The complete irrelevance of the current SGA administration compels me to believe that Jimmy Taylor is The University of Alabama’s version of Carmen Sandiego. Sandiego, however, has a purpose to be hidden, whereas Taylor is, well, absent without a reason. His executive office, senate, judicial branch and First Year Council have more than an ample amount of ambitious and talented people who are capable of generating a positive impact for students. It is a tragedy that the SGA, with so much potential, has produced so little, but one glance at the productivity of Congress reminds me that things could be a lot worse.

Jimmy should receive the benefit of the doubt because this academic year thus far has been filled with challenges and issues that the SGA was unprepared for or incapable of answering. He is also a student at the end of the day, with academic and personal obligations he must fulfill. Still, he is the SGA president, and he did not perform up to the expectations of being the leader of the SGA and voice of the student body.

So, let us now remind ourselves of the oft-spoken words of every sport fan, and now Alabama student, “There is always next year.” Indeed, on Wednesday, the statements of candidacy and intent will be turned into the SGA and a new round of potential students will compete for a spot within the organization. I sincerely hope these potential students bring innovative ideas, unequal passion and strong desires to make a difference for the student body of the University.

Because the demographics, academic capabilities and interests of students are different for each new entering freshman class, the SGA must reinvent itself yearly in order to properly reflect the evolving dynamics of the student body. Throughout the previous years, the SGA has failed to seize the opportunity to change, and thereby better itself, and it is currently paying the price. Failures, if handled correctly with the proper mindset, are merely catalysts for profound transformation.

Perhaps the new SGA officials will have better hindsight than their predecessors, learn from their past and be bold with vision and progressive leadership. Adding to the wish list, maybe the SGA will elect a female president, which I believe would be an instrumental way to increase collaboration within the SGA and between the SGA and other student organizations. Female leaders are known to be more collaborative than their male counterparts. A female SGA president, the first in this decade, to match the first female president of The University of Alabama, Judy Bonner, would be a progressive and potentially powerful combination.

I veritably believe the SGA could be a better voice for the student body that generates collaboration and progressive action on campus. Furthermore, it is high time for a female SGA president to end the streak of similar-looking males. Although the SGA has had its fair share of setbacks, it will be judged much more on their ability to get back up and become the SGA The University of Alabama deserves and needs.

Patrick Crowley is a junior majoring in mathematics, finance and economics. His column runs weekly.