Keeping in touch

Others should follow Rivers' example

With only one day until the elections, most local candidates were out trying to court as many last minute voters as possible. One person who deviated from this practice was U.S. Rep. Lynn Rivers (D-Ann Arbor).

Although students do not make up the majority of her constituency, Rivers spent this crucial day on the Diag making herself accessible to students, answering questions and alleviating anxieties about the Democrats' plans for the country should they win the presidency or a majority in the U.S. House of Representatives or U.S. Senate. Regardless of one's political beliefs, Rivers and other local candidates who have been accessible around campus deserve to be commended for their interest in students.

Rivers spent nearly two hours on the Diag defending Al Gore and the Democratic Party against concerned students, many of whom were Green Party supporters. Rivers was also willing to debate with Green Party members who were unhappy with Democratic attacks on Ralph Nader.

In the past few years, more attention has been paid to the previously overlooked demographic of 18-24 year olds. Examples of major candidates coming to Ann Arbor are Ralph Nader's speech at the Michigan Theatre, as well as Al Gore's appearance on MTV's "Choose or Lose" special, which was taped on North Campus. Politicians are realizing that the future of the United States rests on this demographic and that students' opinions, beliefs and concerns are valid and should be addressed.

It is time for other local officials and representatives to follow Rivers' lead. This is especially true for the those who sit on the University Board of Regents, who always should have been out on the Diag interacting with the students they represent.

Students need to feel as if their concerns are being addressed by the people who make decisions about the University. It is a common perception that politicians are not interested in the people they represent and instead have their own agendas.

By paying attention to students' concerns, Rivers set herself apart from this majority. Other elected officials should follow her lead.