I have noticed a trend in the voting patterns of Skyline students in the past ASSC elections, and frankly, I am disgusted.
     The only way the ASSC has managed to get students to vote is to bribe them. That’s right-its members attract voters by offering them mouthwatering treats in exchange for a vote. In past elections, I’ve seen such treats ranging from free slices of pizza to lollipops. And while that sounds appealing to some, it’s appalling to me.
     After all, we live in a democratic country. Our votes count, whether we believe it or not. Whether you’re still bitter about the whole broken chads dilemma in the last presidential election or simply didn’t know Skyline even had elections, you only deprive yourself by not stepping up to vote. Just because we’re not dealing with worldwide issues like war, famine, or the ozone hole, doesn’t mean we can’t look to our own elected officers in making sure the little things aren’t overlooked in our own daily lives.
     The ASSC exists for a reason: its members are students, elected by other students to represent them and cater to their wants and needs. They do so with the help of a surprisingly high budget, which in turn is supported primarily by students who pay a five-dollar student activities fee each semester when they register for classes.
     Why is it, then, that only approximately 500 students out of over 8,000 students who attend Skyline voted in last year’s election? Many students think the candidates only participate in the student government to fatten up their college applications, when it’s really quite possible those candidates actually care about the student body’s well being. Skyline’s elected officers have power in the form of money-money that’s practically ours for the taking if we simply listen to what the candidates have to say and express what we want from them in exchange for our votes.
     Who organizes the fun events on campus? Who plays a large part in funding student clubs? In case you still don’t know, it’s the elected members of our student government. These officers handle behind-the-scenes money issues we don’t even think about-including the occasional “free” slice of pizza, as well as Skyline’s annual Spring Fling. Yes, neither the pizza nor the yearly gladiator and sumo-wrestling extravaganza come for free; such fun and good eats are brought to us by the ASSC. The good times that come with them, though, are priceless, as are the fond memories we keep with us long after we leave Skyline.
     Now, before you start thinking our hard-earned cash is completely going to waste on food and festivities, chew on this: the ASSC fronted the cost of transportation by bus to the March 17 protest against proposed statewide budget cuts in Sacramento, which enabled many concerned students (who otherwise could not have made the trip) to voice their opinions about the issue.
     Remember, five bucks a pop times 8,000, plus fundraising like barbecues-adds up to quite a sum. The ASSC controls where that money goes. Often times groups on campus who ask for some of that cash, receive it. For example, each student-based club receives $500 from the ASSC each semester just for remaining active, including the Gay-Straight Alliance and the various ethnic and academic clubs.
     If you really want to make your time at Skyline worthwhile, there are many ways to do so at no additional cost. By simply voting in the upcoming student elections-with or without a tasty reward-you will contribute to a greater cause. Who knows, the pride you feel afterward may drive you to run for student government next year or perhaps start your own club. Who knows, by the time you’re finished with Skyline, you’ll be inspired to rally for greater, worldlier causes-like finding a way to successfully filter out spam from your email inbox.