music outside, band marches, and the offering of free food, all for a vote.

The Student Government Association was created for individuals who have the true desire to make a difference on campus; however, over the past couple of years such candidates have been scarce. Individuals see the smiles and desire the satchels, but forget that there is work to be done.

The evidence is seen in the lack of candidates in positions other than Miss or Mr. for the 2012-2013 academic school year. The senior class has three candidates for Miss Senior, two candidates for president and none for Mister, vice-president, secretary, or treasurer. The junior class has four candidates for Miss Junior, and four candidates for Junior class king; however, they have no candidates for any other position on the class’ executive board. The sophomore class, better off of all in the amount of candidates running, has one candidate for president, two for vice-president, one for treasurer, and one for sophomore class king.

Has it really come to this? SGA is in place to represent our student body. The representatives chosen are the first faces that individuals see, from the outside looking in. Thus, SGA should be made up of some of the best students that our illustrious university has to offer. As I look closely at some of the candidates for next year’s election, I cannot help but worry a bit.

Some have very strong platforms, very strong opinions and, most important, have plans and ideas on how to execute the goals stated in their platforms; the majority do not. I cannot tell you how many times I have read or heard candidates say “my plan is to unite the student body” or “I plan on getting students more involved.” My question and everyone’s for that matter is, “how?” Getting individuals involved and united is something easier said than done; and when asked how, some candidates look like deer in headlights.

You mean you didn’t think about how to execute the plan you have before you decided to run? Or at least before you interact with students as a candidate?

The main job for Misters and Misses is to provide individuals with community service opportunities.

Nevertheless, when asked which organizations they would like to raise items, funds, or go physically volunteer with, a few candidates did not know. A part of the blame for this is on the student body.

Candidates give use a free pin, some chicken, a drink and a bag of chips and they have our votes. The student body lets candidates think that they can, and that it is okay to, “buy” their vote.

On March 14, SGA put on a Meet-the-Candidates night in Exibit hall and I was surprised to see that about 40 individuals, that were not there to support a friend or already a part of SGA, were there.

Many complain about our SGA representatives. However, those same individuals who complain fail to show up to events to ask the candidates the hard questions.

Individuals should make candidates work hard for their votes; ask the tough questions, and if you don’t like the answers run for something other than just Mr. or Miss.

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• Lilliane Long