The Voice

Last night’s re-election of Ken Vance had tremendous implications for both Georgia College & State University and Vance.

We have all learned several valuable lessons from this year’s local election outcome.

First, the student vote counts. Vance clinched victory by only 8 votes out of more than 300 cast ballots. With only one precinct and absentee ballots left to count, Zach Johnson was actually ahead of the Chief, 108-106 before finally losing 145-153.

To say the least, Vance has had a refreshing view of the power of this college’s student body. To those students who voted for Johnson, take condolence in the fact that Vance will now have to give all students more consideration in future decisions about what parking rules, drinking laws, and housing restrictions he proposes. Now he knows that his position on the city council, even after 24 years of service, is not guaranteed.

Though Johnson lost, the power of the student voice has been heard. This kind of voting is a better demonstration of “one man, one vote” than any political science class can lecture about. Congratulations to all students who voted on taking the time to fulfill their civic duties.

Again, whether you are registered to vote here or not, your presence is important to the community, and your opinion should be heard.

Finally, because no other incumbent was re-elected, Vance is now one of the most powerful men in the city. He is the chief of GC&SU Public Safety, the Mayor pro-tem (the only person other than the mayor who can sign city checks and also acts as sort of a Vice Mayor) and is considered to have a first-rate chance of becoming mayor some day when he chooses to retire from Public Safety. The law prohibits Vance from being both mayor and working for the university.

Milledgeville has a new mayor with little political experience in this city. The new City Council and mayor will all look to Vance for leadership, him being the senior most member of the council in experience by 24 years, for precedence and advice on public policy. Get to know him!

For you freshman who may still have that card that with Vance’s personal phone number on it, keep it! I know many of us at The Colonnade lost ours long ago and regret it. Think of it as having one favor to ask of John Gotti. He can help, but be careful.

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Nov 11 2005. Filed under Our Voice. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry