[*Editor's note: We have made changes to this editorial to clarify Andrew Ladd's involvement with the Student Associations of Michigan.]
The Andrew Ladd- Chris Rettich campaign, with their analytical approach, experience and broad vision, has our vote for president/vice president of the Western Student Association.
“We’re all students with similar issues, it’s how you go about it that’s different,” Andrew Ladd said.
After meeting with both sets of candidates, the difference is evident.
Throughout the campaign the Ladd-Rettich ticket has demonstrated the depth of their knowledge accumulated with more than four years combined WSA experience.
Both campaigns display unique leadership experience.
However, Ladd, a junior, has been a WSA member since his freshman year, starting as a senator for the swim club, and then serving two years as Speaker of the Senate. In addition, he is a founding member of the Aviation Student Council and a WMU representative in the Student Associations of Michigan.
Chris Rettich, a freshman, is a WSA senator for the Campus Activities Board. He is a part of Student and Activities Leadership Programs, Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity and the College Republicans.
Through their experience they have uncovered a realistic image of the issues facing Western Michigan University and the WSA, and have formed a clear vision.
They have already identified many problems, and since September, Ladd and Rettich have met weekly to delve into the potential solutions.
It’s apparent that their campaign has bloomed out of the passion and dedication of this team.
Specifically, they have begun addressing the disconnect between WMU and the city of Kalamazoo. They have already met with city commissioners, the mayor, the Chamber of Commerce and WMU administrators.
They advocate constructing a footpath connecting campus and downtown as well as events promoting a greater unity between campus and community.
Ladd and Rettich want to improve outreach and communication with the student body, informing students about both the activities of WSA and how it affects them.
They believe student interests need to be better represented in the WSA.
Through councils representing academic colleges, modeled after the successful Aviation Student Council, Ladd and Rettich want to provide more leadership opportunities for students and better communication with the WSA.
The councils would give students a platform to express their views and provide the opportunity for WSA senators to gather those views and use them to better serve WMU.
Ladd and Rettich also hope to create a stronger connection between Greek Life and WMU at large.
They want to streamline the vexed allocations process to allow students easier access to their money, part of their plan to simplify the language of all WSA documents.
The Ladd-Rettich campaign is ready to be the representative voice of WMU.
About awioskowski
This should be the top story. More important than the block party.
I have never been one to nit pick at an article but the Herald is once again is bothering me with their lack of fact checking.
As the Political Affairs Chair in the Presidential Cabinet for the Western Student Association I am the representative to the Student Association of Michigan (SAM). As stated within my roles and duties of office I am to be the connection between state wide organizations and the President. This extends to but is not limited to SAM. Ladd was invited to accompany myself to the meetings but the term ‘member’ does not apply. The university as a whole is a member along with the other 14 public universities and I act as the liaison and representative from Western Michigan University. Thus to state that Ladd is a ‘member’ of SAM is incorrect unless you are referring to him as ‘a student at a school who is a member of SAM’.
Thus, SAM’s members are university student government and there constituents so
if you attend WMU or WSA you’re a SAM ‘member’ and this should be known to readers.
The Western Herald also should have mentioned that one of the four people who sit on the “unbiased” Editorial Board is also dating one of Ladd’s biggest supporters.
Way to go Herald!
Should size determine if the support of a college is worth it or not? I’m a member of the college of engineering another one of Western’s smaller colleges. Is our opinion for either candidate also not important? Which college’s support is worth securing?
Andrew Ladd sits on the E-Board for only one aviation RSO. The others have endorsed him the same as any other RSO on campus would – based upon their view of his future potential and goals. The fact that he’s a student in the College of Aviation should not be an issue. Maybe they would have endorsed the Booth-Blaszczyk-Kaplan-Banks ‘slate’ if they had made an attempt to outreach to them. As far as I know, NO aviation RSO was even contacted by their campaign, Ladd has spoken to all of them.
So yes, the Ladd-Rettich campaign has been endorsed by a number of groups which they are a part of – but it’s nearly the same number as the organization endorsing the other slate, which they are NOT a part of, let alone on the E-Board of.
Experience.
It’s funny that you should mention that word in your first sentence of this article. The “experience” you write of consists of the three years that Andrew Ladd has served as a senator to the Western Student Association and the Aviation Student Council. The “experience” of Chris Rettich isn’t valid enough to even be written. Lose the less than one year of involvement with Greek Life and the scattered attendance and participation with the Campus Activities Board, and you’re left with a handful of high school activities. There is no experience here, let’s wake up and breathe the air of reality, shall we?
As a student on campus constantly looking for the next opportunity to get involved, I’ve followed every bit of this election very closely and researched both candidates
Andrew Ladd, currently as the speaker of our Senate, is constantly slacking and forcing others on his cabinet to pick up the pace and fix his mistakes. The ability to speak in front of a crowd does not solely qualify one for presidency.
