Today and tomorrow, all Western students will be able to vote on TopNet for a needed change in the direction of the Student Government Association. As history shows, a new era will happen only if a shakeup occurs.

I am running for the office of Executive Vice President because it is time every concern is discussed and followed up by SGA members as well as University officials. The current officers have been in office since February and little has changed. For example, the Herald reported on April 7 that the SGA had not spent $13,200 or around 12 percent of its annual budget of $110,000, which is unacceptable.

At the debate, I stated that if elected I would donate my entire stipend of about $1,300 to academic affairs such as study abroad. That promise alone could create five scholarships of $260 each.

I have continually fought for students to receive more funding from their student representatives. Earlier this semester, I authored legislation to secure the Residence Hall Association a check for $3,000. I wrote the legislation because the SGA previously failed to give it any Organizational Aid services despite it winning multiple awards at the annual Kentucky Association of Residence Halls Conference for events such as Shantytown, Homecoming, Reduce Your Use, Stresstivus and Western’s Got Talent.

If elected, I would also finalize scholarships regarding the winter and summer semesters, textbooks, conferences and events, study abroad, research and field trips. I have listed this initiative as Scholar Development. Part of this promise would entail providing Scantron sheets and Blue Books for free at residence halls and Greek housing. Commuters could pick up the free materials at the SGA Office in Downing University Center.

I am also running because the SGA needs stronger ties to campus organizations. In my platform on Facebook, I talk about how the SGA needs to work with the Campus Activities Board, the International Club, Up ’til Dawn, Relay for Life, Habitat for Humanity and other organizations. The SGA needs a remarkable campus presence with new faces. It currently features zero international students or nontraditional students in any branch and wonders why Senate participation is in decline.

The decision is up to the students. Together, we can better the Hill.

This commentary does not represent the opinion of the Herald or the university.