“˜Bruin News 29′ shouldn’t
endorse
“Bruin News 29″ should not have had to pull its
endorsement for an external vice presidential candidate
(“”˜Bruin News 29′ to not endorse an EVP
candidate,” News, May 10). In fact, there should not have
been any endorsements at all.
Though the Daily Bruin has always endorsed Undergraduate
Students Associated Council candidates during USAC elections,
“Bruin News 29″ did not really endorse anyone during
elections, and should not have been in the position to retract nor
apologize for its behavior if its members were doing their job of
ensuring there was no bias in their election coverage.
As the director of the first election special for “Bruin
News 29,” my team covered all candidates fairly. We
interviewed everyone, gave them all the same amount of time, and we
did not imply nor accidentally show any support for a specific
slate.
I am very disappointed to hear that “Bruin News 29″
has decided to succumb to endorsements and follow in the Daily
Bruin’s lead instead of creating its own path.
Andrea Ducusin Alumna and former “Bruin News
29″ assistant director
Robles’ campaign claims misleading
Brenda Robles is misleading you.
One of her limited platform goals is expanding Undergraduate
Student Initiated Education, the unprecedented program which I
personally designed to allow students to structure and teach their
own classes.
Robles has only limited experience in the conceptual framework
of what is now called USIE, and has not worked on it during its
first year of implementation.
Despite her continued claims otherwise, none of her limited past
experience is in any way relevant to running and leading USIE
today.
Student leadership and involvement is paramount in the
conception of USIE and in this first year of success. It is safe to
say that this program will not exist next year if she is made
Academic Affairs commissioner and leader of USIE, and that would be
a tragedy.
Nat Schuster is the only Academic Affairs commissioner candidate
with the goals, experience, understanding and passion to implement
USIE.
He also will create a business minor; recruit pre-professional
counselors; academically support the freshman transfer adjustment;
organize film, dinner and speakers series; develop a student
advocate service; implement transition sections between academic
series; reduce the number of impacted classes; create more
Education Abroad Program options for South Campus students; reform
Expected Cumulative Progress requirement; pass a diversity
requirement and give students shared governance on all academic
committees.
The Students First! campaign continues to take credit for
victories it has not contributed to. From the UC Sudan divestment
campaign led by Bruins United external vice president candidate
Katie Tokushige to the struggle to expand funding for all student
groups, Students First! misrepresents itself.
Michelle Sassounian Academic Affairs
commissioner
Le capable of achieving lofty goals
My goals may be lofty, but I bring the experience and unwavering
commitment that make them realistic.
To write me off with one sentence, as the Daily Bruin did in its
endorsement of P.C. Zai (“Zai’s well-roundedness fuels
insight and reasonable goals,” May 8), is to misread my
character and resume.
A systemwide sustainable transportation policy was a lofty goal.
Through collaboration with the University of California Office of
the President and the UC Regents, my colleagues and I accomplished
it this past February.
Working with UCLA senior administrators, faculty and students on
the Campus Sustainability Committee was a lofty goal. In April,
Chancellor Carnesale signed the UCLA Campus Sustainability Charter.
The organization I lead ““ Ecology, Economy, Equity (E3)
““ lobbied the ASUCLA Board of Directors and senior management
to commit to incorporating sustainability into its governance and
operations.
Asking the UC Regents to divest from Sudan was a lofty goal. As
an executive member of the UC Divestment Task Force, I helped
achieve divestment.
I will continue to work with ASUCLA, initiate a Campus Climate
Neutral Program, and increase student access to voting locations
and campus facilities.
I will continue to work on issues of sustainability, collaborate
with all student groups, and offer myself as a leader to USAC, UCLA
and the greater UC community.
Dorothy Le Facilities commissioner
candidate
Experience makes Le best candidate
I have worked with Dorothy Le on a number of different campaigns
and projects. Dorothy is an experienced campus leader who has the
drive and passion to bring about concrete and lasting change here
at UCLA.
Unlike her opponents, Dorothy has already demonstrated her
ability to advocate for students and social justice, host
successful and entertaining programs, and implement
student-friendly policies.
While Dorothy’s opponents try to get elected by spouting
rhetoric about socially conscious products, Dorothy has already
taken action toward promoting social justice.
Dorothy’s experience relevant to the Facilities Commission
far outweighs her opponents’. Having already worked in the
commission this year, Dorothy understands the office and will
continue its successes by strengthening sustainability efforts and
making it easier for groups to attain office and programming space
on campus.
From serving on the Transportation Services Advisory Board to
initiating an ASUCLA sustainability assessment, Dorothy has
produced concrete benefits for students and built key relationships
with the administrators and staff.
Dorothy is extremely qualified for this position and will
undoubtedly benefit students next year. I urge all of campus to
vote for the Facilities commissioner candidate with the most
experience and most integrity.
Jenny Wood USAC president