“There is something wrong with the relationship with the university.” “What’s going on with the city and Eastern is not working.”

These two quotes are from Clancy Pfeiffer during Wednesday’s mayoral candidate debate sponsored by the League of Women Voters. As chair of the Student Government’s External Relations Committee, I was extremely disheartened by Mr. Pfeiffer’s comments.

Over the last three semesters the External Relations Committee has worked tirelessly to improve relations between the city of Charleston and the students of Eastern.

This semester the External Relations Committee has worked with the city on numerous issues. We have worked to get more student involvement on city issues and we have gotten it. Mayor Dan Cougill has committed to waiting until students return in the fall to push for the rental property inspection ordinance. At our last External Relations Committee meeting we were able to compromise with the mayor about installing stop signs.

The student representatives on the committee wanted stop signs installed along Fourth Street, and we worked together to reach an acceptable compromise. We now have four flashing lights being installed along Fourth Street.

A further example of the good relations between the city and students is the mayor’s commitment to getting student input on county board concerning recycling.

I also currently serve as Eastern’s representative to the City Council. Though I don’t have a vote, I do have a voice, and therefore Eastern students have a voice as well. This position only continues to strengthen the relationship between Eastern and Charleston.

At this time, Student Government is working on a few projects to continue improving that relationship. The Diversity Affairs Committee, along with the External Relations Committee, is planning a major event on the Square.

This event will celebrate the rich diversity of Eastern students and Charleston residents. This event will bring together all members of the community and again continue to strengthen the relationship between Eastern and the city.

Student Governmen also is working on a program with Charleston High School’s student government. This event would bring us together to share ideas and learn what each others’ purposes and duties are. Though the details of this event have not been finalized, it shows the continuing efforts on both sides to strengthen our relationship.

Student Government has even gone so far as to print an off-campus handbook for students who choose to live off campus. This is to encourage students to understand the obligations and responsibilities they will have to their landlords as off-campus students.

A final example of student/community relations is the shuttle bus. Student Government has worked with local business owners to keep the bus going to local businesses, not just the Wal-Mart Supercenter. This shows our commitment to local businesses and the community.

To conclude, our relationship with Charleston is stronger than it has been in years. In the future, with continued efforts, it can only get stronger. Finally, I encourage all students to vote in the upcoming election.