Undergraduate Student Government Sen. Chet Lunsford was known for being outspoken and actively involved in campus politics. That is why his resignation Wednesday was a surprise to some, including Lunsford himself. Although some may argue about his motives, one thing is for sure, Lunsford did not have to resign.

Lunsford said a major reason for his resignation was continuous frustration with the Student Senate. His resolutions and proposals were constantly met with criticism and defeated sometimes partly because he was the sponsor. It would not be going too far to say that he was driven out of USG. Lunsford had many enemies within student government because he was one of the few in USG to voice an opinion, and some thought he voiced those too often or too loudly. His questioning and skepticism made it difficult for the senate to simply rubber stamp legislation but at the same time may have annoyed some of his colleagues. His job was to be a mouthpiece not to make friends, and his resignation hurt both those he represented and USG.

It is irresponsible that Lunsford resigned with three USG meetings left. As an elected official, Lunsford had a responsibility to his Evergreen Park constituents. Lunsford chose to be elected. He was not forced to run and was elected by his peers. Quitting for any reason does a disservice to those who helped elect him. Officials in state and federal positions face criticism also. Filibusters and arguments often occur, but elected officials do not just quit out of frustration with a government they may feel is ineffective. People seek office because they believe they can make a difference or change something they think is ineffective.

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Lunsford also had a responsibility to those within USG that did stand by his side. He often took the helm and led those groups within USG that needed a voice. After two years of criticism from student leaders as well as this newspaper quitting so near the end seems absurd unless Lunsford is setting the stage for another chapter as a student leader.

Is this perhaps an attempt by Lunsford, during election time, to catapult himself to a higher position within student government? He did not petition for re-election, indicating he had no intention of running for senate again anyway. This makes his resignation seem even more unnecessary.

The resignation of Lunsford is clouded in speculation. Perhaps the only person who knows what really is going on is Lunsford himself, and he has not let the extent of his intentions be known other than to say he plans to remain active in campus politics.

USG presidential candidate Rob Taylor suggested the possibility that Lunsford could be given an appointment if he is elected president. Perhaps USG has not seen the last of Chet Lunsford.