Editor:

As an unelected employee of ASUU, I have endeavored to remain neutral and supportive of all the parties and their candidates. However, I’d like to discuss the Progression Party’s full-page advertisement in Wednesday’s edition of The Chronicle.

The ad displayed photos of the 2002-2003 cabinet in various activities (such as snowmobiling and hot tubbing), and I’d like to mention that the photos were used by the Progression Party without the permission of Maryam Basmenji, the ASUU officer who took the photos.

The Progression Party included spending figures from the 2001-2002 administration, trying to criticize the current administration for “fiscal irresponsibility.” This was an intentional effort by Progression to confuse university students.

Additionally, a full-page advertisement in The Chronicle, like the one that the “fiscally” responsible Progression party purchased, cost $500 for one day.

And finally, I’d like to talk about the record of fiscal responsibility by candidates of the Progression Party. Russell Gerrard, the party’s vice presidential candidate, sponsored a bill in the Senate which provided $800 for the Communication SAC to have massage therapists and free pizza to “reduce stress” on finals week. According to Gerrard, “During this period [finals week] of intense anxiety, there are no means of mental or physical relief provided for students”. This is Gerrard’s idea of fiscal responsibility.

ASUU is full of fine individuals who dedicate hours of their time volunteering for the student body. University students should vote based on the character of the candidates and their attitudes toward honest service.

Sheldon Gilbert

Sophomore, History

ASUU Student Group Coordinator