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The perfect USS platform: I'm Greek, and it's my turn

Abstract:
Katie Hale is a smart woman.

Hale knows that her resume looks rather thin when placed next to that of Preston Mitchum's, the two-term Undergraduate Student Senate candidate who is opposing her in this semester's election for USS executive director.

So, if you're Katie Hale, how do you give yourself a better shot of winning, given your lack of campus political experience?

Simple....

  • Displaying 1 - 24 of 24

Titus Andronicus

posted 2/27/07 @ 2:27 AM EST

Seems like you are a little biased. That's fine. I just want to say that I especially liked how well you covered Mitchum's experience. Like when you use such an indepth description of his background with the phrase "Mitchum's experience speaks for itself" now that is fair, balanced, and very thorough. Then you criticise their facebook page? Thats odd...considering most major papers are written on a level that is designed for the lesser educated members of our society, furthermore, you spelled one of the candidates name's incorrectly, and you have a hard time spelling the word "Senate." According to Microsoft Word, this article is written on the 10th grade level. Which is really funny because you're trying to say, "Don't vote for the greek ticket because they have grammatical errors on facebook." Well then maybe we shouldn't read your article because of the errors in your reporting. Your article does do a really good job of saying a whole lot of nothing. Correct me if I'm wrong, assuming you do know how to report facts properly, but the greek population at Kent State is very low compared to other schools. Last I heard it was under 3% of total enrollment. So if you're trying to say that 3% of Kent State students are controling the entire election, then I believe a better story would have been about "Getting more students to give a damn about their future at Kent State by voting"

Late, TA
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Hale No

posted 2/27/07 @ 9:33 AM EST

Hello,
The Greek vote is astromical to the USS Elections. Considering only about 1500 students vote.
Thanks
Originally posted by

Titus Andronicus

 Seems like you are a little biased. That's fine. I just want to say that I especially liked how well you covered Mitchum's experience. Like when you use such an indepth description of his background with the phrase "Mitchum's experience speaks for itself" now that is fair, balanced, and very thorough. Then you criticise their facebook page? Thats odd...considering most major papers are written on a level that is designed for the lesser educated members of our society, furthermore, you spelled one of the candidates name's incorrectly, and you have a hard time spelling the word "Senate." According to Microsoft Word, this article is written on the 10th grade level. Which is really funny because you're trying to say, "Don't vote for the greek ticket because they have grammatical errors on facebook." Well then maybe we shouldn't read your article because of the errors in your reporting. Your article does do a really good job of saying a whole lot of nothing. Correct me if I'm wrong, assuming you do know how to report facts properly, but the greek population at Kent State is very low compared to other schools. Last I heard it was under 3% of total enrollment. So if you're trying to say that 3% of Kent State students are controling the entire election, then I believe a better story would have been about "Getting more students to give a damn about their future at Kent State by voting"

Late, TA
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This should be obvious

posted 2/27/07 @ 2:34 AM EST

Columns are not supposed to be balanced stories, just so everyone knows. Please take the time to learn how a newspaper works, idiots.

Good column, Ben. Let's get those losers out of there.
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Bob Satterfield

