Adam Forsyth might be running unopposed for the position of Associated Student Government student services vice president, but he still aims to win student trust during his campaign.
“I could campaign as if I did have another candidate to run against, or I could start slipping into the role early because I have that opportunity,” said Forsyth, a Weinberg sophomore. “I’m working to balance (those extremes).”
Winning the April 15 election would cap Forsyth’s first year as an ASG senator. He served as the representative for Students for Environmental and Ecological Development and as a member of the Student Services Committee.
Under current election rules, write-in votes are not allowed, so it is highly likely Forsyth will walk away with the election.
Continuity is a focal point of Forsyth’s campaign, according to his platform. Because of his previous experience on the committee, Forsyth said he is familiar with projects that are in elementary stages.
The SSVP lobbies to improve students’ quality of life at Northwestern and heads the student services committee.
“There are projects we’ve passed bills on that haven’t been implemented yet,” Forsyth said. “It’s important that we don’t lose those in the shuffle.”
Forsyth said he hopes to prove he would have triumphed over any other candidate for the position. He said he has “the right temperament for the job” because he is flexible and able to communicate effectively with many groups.
“I think I can work with administrators without burning bridges,” Forsyth said. “I think I can improve and expand the way ASG works with administration and the student body to get things done.”
Current SSVP Mike Fong recognized Forsyth’s ideas and energy for the job.
“Adam’s been really enthusiastic about approaching me with his ideas,” said Fong, a Weinberg junior and candidate for ASG president. “I think he’ll do a tremendous job.”
Forsyth said he plans to use his term to affect a majority of students without neglecting the concerns of minority groups. Improving handicapped accessibility is one goal Forsyth said he hopes to accomplish immediately after taking office.
“People deserve to be able to access every resource at this university,” he said.
Some NU facilities do not have enough ramps or power buttons, said Wheels of Change student chairwoman Ariel Schwartz. Schwartz said ASG support could aid the organization in making NU’s buildings more accessible.
“I think it’ll help having a bill or a resolution from ASG when we go to the administration,” said Schwartz, an Education sophomore. “Having more voices gives us more credibility with the administration.”
Forsyth said he aims to finalize plans for a social gathering place that would serve alcohol in Norris University Center — one of Fong’s main objectives during his tenure.
“I need to work with the people of the Norris Center and the people of the university to deal with any risk management issues,” Forsyth said.
Having supervised recycling efforts for SEED and Elder Hall, Forsyth also wants to fix problems with Norris’ recycling options and expand a recycling program.
“A lot of bins are not in good places,” he said. “Some rooms have a recycling bin but not a trash can, and that’s also a problem.”
One portion of Forsyth’s platform calls for the creation of a new ASG safety committee, comprised of student services and external relations committee members, to spearhead an increase in off-campus lighting.
“Anything you want to change off campus has to go through the city,” Forsyth said. “The best way to achieve improvement is for the student services and external relations committees to work together.”
Former Women’s Coalition director Laura Millendorf, who has worked to improve lighting conditions in and around campus, said the creation of a permanent committee may make headway, but the problem remains a difficult one.
“The issues are primarily budgetary,” said Millendorf, a Weinberg senior. “Even if (Evanston) could afford it, it’s not a priority.”
Forsyth said he also is concerned about the labeling of food products in the dining halls.
“The people that work in the dining halls can be encouraged to make sure that the food labels are correct and complete,” he said.
A friend of Forsyth, Eva Byerley, said he is intent on accomplishing his goals.
“When he gets involved in something, it’s almost like a dog with a bone,” said Byerley, a Medill freshman. “He’s willing to work hard.”
Forsyth said he is taking the campaign seriously by working to win endorsements from The Daily and Progressive Alliance, while participating in meetings of the Student Services Committee.
