We are an apathetic generation – at least when it comes to politics.
Perhaps what is happening south of the border – with their numerous wars, villains and terrorists, and a president that is revered like a rock star – is more intriguing to follow.  Canadian politics often seems dry and cumbersome in comparison.  Case in point, one of the highlights of the candidates debate in the last federal election was Jack Layton’s snipe at Stephen Harper’s sweater.
Sure, with their lacklustre speeches and ever-failing promises, politicians may be partly to blame, but the level of public apathy is genuinely concerning when there are so many pressing issues that need to be addressed.
This applies to all electoral levels, be it federal, provincial, or even at school.
In this week’s Et Cetera web poll, 84 per cent said they were not interested in the upcoming HSF elections – and only 31 people bothered to answer the poll at all!
Students here at Humber can make their electoral voice heard the week of March 8 to 12 with the coming elections.
HSF represents over 18,000 full-time students and receives $292.68 from each student via their tuition.  Without factoring in part-time students, this amounts to a budget of about $5.3 million per year.
Not all of this money serves the students, however.  Executive positions are not voluntary – they are paid.  The HSF president makes $34,000 per year.  And the rest of the exec earn $11.54/hour in the summer and $20.19/hour for the rest of the year.
Salary aside, it would seem a great deal of HSF’s budget goes towards “enhancing student life.” The executive is also responsible for providing all students with health and dental insurance, funding the health centre, campus pharmacy, food bank, computer labs, meeting spaces, games room, clubs and bursaries.
The past month, Humber has seen an X-rated hypnotist, a member of the band The Fugees, musician K’naan, and several other HSF events.
Booking an artist on the verge of international success like K’naan after he penned the next World Cup theme song can’t be cheap.  Sure, it is exciting to say he came to our school, but is that really the best way to allocate our dollars?  Perhaps it is what the student body wants, but rather than leaving the exec guessing students need to engage in dialogue with the HSF hopefuls. Students need to voice their opinions and vote during election week so the exec know exactly where students want their tuition money going.
On a larger level, there is a looming fall municipal election and with no incumbent running there is a chance for real change to occur in the city.
Students may think what happens at City Hall has little affect on their daily routine, but the municipal government is responsible for a number of issues that affect students on a daily basis.
Hydro, garbage and recycling aren’t costs that just home-owners have to deal with – these costs are also hidden in residence fees.  For those that don’t live on campus or with family, finding affordable housing is often a major concern – this also falls under the jurisdiction of the municipal government.
Being a commuter college, most take the subway or the bus to school.  The rest likely drive.  Both public transit and transportation infrastructure are municipal responsibilities.
In both elections, there are pertinent issues at hand that impact students and that we can have a say in – but only if we choose to vote.