posted 2/27/07 @ 2:53 AM EST

Dear Mr. Breier,
I am glad to see an article regarding the upcoming elections as I believe it ever important for the student body to be informed on the candidates that are to be selected that will have control over a wide area of important policy affecting students. Yet your criticism of Ms.Hale and the ticket she has composed leave some information in the dark. I agree with the last person who wrote of the low number of students who are greek and to say such a small minority controls government leaves one to question your research of those who vote that are actually greek. I am willing to bet they are quite a few less than you try to imply.
In regards to the senator who is running against Ms.Hale, correct me if I am wrong, but it serves my memory and research of the archives that senator Mitchum did indeed run on the "greek ticket" last year, the so called "Student Leader Ticket" . So if one is to "bash" Ms.Hale for running on a greek ticket to enhance her chances of winning then one should remember that senator Mitchum, while also not Greek in its sense that is discussed, did the same as he did face a quality oppenent and without his running on the ticket it is questionable as to whether he would of been on senate this year. So to fault one and not the other for doing the same thing does elude to your bias. This thus brings myself to my next point-while on senate for two years what has senator Mitchum done? From what i know that the stater has covered he has merely passed a resolution on Darfur which does in no way encompass his position as academic affairs senator. Beyond that simple resolution, I am unaware of anything the senator has done to better the undergraduate student at Kent. It seems as his two years on senate have yielded little, if any, progess.
Further, while a column is meant to be biased that is why it is ever important for individuals like myself to properly point of flaws in a column to ensure fairness.
I thank you all for taking the time to read this and if this makes a difference for only one person then I have done my job as a concerned student here at Kent St.
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Jeff Schooley

posted 2/27/07 @ 3:12 AM EST

Ben,

Where were you last year when Preston ran on a nearly all-Greek ticket? Preston has worked the Greek system (or at least connections to that system) in the past and if it comes back to bite him this year, then it should only be seen as poetic justice. The kid can't tie his shoes for pete's sake. His time on USS has been lackluster and I can't think of a more ridiculous USS Executive Director. I can't believe I'm saying this, but going Greek might be the best option.
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Hale No

posted 2/27/07 @ 9:31 AM EST

Sir, you don't like Preston. I have personally heard u say that in the Rat. Please tell me how he has been lackluster.
Originally posted by

Jeff Schooley

 Ben,

Where were you last year when Preston ran on a nearly all-Greek ticket? Preston has worked the Greek system (or at least connections to that system) in the past and if it comes back to bite him this year, then it should only be seen as poetic justice. The kid can't tie his shoes for pete's sake. His time on USS has been lackluster and I can't think of a more ridiculous USS Executive Director. I can't believe I'm saying this, but going Greek might be the best option.
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Jessica Wojcik

posted 2/27/07 @ 4:03 AM EST

Opinion is one thing. Ignorance is another.
Of course there is a support system amongst the Greeks. It is no different then the support a candidate would receive if they were a member of any other organization on campus, except the Greek system happens to be a larger group of students.
It is unfair and uncalled for to attack Greek members of Undergraduate Student Senate, implying they were not qualified for their positions or did not earn them.
If we want to attack grammatical errors on a Facebook group, maybe we should take the time to notice that there are spelling errors in the column itself. (Jeffr-e-y's name is actually Jeffe-r-y and sentate should probably be senate)
If this column was supposed to be attacking social Greek organizations, that failed as well. Delta Sigma Pi is not a social fraternity, but instead a co-ed business fraternity, with a similar mission statement as Phi Sigma Pi, the honors fraternity of which Mitchum is a member . And, believe it or not, even social fraternities and sororities are not all participating in "toga parties and belligerent behavior". Greek organizations encourage scholarship, promote positive social interaction, and create leadership opportunities.
There are also members of Greek organizations running for senate that are not part of the I.O.U. ticket. If this election was a Greek conspiracy, wouldn't it make more sense for all the candidates on the ticket to be Greek?
Everyone is entitled to their opinion on the matter, but really, if you want to vote for Katie Hale, go ahead. And if you want to vote for Preston Mitchum, do it. There is no need to turn this election into an anti-Greek rally.
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The real facts.

posted 2/27/07 @ 9:45 AM EST

Katie has no SENATORIAL experience, except for being the secretary.

The current USS has completed an abundance amount of work that often times goes unoticed. Except for Senator Groya who talks big game, and didn't really do anything at all for the elections. She doesn't run anything but her mouth!

Sedello,Groves,Feld,Jeffry,Wolfgang have all done good things for this campus.

And who knows what Miltner has done?

I honestly don't think it would be wise to elect an entire new Senate. We must realize that the new senate would be in charge of implementing the new charter.

