Editorial board endorsment: Experience, vision prepare Vu for EVP

Continuing a tradition of in-house contenders, this year’s
unopposed candidate for the position of external vice president is
a longtime face in the EVP office.

John Vu, like his predecessors, has had two years of proven
experience that should translate into a productive term.

Throughout this year, this Students First! candidate has held
leadership positions in the EVP office, United States Student
Association and the University of California Student
Association.

This year’s EVP office, aided by Vu’s efforts and
those of the statewide and nationwide organizations, has helped
halt midyear budget cuts, contributed to the defeat of Proposition
54, and increased Pell Grant contributions.

Maintaining an active voice in the USSA and the UCSA should be a
top priority, and Vu plans to increase UCLA’s presence in
each.

Next year, Vu also plans to focus on registering students to
vote and training them to effectively lobby on behalf of other
students.

If executed correctly, strengthening the external advocacy
forums that have been created by current EVP Matt Kaczmarek will
further help students address their shared concerns.

Vu has the experience and vision needed to continue empowering
students and to continue lobbying state and national legislators on
issues that matter to students, like student fees, outreach cuts
and financial aid.