"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." -Anne Frank

2009 brings many great changes and challenges to my life; such as my graduation from dear old Southern Utah (god willing) and my hunt for a real job in an impossible job market. It also marks an achievement I am very proud of; the 5th year in which I am involved with the Southern Utah University Student Association government. 

The acronym SUUSA is often used to reference the 60 or so people who collectively represent the students of SUU, while in fact, those individuals only make up the governing body of SUUSA, and over half through some kind of election, with the others being competitively appointed. 

I often hear negative comments about the actions (or inactions) of SUUSA officials. This seems to be common with any sort of government, and is a part of healthy discourse among students when it comes to governance and representation. 

The comments I hear, both officially and in passing conversations, range from the programming done by the Student Activities Board to the dollar amounts spent by the legislative branch and executive council. I have never been in complete agreement with all decisions made by all the administrations I have served in, and I fully understand that criticism is important in any democracy, including SUUSA.

With the immense criticism that seems to befall SUUSA government, it is no wonder that people flock in huge numbers to run for these elected positions. OH WAIT, THEY DON'T. 

For several of the last SUUSA elections, deadlines for declaring candidacy have been extended due to insufficient numbers of candidates. In a few cases, where there were sufficient candidates, but they won by default running unopposed. 

January 2009 ushers in the beginning of election season once again. It is time for students of SUU to put their candidacy declaration form where their mouth is. 

Students who feel they are un-represented or misrepresented have the chance to see that their issues are brought to the forefront. Many would argue that the quickest way to change an organization is from within. 

The SUUSA Elections Committee will work to ensure that the voices of SUUSA are heard, that all students are able to choose a truly representative government that values what they value, and that everyone who wants a chance to share their vision for the future gets it.

There will be informational meetings for anyone interested in how SUUSA elections work, and what opportunities there are for involvement on Tuesday at 5 p.m. and Jan. 21 at noon in the Sharwan Smith Center. 

I urge anyone who would like more information, or who wishes to be involved with the SUUSA Elections Committee to contact me. 

A position in SUUSA may not give anyone the power to change the world let alone SUU, but it can be the ideal place to start such an undertaking.