As far as Mitchum,his resume and what he has done for this campus---go to his office hours. Ask him, and I am sure he will tell you. HE IS ALWAYS THERE---unlike most of the Senators!
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Tom Brokaw

posted 2/27/07 @ 10:33 PM EST

Originally posted by

The real facts.
I honestly don't think it would be wise to elect an entire new Senate. We must realize that the new senate would be in charge of implementing the new charter.

I'm not sure if you understand anything that is occurring in the world around you. Preston is the only senator running for re-election - so whether you think it's 'wise' to elect an new senate or not, it is an inevitable fact that you are going to have to learn to deal with.
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Sam

posted 2/27/07 @ 11:51 AM EST

Nice article. That Chingy thing was bull. You're right, too. Greeks have been in power for a long time and have done very little to nothing except the one thing they're good at: adding stuff to their resume. That's all they care about. That's why they're greek.
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Greek VIew

posted 2/27/07 @ 12:29 PM EST

"From the outside looking in, you can never understand it. From the inside looking out, you can never explain it."

There is so much more to greek life then you give credit, obviously not being one you don't understand. Toga partys? Honestly so we party, we have fun, a large percentage of non greeks are at those partys. Chastise us for having fun, please. Don't give us credit for everything we do on campus, ever notice that greeks are also involved on other organizations on campus besides their fraternity or sorority? Obviously all the money we raise for organizations is not important at all, only our toga partys are important. Attend songfest watch us have fun (sober) and yet raise money. Notice Relay for life what groups are signed up the most? What groups have already raised a huge amount of money? Oh yea, thats right GREEKS.
If everyone is so anti greeks running for senate, why aren't you guys stepping up and running? If you dont support the ticket, your still going to be voting for greek. Because greeks except for three candidates are greek, so its greek running against greek. This isnt the greeks wanting to put it on their resume, its them caring enough to get involved on the university. Where are all of you non greeks, if you have such a problem run for senate!
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Senator Jeffery

posted 2/27/07 @ 1:16 PM EST

Hello, just an FYI my last name is spelt J-E-F-F-E-R-Y

Thanks
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Shanelle

posted 2/27/07 @ 8:39 PM EST

Yea, spell his name right!

Originally posted by

Senator Jeffery

 Hello, just an FYI my last name is spelt J-E-F-F-E-R-Y

Thanks
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Michaelangelo

posted 2/27/07 @ 1:41 PM EST

Sorry Ben Breier but I can almost guarantee you that unless you work for yourself out of college your boss will be a Greek. I'm also sorry that you watched Animal House and think this is how Greeks are. I give your article zero out of 10 stars.
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Jonathan Messer

posted 2/27/07 @ 3:03 PM EST

By allowing this article to run so early you have completely discredited your entire "editorial endorsements being unbiased" contention. This paper has really gone downhill fast. Editorial Board: why are even letting columnists run opinion articles so early in an election process that is so ridiculously biased? Are we really supposed to believe that now if Mitchum gets endorsed that it was not planned from the get go? Such a JOKE.

Not only are you obviously anti-greek, but apparently you poke fun at senate even behind closed doors. I read all the student government articles , and often late online before I go to bed. I noticed early Monday morning an article posted about senate's proposals to increase their size and diversity as well as restructure ACPB. Why did it say, "Ross Miltner is a Robotttt"? in the middle. I hope I was not the only one who noticed this, as it has since been changed. I'm glad that is the air of seriousness that surrounds your reporting. Such a JOKE.

While we're on the topic of senate's proposals right now, I also can't help but notice that the majority Greek senate is doing something- a big something. Restructuring something that has been complacent for 35 ears worth of something. I have read numerous pieces of legislation assed this year by the Greek senators, as well as project that they have been working on. Sounds good to me. All I have seen from non-greek-but-used-them-to-get-elected Mitchum was a resolution on Darfur. Who cares? Shouldn't he be working on KENT STATE related maters? What has he done in two years on senate anyway? Just being on something does NOT equal credentials...results do. While searching through your archives I find little accomplishments for Mitchum, but apparently Hale started tailgating alley this year. That's credentials, that was huge for Kent. If you advocate change so badly maybe it is time to change by not letting this guy get on for a third term. Change is good.

