Watch out UA, new group is on the way

In what organizers call a response to "campus-wide apathy towards student government," a group of students has announced the formation of the Coaltion for Reponsive Student Government. The group's purpose, said chairperson Darion D'Anjou, is to "relate more effectively to students" and to "provide effective and efficient solutions to student concerns." "We won't have confines like the [Undergraduate Assembly] or the [Nominations and Elections Committee]," said D'Anjou, a Wharton junior. "They have rules that they have to follow. We're going to be looking for input from all aspects of the student body." After staying "underground" for a number of months, the approximately 30 students who comprise the organization will make their first foray into the public eye today, when they will distribute surveys on campus. These surveys, according to spokesperson Scott Sher, will form the backbone of the coalition's first plans for University improvement. "Before we decide on any agenda we want to get the results of these surveys," said Sher, a Wharton and College junior. Although cautioning that the coalition, which will be independent, will not be in conflict with established bodies like the UA, leaders used the UA as evidence of campus "apathy." "Four out of five students don't know who the UA chair is," coalition secretary and Wharton sophomore George Calles said. "That makes it a lot more difficult for the UA to claim to be the voice of the students when the students don't know who the leader is." But UA Chairperson Jeff Lichtman said he thinks the two groups can work in concert, with the UA functioning through "traditional channels," and the Coalition "outside traditional lines." "They are acting more as a lobbyist or an influence group," said Lichtman, a College senior. "But I think that once they develop their ideas more, and target their issues, they might be effective." Calles echoed Lichtman's optimism for cooperation. "We're not looking to replace [the UA], we're looking to add to it," Calles said. D'Anjou said what makes the Coalition different from other student organizations is its "personalized attention to students." "We are going to get out there and start talking to students," D'Anjou said. "We want to be a forum for ideas -- a think tank." UA Vice Chair Kirsten Bartok said she is "excited to see what issues they come up with." She said she hopes the coalition will focus on social activities, about which the UA has been brainstorming for some time. "The more brains we have, the better," Bartok said. Sher said he thinks the organization's effectiveness will not be hampered by its young age or unofficial status. He added that many of the coalition's founders are former government leaders themselves. Both Sher and Calles directed Bill Clinton's campaign at the University. D'Anjou is a former UA member and is currently treasurer of the Black Student League. Treasurer Jeff Wu, a Wharton junior, has been involved in the Chinese Student Association.

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