After reading the Optimist for about three years now, I have finally come to use one of its many resources. The “Letter to the Editor” section has always seemed very interesting to me because I enjoyed reading about what people really thought and what they were passionate about. I figure now was as good a time as any to share my own thoughts and feelings.

After attending the Chapel Forum on Monday night that featured the executive officer candidates, I came away with a disgusted taste in my mouth. Everything seemed to be going well, until approximately the last five minutes of the forum when our Students’ Association treasurer began speaking.

As with the other candidates I expected him to tell us about what he has done in the past as treasurer, some changes he plans to implement, and why he would be good to continue on as treasurer. Instead, near the end of his speech he used his platform and position to boast his opinion on who we should vote for as Students’ Association president, while blatantly bashing the other candidate with sly and harsh comments. Both, I feel, were very inappropriate and unacceptable for somebody in his position.

One comment in particular stated something along the lines of “some people like to take credit for accomplishments that they only had a small role in.” It was obvious to me, as well as all the other people sitting around me, whom the comments were directed toward. I feel it was the general consensus that his remarks were somewhat classless in order to garner the support for another candidate. I view these executive officer positions as positions of not only leadership of the student body, but also Christian example. I feel that these comments did not display these attributes.

One thing I must make clear, I have nothing against the candidate he was supporting. The times that I have come in contact with him in class and other places, he has been nothing but respectful, nice, and generous. I truly do no think that our treasurer meant for his comments to be offensive, but they were questionable.

Jarret Vickers
senior secondary education major from Post