Chris Schmitt is the better candidate in the race for Michigan's 53rd state House district - better for Michigan, better for Ann Arbor, better for the University. The Daily's endorsement of his opponent proves the willingness of the editorial board of the Daily to put party preferences above good policy ("Vote Schroer, Brater," 10/31/96).
The Daily writers clearly show their close-mindedness when they accuse Schmitt of being "confused about his party identification." Yes, Schmitt is pro-choice and against anti-gay legislation. He is also for a more responsive and efficient state government. His views are similar to other prominent Republicans (Colin Powell, William Weld, Christine Whitman, etc.), none of whom are confused about their partisan identification.
Unlike his opponent, Schmitt is a graduate of the University, as were both his parents. He is committed to providing students and the entire University with a sound, a strong voice in Lansing. His positions on the issues are simply better for advancement of the University community.
For example, the loss of a highly qualified, internal candidate for the University president highlights the need for reforming the search process for administrative positions at the University. Chris believes in reforming this system - his opponent does not. In fact, on a variety of issues, his opponent has been inclined to play political favorites at the expense of the University community.
Schmitt is the better candidate to advance education and the economy. He has shown a commitment to cooperation in an attempt to make government more responsive and more efficient. He believes we can create better jobs and a more sound economy in the state of Michigan.
His opponent has had her chance to make a difference in Lansing, and she has failed. Unlike in an undergraduate course, you shouldn't get another term to improve your grade in Lansing. It's time we send better ideas and better leadership to Lansing - vote for Chris Schmitt.
Michael J. Horvath
University staff
Being from a small Michigan town, I took particular offense to Erin Marsh's column "Claustrophobic in the country," (10/31/96). Yes, many of the things she wrote were true. When you walk down the street, everyone knows you. If for some odd reason they don't, they smile and say "Hi" anyway. This is by far not the worst thing thing about a small town. It is a refreshing change from a university where if someone makes eye contact with you as you walk along, they quickly look away and walk faster.
Her attempt at humor is funny at times, but the column only serves to perpetuate the myth that every small town in Michigan is a racist, Republican cesspool of idiots. I am from the small town of Chesaning (so small we're not even officially a town, but a "village"), and the people there, especially young people, look to embrace all kinds of people.
Yes, there were only about four black people (I can't remember the exact number because it wasn't a big deal) in my graduating class of 164, but they were treated no differently than the rest of us.
Secondly, my small town is content to be a small town because if it weren't, where would all the tourists come from? The McDonald's in Chesaning had to be built outside village limits so that it would not detract from the old-world charm of downtown. The nearest movie theater is 30 minutes away, and the nearest mall 45. I relate to many of the things Marsh wrote (traffic?), but I also think that the University community needs to be reminded that Small Town Michigan is typically a friendly, warm community.
If you don't believe me, visit Chesaning. It's a pretty nice place.
Brandi L. Weaver
LSA senior
I am writing this letter in response to the article that was written about James Lasser's "idiotic cartoon" that was put in The Michigan Daily ("Lasser's cartoon 'idiotic,'" 1030/96).
Perhaps the incident that happened at Theta Chi's should be taken seriously. It was not a joke.
But first: Wilson's statement that the leadership on this campus needs to "put down the bottle" and find alternative ways to have fun is too typical of the way our society thinks today.
The last time I checked, one of the admission requirements to get into the University was that you had to graduate from high school, which basically means that you are an adult and are responsible for your own actions. I feel if students at the University want to drink and have fun to get away from the pressures of their classes and everything else that is going on, it should be their choice.
We are supposed to be responsible adults and should be trusted to decide for ourselves whether or not and how much we want to drink.
There is too much emphasis in today's society that everything bad that happens to us must be somebody else's fault. If I don't have a job it's the government's fault. If I don't watch where I walk and I slip and fall, it's the fault of the establishment that I am in. If I get drunk at a bar or a party and hurt myself, it must be the fault of the bar or fraternity.
This way of thinking is wrong and if somebody hurts themselves at a bar or a party because they have been drinking too much then it should be nobody else's fault but their own. I am a fraternity member myself and it makes me sick that even though I know my own limits and I am a responsible drinker, my ability to have a good time in the manner that I choose in my own house is limited because some individuals don't feel that people shouldn't have to take responsibility for their own actions.
I don't really appreciate the value judgement that was made about how other people choose to spend their free time and I say if you can't handle drinking, then don't do it.
Damon Kitterman
LSA fourth-year student
As a former liaison between the Michigan Student Assembly and the city of Ann Arbor, I have had an excellent opportunity to observe both the candidates running for mayor of Ann Arbor.
Both the incumbent, Ingrid Sheldon, and her challenger, Christopher Kolb, are sensible moderates who have tried to bridge the partisan divide on the council.
While Sheldon has done an excellent job in trying to reach out to students, I think every student should give serious consideration to voting for her Democratic opponent. Christopher Kolb, a fairly recent University graduate is more in tune with what it is like to be a University student and what it is we are looking for in a mayor.
He is committed to expanding opportunities for students to become involved with the city, particularly in community services. He is also a fierce advocate for the city's innovative recycling program.
Both candidates running are excellent and are trying hard to earn the student vote.
Please return the favor by voting today.
Paul Scublinsky
LSA-SG President