LETTER TO THE EDITOR: WHY THE ASG SCRUBBED AN ELECTION

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To Whom It May Concern,

I would like to start things off by saying, I hope all MHCC Saints are doing well and staying safe during these unprecedented times. Also, good luck to everyone on all your final exams and projects. And finally, congratulations to the Class of 2020, and cheers to what is next in life!

It has come to my attention that the decision made by the 2019-2020 Associated Student Government to hold a selection process for the 2020-2021 President and Vice President position has been highly disputed by past ASG presidents. Some have characterized the decision as “a tragedy,” and have accused me of “being too silent.” Now although I personally do not agree with this situation being called a tragedy, especially during a time in which thousands of people are dying from the COVID-19 virus, as a voice and representative for all MHCC students I know I must speak out and set things straight, giving all of the information needed to know why the decision was made.

ASG began the election/selections recruitment process at the beginning of Winter Term 2020. We have advertised heavily on this, including messages in The Advocate, biweekly newsletters, posters, social media platforms, word of mouth, and so on. We have advertised for all the positions from January through May and throughout this time, potential candidate numbers ranged from little (one), to none. Even with low numbers, we still moved forward towards holding an election.

Toward the end of May, due to having only one application, much discussion and consideration was taken with the Associated Student Government in consultation with ASG advisers and  the office of Student Life deciding whether holding an election would be a good idea this year. We have also communicated with the entire MHCC student body about the elections process and the challenges of low (one) numbers of interested applicants. Also, due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Associated Student Government had to make quick adaptation to the new normal, while still trying to find ways to possibly hold an election. But with little (one) to no candidates signed up, ASG felt it would be a necessary and safe step to hold a selection process this year, and this year only. Now, on this selection committee, we were committed to having input from not only current ASG members, but also from students at large. We completely agree that the student voice is very important, and we wish we could’ve held an election. But due to our current situation, we made the tough decision, with everyone’s opinion and every option in mind, to hold a selection process.

We believe with this decision, we will have at least a student leader as President and representation for students on the college decision-making process during the summer and the remainder of the academic school year, until elections are conducted next spring. Having student representation and voice is vital in the decision-making process, especially during reopening discussions, and how the college can best serve students during these uncertain times.

Now, although I am deeply saddened to be told that we didn’t try, or that I, the ASG President, was too quiet or that we “threw away practices backed by the ASMHCC Constitution and Bylaws,” I appreciate everyone’s input, but will respectfully disregard any further negative comment toward the decision made. Especially during a tough time like this, let us all come together, support one other, and lift others up. Thank you, and I hope everyone is doing well and staying safe.

Sincerely,

Collin-Kazu Lewis

2018-2019 ASG Academic Affairs Representative

2019-2020 ASG President

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