So a hawk, a block and a cock run for office
As the 2016 faux mascot election comes to a close, only one candidate remains. Currently running unopposed, Hunter T. Hawk has managed to overcome the grueling primary season by beating out Blockie B. Blockson and Rogue Chicken for the party’s nomination.
Hunter was originally the only candidate in the race for the party’s nomination, after having gone through a five-stage vetting process that began back in 2010. However, in August, Blockie announced his return to the spotlight and launched a campaign to lay claim to the position of official UHCL mascot.
With a history that dates back to the summer of 1999, Blockie has been revered as the most recognized unofficial UHCL mascots. Having over a decade worth of experience as the unofficial mascot, Blockie felt he was exactly what UHCL needed.
In a previous interview with The Signal, Blockie spoke of Hunter’s lead in the polls.
“I call foul! But to be honest, I’ve never actually met the guy so who knows,” Blockie said. “If he’s cool sharing the spotlight with me, maybe he could be my running mate!”
Throwing his hat into the race shortly after Blockie was Rogue who held more of a grassroots base that lacked the traction of his opponents’ campaigns. Pulling in the lowest numbers, Rogue was viewed by many as the most outspoken candidate. However, Rogue has been rarely seen aside from photos that have surfaced of him lingering around the University Forest Apartments (UFA) during the early morning hours.
“He would yell out at the crack of dawn about how students should support his nomination,” said John Doe, a UFA resident. “I think that’s partly why his campaign didn’t get off the ground as he would have hoped.”
However, even though all three candidates felt they were the right fit for the position, the message was clear; the three of them shared common goals and ideals.
Some of these included updating the campus to better accommodate students, motivating an increase in student involvement and making improvements to processes that directly impact how students voice their views.
Notably, one of the hot topic issues that came up during this election is the lack of gender-neutral restrooms on campus. As diverse and inclusive as UHCL has been recognized for being, the limited options parents of young children, disabled persons needing assistance and transgender students have to use a restroom that makes them feel comfortable has been noted as a major complication needing an update.
Another issue currently sparking controversy is the Student Government Association allowing all students the right to vote in their elections. Rogue has taken a strong stance on this matter that seemingly ruffled some feathers.
“All students deserve the right to vote for who is representing them on campus,” Rogue said. “Putting restrictions such as a limited window of opportunity to vote or an SGA meeting attendance minimum is unjust and deprives students from taking part in the democratic process of voting.”
As the campaigning heated up, there was a clear choice of who would gain the party’s nomination. Hunter, having had the strongest lead in the polls since the beginning, was able to gain the majority support needed to secure his selection.
Although a bird of no words, Hunter has managed to unite the UHCL community through his strong school spirit, dedication to higher education and the desire to soar above any obstacles.
At this time, Hunter has not named a running mate. However, there is an indication that Blockie could join Hunter in his fight to raise school spirit and create a more accommodating environment for all current and future students.
