Editorial: Biniek offers passion, experience to EVP office

There is no doubt that students should vote for Jeannie Biniek
for external vice president in this week’s student government
runoff election.

Biniek has both experience and firm plans to represent UCLA
students to the administration, regents and legislators.

Her experience and connections are second to none. She has
served as a student representative in the UC Office of the
President, as national affairs director in the Undergraduate
Students Association Council’s external vice
president’s office, and vice chairwoman with the United
States Student Association.

Biniek is also incredibly passionate about the work she does.
She understands how critical it is to keep student fees low, reach
out to underrepresented students, and solicit financial and
legislative support from the state and federal governments.

Jessie Melgares, her opponent, has similar goals but has not yet
demonstrated leadership comparable to Biniek’s. Melgares is a
proven leader in other circles, but he would have to develop
relationships with regents and legislators to be an effective
advocate ““ relationships Biniek already has.

Of all offices on council, that of external vice president
benefits the most from extensive experience from within the office
““ and Biniek has it.