College Democrats plan Friday protest

The group feels students have been ‘thrown under the bus’.

By Allison Prang

Published Aug. 27, 2010

At the first fall semester meeting of the College Democrats on Thursday, the agenda focused on voter registration and Friday’s planned protest.

“We have been doing extensive planning, and we are hoping to have one of the most impactful and well-organized professional semesters,” College Democrats President Amanda Shelton said. “We have several events already planned. We’re also partnering with larger organizations to keep up with issues throughout the United States and the state of Missouri.”

Missouri State Treasurer Clint Zweifel and Kelly Schultz, Democratic candidate for the 21st District, attended as guest speakers.

“The key issues are ‘Who are we recruiting into the party?’” Zweifel said. “The way that we’re going to be stronger is we’re going to have better people and better ideas.”

Zweifel said Schultz’s campaign for district representative is the kind where students can make an impact.

Schultz not only spoke about politics and the importance of internships in the Capitol but emphasized to the students she would appreciate their help in her campaign. She asked for the students’ assistance in knocking on doors, phone banking and marching in her parade Friday in Mexico, Mo..

The College Democrats also discussed plans for their protest against Gov. Jay Nixon’s $60 million in cuts to education, and by extension, students’ financial aid packages.

“These aren’t small cuts,” said Eric LeFevre, member director and social chair of College Democrats. “The students got thrown under the bus here.”

According to the news release, Friday’s rally is also in protest of the Missouri Legislature and Executive’s failure to raise enough revenue to balance the state budget. It is scheduled to take place 1 p.m. Friday at Speakers Circle. Students can also register to vote at this time.

“Lawmakers of both parties should be held accountable,” said Shelton in a news release. “Both Republicans and some Democrats failed to raise revenues and promote tax reform that would have provided our neediest students with the funds for college and our most vulnerable populations with the social services they need.”

LeFevre said the College Democrats registered more than 6,000 voters in the Columbia area in 2008, which he said helped Rep. Chris Kelly, D-Columbia, get elected. The organization also works with the Young Democrats of Missouri, but Shelton said in an e-mail MU does its own voter registrations.

“That’s one of our main goals,” College Democrats Vice President Iavora Vlaytcheva said. “Get everyone registered in Boone County and get them out to the polls.”

Aside from registering voters, the College Democrats will be hosting their annual Sept. 11 memorial bake sale to raise money for troops. Although the charity that will receive this year’s proceeds has not yet been determined, last year’s funds went toward purchasing new helmets for soldiers.

According to the news release, the College Democrats have named two new students to their executive board. Tommy Palmer will serve as the political director and Mike Madden will serve as the philanthropy director.