I'm voting for the Greeks.
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Johnny Quick

posted 2/27/07 @ 3:44 PM EST

Hey Benny Boy, what a nice piece of writting you have here. Obviously you have a major problem with this group of indivuals that you have not even met, nor seen their platform goals or creditionals. Whatever problems you have with Hale are your problems, don't take it out on the whole group. My question to you is whats the deal with bringing chingy into every editorial you write. I am certain your esoteric, blueprint, and atmosphere idea would have been a sell out. Sounds like someone has a hangup and can't seem to move on. And how did these greeks you speak of ruin flashfest, that was all ACPB of last years doing. Since when did facebook become since a credible source of information. Try putting a insignificant online source such as facebook in one your articles after graduatuon and see how quick you lose your job. And didn't you yourself try joining a fraternity some years back but didn't make it
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Preston D Mitchum

posted 2/27/07 @ 4:09 PM EST

I really don't get this. I had absolutely nothing to do with the person who wrote this article, so the fact that I am being bashed is ridiculous and a bit immature. Yes, last year I ran on the "Experienced Student Leader" ticket because I had already worked with the Mr. Miltner and I knew he worked diligently on things, not because of his Greek affiliation.

If you want to question the amount of work that I have done on Senate, ask me, my advisor and the rest of the USS for that matter. Just because it is not covered in the Stater does not mean that we have not done anything. I have worked with Greeks before and are friends with a lot of them, and I have nothing against them. I did not turn this into Preston vs. them. Apparently, someone else did, so please stop taking it out on me.

Furthermore, how sad is it that someone who has graduated has my name in their mouth. Quite sad that you know nothing about me and decide to bash me. Katie are I are actually friends to clear up some rumors. And I was on USS last year when tailgating came up. Ms. Hale did not start that. Yes, she did help, but she did not start it! Please realize the facts.

Also, to the last comment. You must not know anything about USS. When we were chartered in 1924 by the Board of Trustees, are job is to represent the voice of the student body. If you do not care about international issues, then that is fine. I for one can never be that closed minded.

Like I said before, I have nothing against Greeks on this campus, at all. The fact that I was on a ticket last year had nothing to do with Greek affiliation because I didn't even campaign at their houses. It was because I had already worked well with Mr. Miltner, regardless of Greek affiliation. If you want to check my amount of work or dedication to the job, then ask me. I am not going to list everything on here just to prove a point. Quit assuming simply because you cannot take a direct action and find out for yourself.

If you want to know anything further, please say it to me, instead of listening to the same high school rumors that people have always listened to.
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Local Celebrity

posted 2/27/07 @ 4:57 PM EST

Blah Blah Blah Blah, there is a reason that this is called an Opinion. Lets see Benny Boy, I am a Greek and I pay for my friends, well I don't but im sure that's what you think. Sure your allowed to say what you want and think what you want. But I can personally go on and on with what Greeks have done for this campus, since I've been here. As stated in a previous article, greeks have raised thousands of dollars (sober dollars) for local charities this year. A fraternity on this campus raised over 13,000 dollars this year during homecoming for a scholarship that they established on campus. Where was that written at Benny Boy. It wasn't cause all of you at the stater, love the report what us "frat" guys do negative and not the positive. Another question for you Ben, if you love to talk so much on ACPB and USS, why don't you get involved with that and build your resume? Right now, I don't know what else you have done in college nor do I care, but as a greek when I'm your boss, and look and see "I wrote for the Kent Stater, I will fall out of my executive chair, and have tears running down my face out of laughter." Good Job Keep em coming. This "Frat" guy is done.
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Elizabeth

posted 2/27/07 @ 6:12 PM EST

Ben clearly didn't do his research. He decided to make an emotional
assumption and write it down as his opinion in the Stater. Not only is this an embarrassment to his prestige as a journalist, but should also be an embarrassment to the Stater as an organization.

