In previous years, The Crimson White’s Editorial Board has endorsed candidates for SGA elections. This year will be no different. As a source for news, opinions and information about The University of Alabama, we feel we have a responsibility to inform students about the candidates for SGA executive positions and endorse those who we feel can best serve campus. We focus on the details of the campaign while not losing sight of the greater vision of each candidate. We interview each candidate and ask them questions about why they want the position, what they plan to achieve and who is 
endorsing them.

But being a part of the SGA is neither easy nor enviable at times. The SGA has historically been associated with cronyism, malfeasance and the Machine. Yet, in rare occurrences, the SGA has been wildly effective and a conduit for progress on campus. A prime example is the Matt Calderone administration in 2012-2013. Jimmy Taylor, president after Calderone, was by most accounts a great disappointment. This year’s President Hamilton Bloom will best be known by the work of his executive council and not what he did personally. His council aggressively reached out to the campus student population through “Say Hey.” The SGA has effectively rebranded themselves and are primed to make a greater difference next year than in past years. For the first time in a long time, we feel that the SGA has the potential to represent all students on campus and not cater to the whims of 
a few.

To do so, though, they need proper leadership from each of the candidates. In our endorsement process, we reviewed each candidate as a student here at the University, not whether they were Greek or non-Greek, Machine-backed or independent. Leadership comes from all walks of life and parts of campus, and to disregard someone’s platforms or ideas because of petty differences is embarrassing to the notions of intellectual discourse and higher education. We considered the opposed candidate’s ideas in comparison to their competitors and for those unopposed to their predecessors. We did not endorse candidates exclusively based on social connections or the groups, Machine or non-Machine, that support them. Our endorsement, however, does not mean we support any candidate’s association with secretive, exclusionary groups.

What we ultimately sought in our endorsements are leaders that can make SGA a productive and effective government for all students. We believe concrete plans to achieve tangible results and actual contributions to the student body outweigh generic platitudes and unrealistic visions for campus. The University of Alabama’s Student Government Association needs leaders capable of uniting campus with their ideas and actions. The Crimson White believes these candidates are the best individuals for their respective position and capable of 
achieving that aim.

Whether you agree with us or not, 
go vote.

Our View represents the consensus of The Crimson White Editorial Board.