Due to the strength of both candidates, the Daily Bruin will not
issue an endorsement for internal vice president. Candidates
Kennisha Austin and Ramzi Ajami both have the qualifications to
carry out this job in an effective manner.
Each candidate has experience in the Undergraduate Student
Association Council. Austin, a candidate running with Student
Empowerment! has worked for three years with the African Student
Union, the Housing Office and served as campus outreach coordinator
for the IVP’s office.
Ajami, running on the S.U.R.E. slate, is current USAC President
Elizabeth Houston’s chief of staff and has experience working
with an array of student groups and the On-Campus Housing Council.
Ajami also has a clear understanding of the mistakes made by the
president in dealing with council and will avoid this next year if
he gets in office.
Each said he recognizes the importance of the IVP’s role
as liaison between USAC and the student groups. The candidates also
stressed the need for all students to feel that USAC is accessible
to all student groups and proposed fairs and mixers to promote
this.
In light of the tiresome bickering that characterized USAC this
year, both candidates have pledged to prioritize the interest of
students over personal conflicts. Austin stated that important
issues facing USAC this year were not given due attention because
of the rabble stirred by certain council members. Ajami also
attributed the stalling in USAC to the minimal cooperation between
the current president and IVP.
Both Austin and Ajami are well versed in issues currently
affecting the UCLA population. They each recognize ““ and plan
to address ““ the university’s dire housing and parking
problem.
One of Ajami’s goals is to establish a parking task force
to address parking shortage. But, his plan to build existing
parking structures higher is unrealistic.
Austin, currently involved in organizing a Tenant’s Rights
Forum, plans to host more forums next year including ones
addressing on-campus housing.
Deciding on which candidate to vote for essentially comes down
to the type of leader you want. If you’re interested in a
leader who will bridge gaps within USAC and with student groups,
vote Ajami. And if you’re interested in a strong leader to
further Student Empowerment! ideals, vote for Austin. Either way,
you’ll be choosing a qualified candidate.
INTERNAL VICE PRESIDENT Ramzi Ajami S.U.R.E.
Kennisha Austin Student Empowerment!