Elections 2002 Endorsements: Wesson could represent UCLA’s interests

The Daily Bruin endorses Herb Wesson for the 47th District
Assembly seat because Wesson, the current Speaker of the California
Assembly, has the potential to strongly represent the interests of
the UCLA community.

UCLA was recently moved into the 47th District, which Wesson has
represented for the last four years. Hopefully, Wesson will take
this opportunity to listen to his new constituents.

To this point, his involvement with UCLA has been minimal
““ on February 11, 2002, Wesson was inaugurated as Speaker of
the California Assembly in Royce Hall. But he has pledged to
develop relationships with students and faculty members and,
according to a press aide, is “ecstatic about representing
UCLA.”

Wesson has a reputation as a progressive Democrat who
establishes strong community ties. He has been influential in the
passage of several important measures, including a state budget
that mitigated the negative impact of budget shortfalls on the
University of California.

However, UCLA should know Wesson has not historically made
higher education a major priority. Because of his position as
Speaker, Wesson serves as an ex-officio member of the UC Board of
Regents.

But Wesson has had a poor attendance record ““ thus far in
his term, he has not attended a single Regents meeting. As the
representative of UCLA’s district, this must change.

He also has not ruled out the possibility of a student fee
increase to deal with major UC budget shortfalls. But he has
affirmed his support of affordable higher education, and one year
he did author legislation that would have prevented a student fee
increase.

In comparison to his challengers, Wesson promises to be a
stronger supporter of the liberal policies university communities
traditionally support.

His Republican opponent Jonathan Leonard, on the other hand, has
suggested that the solution to California’s social problems
is to offer fewer state services.

Wesson and UCLA have the potential to be a powerful duo. Wesson
should begin actively supporting the efforts of UCLA and the UC in
general by attending regents meetings and advocating on their
behalf in the state Assembly.

In return, student voters should put this powerful, charismatic
politician in office so he can continue to serve their needs.