Options for State Comptroller
For 20 years, Del. Peter Franchot, Democratic candidate for Maryland State Comptroller, has been a leading progressive voice in the House of Delegates and a strong advocate for higher education. Though the position of Comptroller is relatively unknown to many people, it is the second most powerful office in the state through its vote on the three-person Board of Public Works. Through the two votes of Gov. Robert Ehrlich and current Comptroller William Donald Schaefer, the Board has unilaterally cut funding in the past for higher education, women’s health care services and open space programs.
Peter Franchot is running for Comptroller to restore independence to the office and to fight the failed and divisive policies of Ehrlich administration. Unlike his two opponents who are closely allied with the current governor, Franchot has displayed the independence and temperament necessary to be a strong fiscal watchdog for our state’s finances. He would be a dependable supporter for higher education and other critical programs that make Maryland great. I urge my fellow students to vote for Peter Franchot for comptroller today!
Warren Hansen
Senior
Government and Politics
Student could win delegate election
With Jon Black, a University of Maryland student, having a legitimate chance of winning the Democratic primary election for the Maryland House of Delegates, it is absolutely critical that students get out and vote. Consider this: Who would you rather have representing your interests in Annapolis for the next four years – an out-of-touch middle-aged candidate or a fellow student?
According to an unofficial poll conducted by the Black campaign throughout the district, Black is placing fourth among all eight democratic candidates. This puts him ahead of everyone on Sen. John Giannetti’s slate, as well as at least one incumbent. Since the top three delegates advance to the general election, and the lone Republican candidate has virtually no chance to win in this district, Black truly does have a chance to capture victory. Clearly, if all 500 students who are registered to vote in this district actually get out and vote for Black, and only Black, that may be enough to propel him into third place, guaranteeing victory.
Also, I would like to point out that this poll is consistent with Gazette articles, which have Black polling the top half of the race. The bottom line is, in an election this close, the student vote really could matter. And, with a student in the race, the student vote really should matter.
As far as the incumbents are concerned, they really do not deserve the support of the students or the community. Barbara Frush was unable to pass any of her bills this past session – proving she is ineffective as a legislator. As far as Brian Moe is concerned, he has shown few leadership skills and is truly a member of the “old boys” network. In fact, he was appointed to his position in large part because of his family’s political influence – his brother is currently the Mayor of Laurel. Also, instead of passing bills this past session, these delegates spent most of their time bickering with Giannetti over trivial issues.
If elected, Black will be able to make a difference quickly. He is aware of which issues are pressing for students and has made education his top priority. The bottom line is this is a real chance to do something about rising tuition, the ridiculous inflation on text books, budget cuts and a whole host of other issues. If there were ever an election where the student vote could have a real impact, this is the one. In other words, get out and vote today!
Rick Gibbs
Senior
Finance
Students at fault for alcohol citations
The students living on the campus should know their rights and responsibilities. We all received a “Rights and Responsibilities” pamphlet when we moved into the dorms. The rules clearly state that “possession/use of alcohol by minors is prohibited” and “parties involving alcohol are prohibited.” The people who participated in Labor Day’s night events violated both of these policies. Underage drinking is illegal, and students should not expect to be treated differently than the general public. Every student should know that 21 is the legal drinking age, which is also discussed in the pamphlet, and students at the university should be aware of our alcohol policy.
Students’ rights have been in no way violated. It is true that police cannot completely search a room without a search warrant, but, as stated in a previous article about this event, they have the right to conduct a “plain-view search if police spot open alcohol containers, as it did in the Elkton dorm party.” University police are doing their job by searching for unlawful activity on the campus. Although “violent crime has continued around the campus,” it is humanly impossible to prevent all violence from occurring. The effects of alcohol can lead to the violent crimes that happen on and around the campus, so by citing students for illegal substance abuse, police may be preventing some of these crimes.
Students seem to be ignorant of their rights and feel they have been deceived, but the police have done nothing wrong. In fact, I am happy they are searching for illegal activity in dorm rooms, because I believe it will make the university a more productive and safer place. The police should not have lost any trust among students, because they are in the right.
Elizabeth Campbell
Sophomore
English