These two have met since September. Highly interesting, as that would mean Chris Rettich had less than one month of knowledge at the time on this college and even less life experiences to back him up.
The difference is indeed evident, however, not in the sense of which you have written it.
The team of Aaron Booth and Joey Blaszczyk, combined, have 6 years of experience not only within the Western Student Association, but even further throughout our campus. Aaron has served on the American Humanics Student Association as a member of the $15,000 Grant Giveaway Committee, as well as on the American Humanics Management Institute.
Aaron is in the final weeks of his tenure as the Chairperson of Drive Safe Kalamazoo. Throughout not only his time as Chairperson, but as a general member and Executive Board Member, he has taken tremendous strides in making Drive Safe Kalamazoo one of the best safe ride programs in the entire nation and quickly approaching the milestone of 50,000 rides while recreating the program to increase membership and ride levels.
Regarding his experience with the Western Student Association, he has served as a Senator, and as the Philanthropy Chair, which he created this past Fall, along as the 2010 coordinator of the Polar Plunge.
Joey has engrossed himself in volunteer work for the Students Activities and Leadership Programs as a leadership retreat coordinator as well as serving on the committee of the RSO summer leadership conference. He created the Student Affairs Advisory Committee in the Fall in order to put student into direct contact with our administration.
I find it highly difficult to clearly read this article when it is clouded with so much bias. Experience isn’t something that can even be fairly written about. Compared to what the Booth-Blaszczyk team, including their very knowledgeable slate members, have done so far and knowing their vision for our student body, Ladd and Rettich are certainly not at the same caliber. The only true merit an Eagle Scout award gives is pride, and goes along with the same maturity level of a high school leader.
Where exactly you get the idea of endorsing these two, I’m not sure. I can tell you however that you have lost the faith of A LOT of readers, as well as their trust.
I don’t think its very wise to blatently undermine a college like that. No college should be discriminated against or looked down upon for their size or lack thereof. They work just as hard, pay just as much (if not more than) us.
I’m not going to really get into this, but I’d just like to point out that the girl scout gold award isn’t really the same as an eagle scout award. Not only are the boy scouts generally more serious about the project but generall the projects are a bigger deal and better…. From a fellow girl scout with a lot of boy scout ties, I’m just sayin.
My vote is even stronger with Ladd now because of your obnoxious comment. Im glad you’re so well versed in the affairs of Aaron and Joey but what you said to knock Andrew and Chris just offended an entire group of YOUR peers. The College of Aviation is one of the largest on campus and one of the most prestigious in the nation. You have no idea how far and few between schools of aviation are and how educated you have to be to be involved. Western is lucky enough to have one and there you go tearing it down- It completely takes away every good thing that has gone on within that college for its students and the university as a whole.
And to ask Andrew what his student council has gotten done- well actually its a lot and you’d know if went to their meetings, talked with their executive board and were apart of the group. But YOU are obviously not an Aviation major of any kind so you have no idea what they’ve accomplished and were able to achieve just this year alone. If you aren’t apart of something, don’t pass judgement on it because you obviously have no knowledge of what goes on there.
Yes, the College of Aviation is Ladd’s department but should it make it any less important and of interest to Aaron and Joey??? Thought so. They should care and care a lot because of the sheer voting population… but its apparent that they don’t.
And as for Chris, high school accomplishments should still mean a lot. It shows what you were able to handle and the responsibilities given at a young age. If you can produce exceptional leadership in your teen years then that should speak volumes about the kind of person you are. Good for him with all he has been able to accomplish and it should be impressive that someone so young was picked as a running mate for a university student government position.
These two are headed for great things and WMU students should feel privileged to be apart of it. These elections aren’t meant to be smear campaigns, its about the best for the job. Im sick of unqualified people wanting the position for the title- if you can’t do the job and do it well, don’t do it. We need positive change and actual results.
I have confidence that Ladd/Rettich can and will do positive things for us and the university.
You know, I’m becoming really disappointed with all these anonymous comments. But let’s take a look at some of your remarks, “Anonymous.”
Aaron and Joey do not have a combined 6 years experience in the WSA. This is Joey’s first year with the WSA, and I’d have to wonder about Aaron’s attendance at WSA last year. I’m currently the senior senator in the WSA, and can’t recall seeing Aaron on any sort of regular basis last year.
You should also reference the WSA Constitution as to who, specifically created the “Philanthropy Chair” position. Truth be told, we’re not quite sure who did. The provision for a philanthropy committee was NOT on the final draft of the constitution that was passed by a referendum (campus wide) vote last year. Strangely however, it, along with 2 other committees, crept into the final wording we’ve used this year. How did they get there? I’m fairly certain I know, but I’m not in a position to name names. I will tell you this though: It sure wasn’t Aaron.
