Proposed SafeRides to lead student government agenda

Author: Anthony Adragna

SGA President Alex Stanton '07 will focus on the implementation of his SafeRides program and increased involvement in the student body this semester, he said in an interview on Sunday.

Stemming from a campaign promise last year, Stanton will make the creation of SafeRides, a shuttle service to reduce drunk driving from off-campus parties, his first priority as President. "Many schools in NESCAC have this type of program to eliminate the problem and I think Middlebury would benefit from one," said Stanton.

Two proposals remain under consideration on how best to implement the plan. One proposal involves creating a student organization that would have volunteers run the service. The group would have a constitution and would receive school funding like any other student organization.

SGA officials will also consider a proposal that would leave the administration of the program to an outside organization. Several companies in town would vie for the ability to run the program.

Stanton does not know when the program will begin offering the service, as the SGA must first approve the proposal, but hopes it will occur soon. "We want SafeRides ASAP," Stanton said. "We'd probably vote at the first meeting. There is no concrete timetable though."

Stanton's optimism about the viability of the SafeRides programs was not shared by the administration, which still had concerns. "I haven't seen the most recent version of the SafeRides program so I can't comment specifically on the proposal," wrote Tim Spears, Dean of the College. "I am familiar with the liability concerns that have been raised in the past about the program, and they are hard to ignore."

In addition to his interest in SafeRides, Stanton hopes to facilitate communication between the SGA and the student body. He believes he has created a number of ways in which students may stay in touch with the SGA and offer their suggestions for campus projections, initiatives and suggestions. "I established a blog," Stanton said. "It's not personal but it's a way for each student to have input in the SGA. I want students to come up to me from across campus and say 'I have an idea' and not be afraid to do that."

Education on the fundamentals of the SGA committees and their purposes remains another goal of Stanton's. "I want to increase transparency," Stanton said. "I want Middlebury students to understand some of the committees that they currently don't. We don't want them to be afraid of going before these bodies."

When asked how first-years can get involved in the organization, Stanton said, "Run for Senate. That's the easiest way. If not that, you can get on a subcommittee. Even if they can't run for office, talk to me and let me know what their ideas are."

Stanton and members of his staff held a meeting Sept. 17 for candidates interested in running for a position in the SGA Senate. The deadline for students interested in running for Senate to submit their letters of intent is Sept. 21, along with a petition of 25 signatures by Sept. 22. Campaigning formally begins on Friday and each candidate running receives a campaign budget of $100. Elections will take place during a 24-hour online vote Sept. 28-29.

Stanton reiterated campus involvement is vital to the organization's success and effectiveness. "The more students that participate in the SGA, the better job we can do for Middlebury students," Stanton said. "I encourage everyone to get involved with the SGA even if that involvement is not holding some form of office." Stanton believes a more energized student body will prove more influential in college policy-making decisions.

Apathy remains the biggest student problem on campus, according to Stanton. "A lot of students have great ideas but don't see a great way to voice their concerns," he said. "The administrators are good people so my job is to take the view of students and bring it before them. It's only going to be a powerful SGA if students are involved in it."

In an effort to increase school spirit, members of the Senate plan to hold color wars and field days sometime during the fall, though no dates are in place.

Stanton will also work on improving relations in the organization itself and will create a working relationship with administrators. "I'd like the SGA to be more active but I'd also like to see it run more smoothly in the Senate itself," Stanton said. "Working closely with the school is important but I don't want the SGA to become their lapdog. We want a careful, measured relationship with the administration."