As a former S.A. member, I think that the recent flurry of Sun coverage on campus politics merits a few observations: Michael Bronstein's letter last Wednesday (Letter, "Council violated rules when it accepted late petition," Feb. 28, 2001) correctly asserts that the Class Councils violated their own election rules simply so that one of their own could run for re-election. This further confirms the lack of legitimacy that the councils have on our campus.


As a freshman, I was disheartened when told that -- reminiscent of high school student government -- the councils simply "plan events" rather than address student concerns. While on the Assembly, I always had a problem with voting to fund the Class Councils with Student Activities Fee funds in light of the low turnout at many of their events.


About Russell Miness' comments in last Tuesday's Sun (Letter, Affiliation of S.A. members unimportant," Feb. 27, 2001): political endorsements do have a purpose in campus politics. Even though national party platforms have absolutely nothing to do with the issues frequently before the S.A., the endorsements of the Cornell Democrats and College Republicans make it easy for students to vote. Indeed, they can simply cast a ballot for their favorite political affiliation without even trying to learn about the candidates or their platforms.


Lastly, I don't understand the "controversy" surrounding "illegal campaigning" by would-be Assembly representatives. While one could make a great argument that seeking endorsements is -- in fact -- campaigning, this has been going on for years.


The solution is not to make a scandal out of the issue, but to work on closing the "loopholes" for next year. The Sun's recent editorials vilifying the Assembly are questionable in light of the fact that some members of your former editorial board are displeased over a S.A. proposal to distribute discounted newspapers to students in a plan that does not include your paper.


Enough about campus politics. Let's get back to talking about Bill Clinton's escapades.

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