I’m not quite sure where you get off talking about Ladd’s lack of experience? You only cited one RSO that Aaron had been involved with, and two sort of involved things Joey’s done.
I’ve seriously had enough of this. Andrew and Chris never wanted to mud-sling during this campaign. We’re still not. Is this all the Booth-Blaszczyk supporters have left? Look, I GET IT! You’re mad about not getting the endorsement, UNDERSTANDABLE. But if I was an undecided student, I’d take a hard look at the slew of negative remarks clearly made by Booth supporters, compared with the respectful silence of the Ladd campaign. Not exactly the conducting which becomes a candidate for the Presidency, eh?
From what I’ve heard ever since the campaign started DSK has gone DOWN DOWN DOWN. I would argue that’s not a way to run an organization: completely drop it and all responsibilities pertaining to it while pursuing personal endeavors aka this campaign? No thanks.
I’m a neutral party in this campaign as I don’t know anyone running personally, but just food for thought.
In response to “WMU student-”
While I have not and will not take a public stance in this election, your post upset me for several reasons: 1. You bashed the College of Aviation solely for being the smallest college at this university. 2. You made light of the fact that Andrew is an Eagle Scout. 3. Your grasp on the English is appalling and every point you made I would consider to be void. 4. You chose to remain anonymous.
1. As you stated earlier, the College of Aviation IS the smallest college at this university. You forgot to mention, however, that it is one of the most prestigious and well-known aviation colleges in the world, and has been for quite some time. This endorsement would be no different than an Arts and Sciences candidate (Such as non-profit leadership, organizational communication… Ahem). It would only make sense for a candidate’s respective college to endorse them, unless they were doing something SERIOUSLY wrong.
2. As an Eagle Scout myself, I was taken aback by your statement. While yes, this award is earned by young men that are still in high school, I believe it is VERY relevant. To me, my Eagle Scout Award reminds me of a twelve year commitment, respect being earned, responsibility, and so much more. As a former Orientation Student Leader and current Resident Assistant, I can confidently say that I don’t think I would have had any of the opportunities that I have had here if it weren’t for this rank that I achieved. To call it “not that big of a deal” is foolish at best.
3. You do not present yourself/your case well, so I cannot and will not take anything you say seriously. A quick run through spell check couldn’t hurt, and I’m not just saying that to nit-pick, that actually hurt to read. While I’m no grammar expert, either… I DO have a high school diploma.
4. This is college, and we’re all adults. We can use our names and take responsibility for our words.
An added note- As a general member of Drive Safe Kalamazoo for my entire tenure at this university, I’m not too sure how I feel about your comments regarding community development within it. I may not be correct as I don’t have access to any true numbers, but just because an organization is large doesn’t mean it’s growing. I feel as though my freshman year the organization had many more unique people volunteering for DSK on a regular basis, as opposed to now when several people will volunteer multiple nights per weekend. I’m not saying that is a bad thing, it’s just different than how it was. That being said, I have also heard that DSK has been nothing short of a nightmare to run since the campaign began. It is also important to point out that Andrew Ladd is a member of DSK, and is always more than happy to volunteer when the organization is in need and he is available.
To summarize my point, I am confident that regardless of the outcome of this election, either candidate will not only try their very best at the position, but will also do an excellent job. It is immature to bash somebody who is working hard to better the university that they love just because you may not care for them and get upset when you see a peer wearing a t-shirt in support of them. I’m curious as to what your resume looks like since you seem to have the audacity to belittle Mr. Ladd. Please put a little more thought and sensitivity into your comment next time, as you did not only offend Mr. Ladd (Which I can only assume was your goal). =)
If we’re going to have frank discussions, let’s be open about it. If members of the other campaign want to talk about their campaign or Ladd’s, let’s use our real names…not anonymous pseudonyms. You want to talk about maturity and not high school antics? Let’s be transparent in our discussion.
Again we must set the record straight. Andrew and Chris received only one endorsement each from RSO’s of which they currently sit on the executive board. The only other endorsement received by the Ladd-Rettich team was indeed from Croquet at WMU, of which Andrew Ladd is a member, but certainly not on the executive board.
Let’s also talk about the Ladd-Rettich team securing the vote of one of the smallest academic colleges on campus. This year, enrollment in the College of Aviation increased to around 800 students. In last year’s election, only 2100 of the 25000 students on Western’s campus voted. So if you take 800/2100, the College of Aviation alone would account for nearly 40% of the total electorate.
In Andrew’s capacity as the Speaker of the Senate, he doesn’t have to be unbiased. The Speaker, by very nature of that position, must be a senator. Therefore a senator is able and indeed supposed to have inclinations on the matters on the senate floor. If you take a look at his record, however, Ladd seldom votes. Why? Has Joe Biden, the President of our US Senate cast a record vote this year? Exactly, parlimentary protocol. I’m not entirely sure what “slack” it is that these anonymous posters might be referencing, or Andrew’s failure to get things done. Although I’m sure I, myself have a biased opinion, I think that in his duties as the Speaker, he’s discharged his office adequately. It’s often difficult for people to understand exactly what the role of the Speaker is, and I think a lot of people are very confused about it, including the current executive cabinet. The truth in the matter is this: if you look at the WSA constitution, it’s clear that the Speaker of the Senate has absolutely no responsibilites or obligations whatsoever to the Executive Branch. None. The Speaker handles appointments, sets the legislative calendar, and is, in fact, the President of the WSA SENATE (the legislative body of the WSA). The Executive Branch of the WSA has no ability to make policy, and must rely on the Senate for an agenda to execute. A lot of people just haven’t taken the time to figure that out, and unfortunately this fact is clouded by the recent uninformed decision of the Judicial Council. So clearly then, I’ve proven that your perceptions of the Office of the Speaker of the Senate are ill-founded.
Chris Rettich does have a lot of High School experience, but what you neglected to mention is his experience on WMU’s campus. Chris has been the Senator for CAB since the beginning of the year. He’s on the executive board of his fraternity. He’s one of SALP’s Emerging Leaders. He brings a fresh perspective to the Vice Presidency, and he’s got a plan. In truth, the V.P is not constitutionally allocated many powers and duties in the WSA. The position is really what you make of it. The Booth-Blaszczyk team has not offered any sort of message as to what the Vice Presidency may mean for them. Chris has well developed plans for his position. He wants to make the Vice Presidency a position which focuses on outreach. He wants to ensure RSO’s and Senators feel welcome and comfortable within the WSA.
The whole “Eagle Scout” issue has been getting really out of hand. The method of delivery was completely and totally inappropriate to begin with. Second of all, the comment itself was extremely distasteful. Joey Blasczcyk should be ashamed of himself for that comment. It’s tough to name a weakness in your opponent, but that was just disrespectful. Does that demonstrate good, tactful leadership in the face of difficult situations? nope.
Now if you’d both like to discuss fact checking, let’s talk about “Joey’s Student Affairs Advisory Committee.” Clearly this comment came out of a lack of understand in what truly happened last semester. Andrew Ladd, in fact, came up with the idea of having a sort of committee or entity which would encourage more accountability from senators and foster communication between them and their constituency (the people they represent). The Executive Cabinet so vehemently objected to the idea that Ladd would even suggest something of this nature that they effectively downplayed it and transferred the authority elsewhere. If Mr. Blaszczyk has created these councils or committees or whathave you around campus, then show me the money. As a senator, I’ve yet to see anything successful come from the Student Affairs committee in the form of a liaison group.
What have Andrew or Chris done similar to this? Glad that was brought up. Andrew Ladd was a founding member of the Aviation Student Council. One of the most trying issues facing the College of Aviation and its students was transportation. Andrew Ladd co-sponsored a resolution 2 years ago that established a transportation for aviation students from main campus to Battle Creek. Months of tireless research and tenacity in the face of both University Administration and strong senate opposition served him well. Even after the University agreed to provide such a system, Ladd lead a program which continuously monitored the effectiveness and use of the transportation. Today, the College’s transportation system use and infrastructure has grown exponentially. Now that is success. Furthermore, I’d be extremely interested to know where you “read the minutes” for the Aviation Student Council meetings. The ASC has absolutely flourished this year, making huge strides in membership and communication with College Administration. Students are voicing their concerns and opinions, and the administration is listening.
Andrew Ladd was around when Chris Praedel formed the Student Association of Michigan. He knows all of the member institutions well. He’s consistently been very vocal and active with the concerns of SAM. Regardless of who’s the Political Affairs chair, you’d think the current administration would be quick to draw upon existing relations with other SAM member institutions. So okay, you’re right. Ladd isn’t a “member” of SAM, but he sure does have a lot of connections with the organization, and he’s been pretty active with it too. Wouldn’t you agree?
Look, I’m sure the other campaign is upset that they didn’t get the endorsement. That’s completely understandable. But why should anyone resort to mud-slinging? Ladd-Rettich certainly haven’t done that at all during this campaign season, and THAT FACT is indisputable. Ladd-Rettich has run their campaign by the rules set forth in the Student Election Code, and they’ve received no demerits. Regardless of flashy marketing campaigns, cronyism, and popularity contests, Ladd-Rettich has been working on their campaign since last August. They’ve listened to the students to find out what the issues are. They’ve thought through possible solutions to those issues. Read the position papers on http://www.ladd4wmu.com, and then compare to the one sentence tag-lines at http://www.rockthewmuvote.com. The writers are the Herald have the pulse of the students on this campus probably better than anyone, and I’m sure they’ve weighed the choices extensively. They’ve said that Ladd-Rettich is the best choice for the student body.