I am replying to Andrew Ensor’s perspective in Tuesday’s Daily Egyptian.

First, I think the student body (especially the residents of Southern Hills) should be aware of how Ensor obtained his senate seat. He was not elected by his constituents. In fact, last fall, the Southern Hills senate seat was vacant and the senate needed to fill as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, Ensor was the only qualified student who was interested.

Second, if Ensor is as an informed senator as he claims to be, then he would know that SIUC Chancellor John Guyon does not have the authority to get rid of the unions on campus. The union’s collective bargaining agreements are handled by the SIU Board of Trustees.

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Third, one has to wonder about Ensor’s motives in making indictments and criticisms toward Ed Jones, director of University housing.

Ensor wrote a Undergraduate Student Government resolution to fire Mr. Jones, but he promptly tabled the resolution at the USG meeting a couple of weeks ago. Why? Wasn’t there any validity to the claims? And if not, why did Ensor push the issue to the forefront?

And with respect to Ensor’s opinion of the editorial staff of the DE, that’s all it is an opinion. The editors have a right to express their views in the paper. I agree that sometimes they take certain viewpoints that are totally off-the-wall. But then again, Ensor has gotten quite a bit of ink.

Ensor claims that he does not get any personal gain from his position as senator. Who is he kidding?! He knows damn well that his position and all the supposed good things he has done for this University and students will be a highlight of his resume.

I have been here for two years, following USG very closely. I have worked with them so they could become more involved with the state legislature, and give them full support on issues of substance. And there are thousands of students who feel the same way I do. Mr. Ensor, you do not speak for the student body. Quit acting as if you do. You are exceptional when it comes to smoke and mirrors. I think there were a few gentlemen in New Hampshire yesterday that could really use your services.