Thumbs up to three former campus leaders for getting funding approved for a large scale event next winter. Former ASG President Jonathan Webber, former A&O chairman Alex White and former ASG Executive Vice President Matt Bogusz worked to get a proposal approved that will allow for up to $200,000 to be spent on an event next Winter.
It is great to finally have something to look forward to in the dreary winter months. This level of funding would allow for, dare we say it, another Kanye West performance, or at least someone at his level of stardom. Kelly Clarkson and Bill Clinton are now both possible options.
Additionally, it’s impressive that leaders from two of the arguably most important student organizations on campus worked together to get this passed. Hopefully this spirit of collaboration will continue between the new leaders stepping into their positions.
Thumbs down to the Civic Center Committee for following its precedent over the last ten years and once again failing to come to a sensible decision regarding the deteriorating condition of Evanston’s main municipal building. At its Wednesday meeting, the committee voted to “consider staying in this building and spending the minimum to make it safe and healthy for the people that work here.”
A move out of the current Civic Center, which faces problems such as mold, asbestos and roof leaks, is inevitable. The current repairs will cost the city about $6 million, and each renovation will continue to add to the swelling price tag for maintaining the building.
Taxpayers will eventually pick up the tab on the new Civic Center. Admitting that the old one is doomed and making plans to move sooner than later will save money in the long run because Evanston residents will not have to pay for repairs as well.
Thumbs up to Northwestern for funding a Saturday schedule for the shuttles into Chicago. The program, which will begin in the fall, was requested by the Undergraduate Budget Priorities Committee.
Weekend times for the shuttle will facilitate students who wish to avoid alcohol-focused activities. Especially at NU, where the social scene is often dominated by fraternity parties or bar nights, the shuttle will provide a cheaper and more efficient means of having fun on a Saturday night without drinking.
Furthermore, students will have more access to the nation’s third largest city. Many undergraduates are often overwhelmed during the week by classes, work-study jobs and extracurricular commitments. Whether volunteering downtown or visiting a museum, students will now be able to reach Chicago with greater ease and convenience.
In a time where the Chicago Transit Authority is constantly threatening to raise fares, NU’s decision to provide free weekend transportation to and from downtown will improve student life dramatically.
Sideways thumb to the possibility of renovations to Norris University Center. Renovations were first proposed in 1984, which means that it’s now been 24 years without any major progress. While the caffeine at Starbucks is well appreciated, the ground floor still needs major work.
The study will assess the viability of making major changes to Norris. While it’s great that the ball is finally rolling, there is no way that a 24-year wait is acceptable. Every year people talk about how much better Norris could be. It’s time to finally see the changes.
