Campus political groups voice opinions

As it is a nonpresidential election year, College Republicans and Young Democrats are focusing on local government on a larger scale in regard to the Nov. 4 ballot. The two main issues on both groups' agendas are Proposition 4 and Referendum 71.

Proposition 4 is Envision Spokane's Community Bill of Rights. The main goal of this proposition is to give certain rights to neighborhoods, the environment, workers, and health care. Referendum 71, if passed, would support current legislation and approve the expansion of rights to same-sex couples and committed couples that include one member over the age of 62, giving them rights similar to those of married couples, without the title.

"We're going door to door in support of Envision Spokane," junior Drew Pollom, president of Young Democrats, said. Meanwhile the College Republicans think there are certain problems with the ballot issue.

Michael McMillan, president of College Republicans, said many of his members are supporting the opposition group to Proposition 4, "Save Our Spokane," in order to "educate the citizens of Spokane of the extreme nature of the proposed changes brought to Spokane by radical, leftist, environmental attorneys from Pennsylvania." The opinions of these two on-campus groups are indicative of the campaigning by local citizens about this campaign. Envision Spokane is very positive about the outcome that could result from the passing of Proposition 4, while "Save Our Spokane" is worried about the financial implications and legal battles that may ensue if the measure is passed.

Young Democrats are also in support of Referendum 71, and members are encouraged to participate in phone banking to help the cause, Pollom said.

College Republicans did not take a particular stance on this issue.

"As a club, we offer opportunities for all of our members to volunteer for whichever cause they might choose," said McMillan. In terms of candidates, Young Democrats have chosen to primarily focus on ballot issues, while acknowledging the importance of familiarizing their members with the candidates.

"It doesn't mean our local council members aren't important," said Pollom. College Republicans "are still in the process of discussing endorsements [for candidates]," McMillan said.

Although both groups have many conflicting opinions, this year the idea is to collaborate on bringing panels and speakers to campus on issues such as health care and the environment.

"Members from both clubs agreed that it would be a great opportunity for our clubs to co-host a debate between Bob Williams of the Evergreen Freedom Foundation and Senator Lisa Brown," said McMillan.

In addition to goals for collaboration, each group has sets of individual goals. Young Democrats plans to do a voter registration drive, which have been successful in the past, with hopes of "registering as many people as we possibly can," Pollom said.

"I just want [the group] to be a strong, healthy presence on Gonzaga's campus," Pollom added.

McMillan has many goals for College Republicans this year, including "growth in membership, increased involvement, creating more opportunities for debate and open discussion between the different special interests on campus and otherwise."

Both groups are not only involved in politics, but also with community service. Young Democrats continually support Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels and Spokane River Clean-up. College Republicans have donated hundreds of dollars worth of food to the Spokane Community College Food Bank.

Young Democrats meet Monday nights at 8 p.m. in Lower Crosby. College Republicans meet every other Wednesday night at 8 p.m. in Lower Crosby. Their next meeting will be held Oct. 7. On off weeks they have extracurricular activities open to all members.

College Republicans and Young Democrats can both be found on Facebook.

Dates to Know - Washington General Election

Key Ballot Measures

Prop 4: Proposed amendment to City Charter adding a Bill of Rights, which would include provisions to the local economy, health care, housing and other local issues

Referendum 71: If passed, would enact measure passed by the Legislature during the 2009 session that gives certain rights to same-sex couples.

I-1033: Would limit the growth of state, city and county general fund revenue to the rate of population growth and inflation.

On the home front: freshman fall elections

As Spokane prepares for its Novembers ballot, Gonzaga votes in their own elections.

GSBA fall elections, in which freshman president, vice-president and senators will be elected, began Monday and will continue through Friday.

The entire election system is being run over the internet, as students eligible to vote receive e-mails regarding it. Freshman senate candidates include Kelly Alderman, McCall Haught-Frazier, Lauren Kuh, Sammy Blake, Tyler Davis, Andrew Orozco, Kyle Holbrook, Nancy Carl, Quinn Croasdell, Tom Matelich, Yvonne Rene Carrick, Haley Bentler, Jane Franchini, Adam Skarr, and Daniel Harmon.