Student governments, especially those with the autonomy granted to the Associated Students of Madison, have the potential to do a lot of good things.

For example, just last year ago ASM publicized tenant rights by resuscitating the Worst House in Madison contest, successfully lobbied the registrar’s office to make DARS reports more useful, increased student’s presence on city and university committees and in the state capital, and most importantly, made sure students knew about these campaigns. Most impressive is the fact that these goals were accomplished without a dramatic increase in segregated fees.

That is what makes last semester so disappointing. Except for a few promising committees, the only thing this year’s ASM has to boast about is spending student money in unprecedented amounts, nearly doubling segregated fees.

Put another way: last year, ASM’s slogan was “Getting Things Done.” This year, the motto is “facilitating conversation.”

Tonight, ASM is holding its spring semester kickoff, in an attempt to infuse new life and new faces into its campaigns — something sorely needed. New students and new input is this year’s best hope for ASM to understand what they control, and more importantly, what students actually want. The result would be all students benefiting instead of a select few. This is also the most surefire way to cure ASM’s chronic voter problem (of course that may be anathema to ASM insiders, who seemingly enjoy the unaccountability that results from an apathetic student body).

Last year, ASM proved it was possible to accomplish good things. This year it is clear the current set needs help. If you think ASM sucks (and last semester it did), attend tonight’s meeting and start making ASM a positive force for students.