It seems one paragraph he wrote about Preston could have been almost
identically written about IOU candidate Elizabeth Eckels:

"Although Eckels is technically Greek, she belongs to Delta Sigma Pi -
a co-ed International Business Fraternity that focuses on the study of
business and furthering a higher standard of commercial ethics,
culture and welfare of the community; not on toga parties and
belligerent behavior."

It's also very important to recognize that Bethany Taylor, candidate
for Research and Development, is a member of this professional
organization and of whom he feel fulfills his very personal
requirements to hold office.

In addition to insulting DSP by failing to recognize our professional
status, Ben has also insulted the 1,000+ members of every social Greek
organization on campus through his opinion that being Greek
automatically sends, as he states, "more worthy and qualified
candidates back to the bench."  The worthy and qualified candidates in
office right now happen to have been chosen by the students who care
enough to vote; he should respect voters opinions and complete his
research before making irrational comments to the public about current
candidates.  Let's not let his opinion slander a ticket comprised of
dedicated student leaders, clearly demonstrated through our diverse leadership
experiences, and send those of us who care "back to the bench to try
again if their heart desires."

Katie Hale has shown what true commitment and dedication to this University entails.
By the way, he's obviously never seen her resume.
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Christen Coppola

posted 2/27/07 @ 6:54 PM EST

While I agree that Ben, as part of the Stater, is entitled to his own opnion, I do not agree with the premature release of an article of this nature. Sure, it MAY be valid, but there's an extreme lack of evidence and fact to back it up. The only reason he knows about this ticket is through facebook. There's been no endorsements, no interviews, no platforms formally posted, and no debates.

I'm not saying tickets are wrong, considering I ran on one; and I'm not saying this ticket is justified. I'm pointing out that there's no basis for such discrimination.

By the way, I'm not greek, either.

Senate is one organization that is always under fire. The USS has a rough past, chock full of unattended office hours, deserted platform goals, and manipulation of the "system." But there are a handful of people out to change that bad rap. Organizations don't change overnight, and I think Ben owes it to himself and the editorial board to give the benefit of the doubt to those offering to take on that task. The task being: Improving the University. Tacky or not, Ben, you said it yourself that IMPROVEMENTS needs to be made. (Irony's sorta funny.)

It holds true that if you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem. Like I said, I'm not greek, but I do work with 8 of them daily in the USS office. It's just that, maybe they're the only ones willing to step up to the plate and attempt to change... er, improve things around here. So Ben, maybe it would have been more worth your while to write an article about voter turn out (as mentioned by someone above.) Instead, you opted to blackball a group in an article in which you couldn't even take the time to make sure names were spelled correctly.



That'll sure learn 'em.
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Greek...and proud of it!

posted 2/27/07 @ 9:32 PM EST

Dear Ben,
You may be surprised to learn that since 1825 (when the first fraternity was founded) all but 3 Presidents of the Untited States have belonged to a fraternity. Also, 85% of Fortune 500 CEOs belong to a fraternity. Additionally, every year, collegiate students across the nation affiliated with a Greek organization contribute over $7 million and over 1 million community service hours to charity. Greeks also tend to have higher GPAs than the all-campus average. Perhaps the Greek system is just turning out better, more qualified, involved, intellectual, well-rounded individuals who are strong leaders. Did you ever think of that?
I think that all candidates (Greek and non) are getting involved in the USS to gain experience - they have good intentions. They are doing the BEST they can. They are TRYING to plan programs they think the students will enjoy. Ben, if you have such disdain for the Greek system and what it is 'doing' to the USS, why not stop bashing via your computer and start a campaign. For yourself. If you want to see change within the USS, you need to be an agent of change - throw your hat in the race. Go ahead Ben...be the ball.
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Andrew Ljubi

