Editorial: Take control of your UCLA experience by voting

Starting this evening, undergraduates have the chance to
influence many aspects of the university to which they dedicate so
much of their time and money. Students are some of the most
critical and cynical individuals in society, but they are also some
of the most idealistic. The ease of a few clicks on MyUCLA leaves
little room for excuses and even less for complaints. The Daily
Bruin’s endorsements are listed below. We encourage you to
educate yourself and vote before Thursday at 7 p.m.

SUMMARY OF ENDORSEMENTS:Full endorsements were published May 2,
2005 and are archived online at dailybruin.ucla.edu.

President: Jenny Wood A proven leader with concrete
accomplishments and worthwhile goals.

Internal vice president: Kristina Doan Diplomatic and realistic
personality will rejuvenate an office that rarely reaches its
effective potential.

External vice president: Jeannie Biniek Undoubtedly the
strongest and most experienced candidate to advocate on behalf of
students.

General Representatives: Megan Carney, Brian Neesby and Dorothy
Le Hard-working and visionary candidates focused on sustainability
and reform.

Facilities Commissioner: Joe Vardner The most impressive of the
24 candidates running ““ he has the connections, work ethic
and passion to accomplish his goals.

Academic Affairs Commissioner:Michelle Sassounian Though
uncontested, the in-house candidate has already demonstrated
potential by helping launch the experimental college and working
with the administration.

Financial Supports Commissioner:Ryan Smeets As a transfer
student receiving financial aid, Smeets brings an excellent
perspective and has experience with fund-raising.

Unopposed Commissioners:Jason Kaminsky, Farheen Malik, Todd
Hawkins and Tracy Pham Though these four candidates face no
opposition, they are qualified and ambitious to lead their
respective offices.

PULSE Referendum: Approve The student-run community service,
outreach and retention organizations on campus are collectively
asking students for less than $20 a year to sustain their
operations. They deserve the money, but should look to make their
operations more efficient in order to expand.

SAFE Referendum: Approve Associated Students UCLA is asking
current students to charge future students $55 year to support the
student union. It’s a substantial investment for a union that
is essentially a shopping mall and food court. The extra cash
should stabilize the fragile association and ensure that it better
meets student needs. If it does not, students should remember that
they control the organization and demand more responsiveness.