Here’s an idea: In order to form a more cohesive and efficient government, let’s create a party system for A.S. Brilliant fucking idea. Since its inception, the party system has done nothing to make life better for students and everything to increase the tension within the walls of A.S. The elections were a complete disaster and the straight-ticket voting that obviously occurred proves it. No one on this campus took the time to really acquaint themselves with the candidates. When it came to the polls, it was the Red Team versus the Blue Team, period. When elections are run this way, the most qualified candidate doesn’t necessarily get elected. Because of the party system, next year’s A.S. will experience a president with little experience dealing with administrators and an internal VP with zero experience with parliamentary procedure.

But hey, just because the student body was prevented from getting personal with the elections didn’t stop the candidates from doing so. From the disparaging comments on Maggie Stack’s character to the defacement of the current EVPLA and EVPSA offices, the election was a disgrace. By the way, to whoever made the poster reading, “Maggie Stack is a Tool,” if you’re going to sling some mud, at least do so with more originality than a 4-year-old. The most amazing thing about this year’s election is that through all the combat, the one initiative on which both sides were in agreement, the base fee, failed to pass.

Which brings us to the sorry display that took place in last Wednesday’s legislative council meeting. When I served as the parliamentarian for Leg Council, I did so with at least a vague idea that, through all the squabbling (most of which was party-oriented), the efforts were all in the best interest of students. Apparently, I’ve been proven horribly wrong. Legislative Council is really about who didn’t get what they want, and what’s going to be done to make sure others don’t get theirs. It’s enough to make a girl cry. The reason for the blood bath last week is simple: the base fee. Perhaps if both sides had spent less energy name-calling and more energy on the base fee they both claimed to support, it would have passed. With the increased base fee, the future of student organizations would be a bit brighter, and both parties would have the money to support their favorite organizations.

Sure, throwing money at the party problem seems like a band-aid, but the sad reality is that the party system is not going anywhere. With the base fee, you the student get a more cooperative and efficient government (kinda like what the party system promised) and a more active campus for yourself. It’s an amazing deal! So, for next year’s elections, I’m going to start my own party. No executive officers. No leggies. Just me, waving the white flag, asking for you guys to make your campus, and its government, work for you efficiently.

Jenna Reed is a former A.S. parliamentarian.