posted 2/28/07 @ 12:45 AM EST

The thing that disturbs me the most about Ben's article, other than it being border line libel, is the fact that it is not only a direct attack on Katie Hale - but also this ticket. When Ben labels Student Relations Candidate Elizabeth Eckels as Greek he is holding a double standard if he considers Preston Mitchum not a "real" Greek. (This is not an attack on Preston at all, so do not take it that way - I'm just getting to a point) Both candidates are members of professional Greek letter organizations. That would make the only two candidates who have no Greek backgrounds, if I'm not mistaken, Katie Hale and Theodore Trimm.

This means that out of the 16 candidates for Undergraduate Student Senate, 14 have some sort of tie to a Greek letter organization. A vast majority of the races this semester have two Greeks paired off against each other; so Ben's proposed plan of not voting for the IOU ticket simply because it has been labeled the "Greek ticket" is pointless because it will ultimately just put another Greek in office. A whopping 88% of candidates running having Greek backgrounds - if Ben thinks that non-Greeks make better leaders maybe he should encourage more to run, instead of slamming the Greeks that do get involved on a daily basis.

Let's face it, many people like Ben may have an idealistic view of making change or improving the system but time and time again it is the Greeks who step up and provide this change. It makes more sense to me to acknowledge and commend our Greek leaders here on campus and the good they do for the student body when no one else is willing to step up, rather than punishing them for their fraternal connections. So, Ben do me a favor, don't label us just because we are mostly Greek or based on the fact that we have banded together – instead wait to hear what improvements we are trying to make, then make your decision.
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Seth Roy, Stater editor

posted 3/01/07 @ 7:06 PM EST

Comment boards are designed to allow people to discuss the issues of the stories and columns, and in this case, the upcoming USS elections. These comment boards are not here to allow for personal attacks between people or groups of people.

The Stater has chosen to remove a few comments on this column because they attacked people involved, and did not discuss the issues.

The USS election is important for the university, and especially for the students. It needs to be discussed. Please discuss the issues, not the personalities, in a civil manner.

If the comment board continues to get out of control, we will have to shut it down for this column.

- Seth Roy
Stater editor
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Michelle Park, Greek alumna and former Stater editor

posted 3/02/07 @ 9:51 PM EST

I've said it time and time again.

If Greeks (3 percent of the student population at Kent State University) can vote in "their" candidates, the problem is not that 3 percent Greek population.

The problem is everyone else, the other 97 percent who don't rally, who don't vote. In any semblance of democracy, the truth of the matter is this: If you can't get people to vote for you, you aren't going to win. Sorry.

I mean, really, since when is it the fault of those who are elected that everyone else can't rally enough support? Since when is it a bad thing that students rally other students to vote for anything? Doesn't the Daily Kent Stater seek to encourage students to vote for the people and issues they believe in?

Any constituent will tell you: They vote for those candidates they believe will protect their interests. With the perpetual bitterness against Greeks on campus, is it any wonder Greeks want to see other Greeks in office? Who best to protect their interests? Democrats do the same thing when they vote for Democrats, and Republicans do the same thing when they vote for Republicans.

I think it's absolutely ludicrous to say it's unfair that Greeks rally other Greeks. Let's not forget that's the way politics work. Republicans rally other Republicans, Democrats rally other Democrats. This is how most candidates win. Those who can't rally support for themselves have only themselves to blame.

Next time this issue gets brought up (which it will because Greeks will continue to rally support for one another), I hope columnists and students alike will take a stab, not at those who actually do campaign, rally and vote, but those who do nothing at all.

And, if I may, I'd like to remind certain Stater employees, that I, a former Daily Kent Stater editor-in-chief and summa cum laude 2005 graduate, was one of those toga-party-attending Greeks you so disdain. Please remember that most stereotypes are just that.
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