From the Archives: Dec. 10, 1971.

Gary Berg, the only male song girl ever to be elected in Redwood’s 14-year history, resigned his office last week, amid both sighs of relief and groans of protest.

The dark-haired senior, who tallied more votes in the November ballot than any of the conventional female candidates, cited lack of time to fulfill his duties as reason for resignation.

“I’m carrying an eight period day, and I’m really involved with drama,” Berg said.

Reasons

According to Gary, “I decided to run in the first place because it had never been done successfully. Steve Levintow tried it last year, but he really didn’t go all out. It was something new, unique; why do men climb a mountain? Because it is there.”

Some debate had arisen as to the constitutional meaning of the office of “Song Girl.” According to Student Body President Scott Setrakian, “The official student body position is this: the title “song girl” does not necessarily imply a female. After all, Captain Kangaroo is neither a Captain nor a Kangaroo.”

And while Berg is neither a song nor a girl, Setrakian said Gary was the legal, winning candidate.

Berg said he felt his reputation was “becoming raunchy.” He smiled and related that his role in the winter play was that of an effeminate chief, and that with this song girl controversy, he felt aspersions were being cast on his character. “One of the present song girls came up to me and asked me if I was really a boy!” Berg observed ruefully.

Cool Treatment

Gary capsulized his campaign. “I got a lot of hassle from Miss Wilson (Student activities Advisor), the Executive Council and the girls.” He said they questioned his right to run as a write-in candidate (which allowed him to bypass the customary screening) since, according to Berg, write-ins are not mentioned in the Constitution.

He said he was being “boycotted” by the rest of the girls until his resignation, saying they didn’t inform him of meeting times and places.

How was it possible for him to win with his name not even on the ballot?

“I think Redwood enjoys things that are pretty weird.”