Hello, Newman.
Associated Student Government officers met with Ald. Arthur Newman (1st) Saturday in an attempt to open a dialogue between Northwestern students and one of their elected officials.
Although ASG is required to meet with Evanston’s mayor, this is the first time a meeting with Newman has occurred, said ASG President Jordan Heinz.
Heinz, along with External Relations Chair Jada Black and ASG-Evanston City Council Liaison Brian Miller, discussed issues of student concern for more than an hour at Newman’s home. Heinz said he hopes to begin a constructive relationship with Newman despite past differences between the alderman and NU.
“He’s our representative for the next four years,” said Heinz, an Education junior. “There’s no reason we should start out with a destructive relationship.”
Heinz also invited Newman to attend more campus events and urged him to get more involved in student life, saying “students are who he is supposed to represent.” Most of the meeting centered around discussing students’ opinions about parking problems.
“If Newman feels more a part of the university, then he’ll be more responsive,” Heinz said. “I honestly believe he does want to work for students, even though he doesn’t like the administration.”
Newman could not be reached for comment.
The meeting was set up by Madhuri Kommareddi, Newman’s student representative on campus. Kommareddi said she believes everyone at the meeting was on the same page in wanting to work for students.
She also said Newman realized the importance of increased student interaction during the campaign.
“(Newman) needs to make more of an effort to approach students, and this is a good way to start,” said Kommareddi, a Weinberg freshman. “The meeting was a good experience for everyone. There was important dialogue and everyone was receptive to each other’s ideas.”
Black agreed and said the meeting was “the first step in building a new beginning.”
“There’s been a lot of miscommunication and confusion about NU’s relationship with the city,” said Black, a Medill sophomore. “But I think after the last election, it became apparent students were interested in Evanston. This is a positive step for ASG.”
But former ASG President Adam Humann, who worked for Allan Drebin’s campaign against Newman in the election, said he doesn’t think students will gain from the meetings.
“It’s pretty clear based on Newman’s comments after the election that he is not a pro-student advocate,” said Humann, a Weinberg senior. “The only issues he’ll side with us on are where he can gain something for one of his positions. He’s not out to help us, and that is not going to change.”
Although Humann said working with Evanston officials is a good policy, he said ASG should not only interact with Newman.
“There’s more to be gained in working with people who want to take an active role in the life of students,” he said. “I hope (Newman) proves me wrong, but I would be very shocked if he tries to get to know issues of relevance to students.”
But Kommareddi said Newman is willing to make the effort. She said he plans to attend ASG meetings, dorm firesides and student group events throughout his term.
“Usually, constituents come to the alderman with problems, but with students, they don’t know where to turn to,” she said. “No one realized there needed to be more of a pro-active attempt until now.”
