Vote for Colombo?

Last week, the Election Commission received a very peculiar petition for a name to appear on this year's ballot for NISG.

Meet Colombo. For those of you who don't recognize this face, Colombo is the African Grey Parrot in the UNI Botanical Center. Colombo's hobbies include perching on the above branch, climbing around her cage, and even doing a spot on impression of the preserves manager, Billie Hammer. This year, Colombo received 56 signatures in her quest to represent the College of Humanities, Arts, and Sciences in NISG Senate. This isn't the frist animal to try doing the improbable, though. In the 80s, "Ally the Alligator" almost won many elections.

This afternoon, I met Colombo's director of Public Relations, Eric Moellers, to discuss Colombo's political aspirations. I met Eric in the Green House, which was a new experience for me. The Green House is located right next to Wright Hall, and I must say, it is an amazing place. As a student, I knew that my tuition and fees funded the Green House but I never had taken the time to visit. Not only did I regret my decision to never make a visit, I plan on stopping by whenever I can in the future. The Green House has multiple environments that host almost every plant imaginable. Bananas, cacti, and bamboo are just some of the unique plants that I saw today.

I also got the chance to interview Colombo. Although she was disappointed to not make the ballot, as she didn't meet the GPA requirement, she assured me that her write-in cannidacy is in full swing. Planks are on her platform included permanently bringing the New York Times to campus, increasing awareness for the Green House, and lowering tuition.

With 8 people on the ballot for 5 seats, Colombo is going to have a tough time winning the election. However, if any bird is going to have her day, it's going to be Colombo. I hope that all of you take the chance to visit Colombo, and the Green House. The people there are fantastic and they would love to give you a tour. After all, it's funded through YOUR tuition dollars. It is open 8-4 from Monday-Friday. All you need to do is walk in and ask for a tour.

Stay tuned to the Blog tonight for coverage of the Debate, too!!