Ah, a gentle breeze, the toll of the bells of Century Tower - and stacks of handbills shoved down your throat.
That time of year again. Yes, the Student Government election begins today. If you're one of the 100 or so people who can hardly contain their excitement and were first in line at the polls at 8 a.m., well, this editorial probably comes too late.
But if you haven't voted, go get in line and read this during your short wait.
Yesterday we wrote about voting for candidates instead of blindly voting for a party. If you missed it Monday, you can still check it out online.
Today we bring you our opinions on the two-ballot referenda. Of course, even if one or both passes, that doesn't mean anything will happen with either of them. But we don't think either should pass.
One referendum asks if UF should provide funds for a student-run homeless shelter. We aren't saying Gainesville doesn't need more homeless shelters. But the city is hard at work on this already. And frankly, UF does not have the funds for this project.
The supporters tout giving students a place to gain experience as another reason for the shelter. Here's a news flash: Nothing is stopping you from volunteering at one of the shelters around town.
As for the student-run cafe, it's a good idea in theory. Maybe one day when UF has surplus budgets, it will become a reality. But once again, UF doesn't have the money to commit to the start-up costs of a dining facility. Why do you think all these chain stores have invaded our campus? It's cheaper. That doesn't mean they're better - hell, most of us enjoy most of our meals from non-chain restaurants near campus, and some of us even make it a point to.
It's unfortunate that money is always such a huge factor in what are sometimes good ideas. But we think it's more important to fund our educations at this university than to fund luxury amenities.
