As someone who has never had a significant interest or passion for politics, I think it says a lot that I find myself invested in this particular ASUI presidential election to write a public statement on the subject.
Nate Fisher and Katie Cramer’s bid for president and vice pwresident of ASUI has piqued my interest in more ways than one. As a music student, I find it incredibly refreshing to see an ASUI president who, not only is a huge supporter of this school’s fantastic marching band, but backs that support up with action. Because of Fisher’s administration, funding for the marching band will increase 20 percent next year, most of that towards new instruments.
However, to me, the most appealing aspect of Fisher’s campaign is his support of a medical amnesty initiative for the Moscow Police Department. This initiative would basically allow minors to seek medical help for themselves and friends during an alcohol-related emergency without having to worry about criminal charges.
According to Medical Amnesty Initiative, a study by Cornell University found that only 4 percent of college students actually called 911 for a highly intoxicated friend even though 19 percent of those same students admitted that emergency and medical help was necessary.
If students are afraid that getting help for themselves or their friends will get them in trouble with the law, they are much less likely to seek help when it is obviously necessary.
Simply, this puts lives at risk. If Nate Fisher and Katie Cramer are elected, all the work that ASUI has put into medical amnesty can continue until it is finally a reality. All this work that has been done will pay off and make this campus and the City of Moscow a safer place for students.
Natalie Wren