Running for an important yet traditionally under-utilized office
in the past, Joe Vardner from Bruins United offers the impressive
experience and understanding of the Facilities Supports Commission
that can bring it back to life and get some real work done.
Of all the candidates interviewed by the Daily Bruin Editorial
Board in its endorsement hearings, the board is the most
enthusiastic about Vardner’s capabilities and vision out of
all the candidates running for office in this year’s USAC
elections.
Vardner is currently chief of staff for Internal Vice President
Darren Chan and has served as an undergraduate representative for
the Transportation Services Advisory Board for the past three
years. He is well-connected to campus officials and administrators,
therefore giving him the foundation of realistic, thoroughly
researched goals.
His campaign platforms include expanding the range of wireless
Internet access on campus, lowering parking costs at off-peak
times, and introducing student feedback into Westwood expansion
through a new committee Vardner has spearheaded.
Holly La Luz, Vardner’s opponent from the Future Front
slate, is passionate about saving students’ money by lowering
UCLA’s operating costs through sustainability, but she lacks
the specific experience needed to be an effective facilities
commissioner.
Beyond aspiring to make UCLA facilities more student-friendly,
Vardner has pledged to introduce student input into boards now
absent of it. He is a candidate who clearly cares about facilities
““ an office that has sorely lacked passion and productivity
in the past.