Another Tufts Community Union (TCU) presidential election is upon us and like most past elections, it has been marked by two relatively similar candidates vociferously campaigning in the face of complete student apathy. This year, however, sophomore Dave Baumwoll's expected landslide victory over junior Joe Mead will likely mean even fewer students will care one iota about the outcome.
In some ways, student apathy is understandable. Frequently the issues of concern to senators are only important to a small core of people. Though perhaps students should care more, it is hard to get excited about expanded culture requirement options or new e-mails to accepted students. There also is often little attention called to the projects the Senate works on. Conscious of the self-aggrandizing nature of past Senates, the body has been keeping a much lower profile.
But even though today's all-but predetermined election is for the largely ceremonial presidency of a body that few students care about, we have a lot vested in the Senate. Though frequently unappreciated, the group has tremendous amounts of influence and the ability to make small improvements to student life.
The TCU president's main functions will be to meet with administrators to advocate for students and to coordinate the Senate's activities. In terms of experience and ability, both Mead and Baumwoll are well qualified. Both are articulate, intelligent, and care about students' needs. But given the amount of schmoozing a President needs to do, the Daily's nod goes toward the broader support and appeal of Baumwoll.
The candidates have similar views on a variety of issues and, ultimately, have a record of working for what's best for students. But Baumwoll has managed to galvanize the support of most of the Senate while energizing students behind his candidacy. This will aid the senator in accomplishing more of his goals.
Mead's status as a junior is a considerable plus, but tenure should not be the only consideration. If Baumwoll is elected, it would be the Senate's second junior president in a row. It would be nice to see that trend ended in 2005. Given the four-year educational cycle, there is precious little institutional memory on a college campus. It is preferable for the head of bodies like the Senate to have spent the maximum amount of time on campus. The relative longevity of four years at Tufts gives seniors a better perspective on issues and the student experience as a whole.
All in all, it is unlikely that this election will change anyone's views toward the Senate. But even for those who pay no attention to the group's activities, we should be grateful that qualified and dedicated people like Baumwoll and Mead are a part of it. Whether we admit or not, Tufts is a better place for it.
