Letters to the Editor

Top-rate experience qualifies Tanjuaquio

In this year’s crowded field of undergraduate student government candidates, Dianne Tanjuaquio not only stands out as one of the strongest but also is absolutely the most qualified individual to serve as internal vice president.

Unfortunately, the Daily Bruin Editorial Board failed to recognize Tanjuaquio’s unmatched experience and refreshing vision, choosing instead to overlook her candidacy with some rather cursory arguments.

First of all, the board discounted Tanjuaquio’s experience with the Undergraduate Students Association Council as part of the General Representatives’ Office and role as advisor to the On Campus Housing Council, which are tangible experiences that draw a sharp contrast in the race.

Moreover, the board wrongfully criticized Tanjuaquio as “too focused on the Hill,” an unreasonable critique considering the tremendous relevance on-campus housing has to the large number of students who live there.

Perhaps most distressing is the board’s failure to support Tanjuaquio in her attempt to take mental health seriously.

Certainly last years’ programs only began to convey the seriousness of these issues.

Mental health awareness was one of the more substantial issues that this year’s council attempted to take on, and only Tanjuaquio and general representative candidate Michelle Lyon are planning on continuing work in this area.

With respect to the Office of the Internal Vice President, the Daily Bruin clearly missed the mark by not endorsing the most qualified candidate with the best ideas: Dianne Tanjuaquio.

Caitlin Harvey

Third-year, political science

Chair, On Campus Housing Council

Nikhil Chawla

Third-year, political science

Internal vice president,

Bruin Democrats

Sajan demonstrates leadership and vision

As a current general representative, I am deeply disappointed in the Editorial Board’s endorsements for this position. Sanobar Sajan is a dedicated and insightful leader who will bring change and perspective to the General Representative Office.

As the program director of the Social Justice Speaker Series, Sajan coordinated 10 large events in the past two quarters, reaching out to more than 1,000 students on the issues of anti-war organizing, free trade, police brutality and so on.

Her ability to lead her team and coordinate the staff is without parallel, and she ensured that every program was interesting, relevant and empowering.

Sajan, along with fellow Students First! candidate Mae Cauguiran, is the only candidate with a concrete vision for the future of this program.

I strongly urge all students to vote for the in-house candidate with the experience, vision and passion to take the office to new heights.

Samer Araabi

Fourth-year, business economics

and political science

USAC general representative

Shaw proves to be the logical choice

Bernice Shaw, in-house candidate for Cultural Affairs commissioner, is intimately involved in all facets of the commission.

As assistant executive director of the JazzReggae Festival, she knows how to work with large-scale artists, such as Jill Scott and Lupe Fiasco.

However, she has also shown a dedication to less visible groups. She has incorporated arts workshops for under-privileged youth into the JazzReggae Festival.

Moreover, as the Jazz Series director, she has cultivated a rich jazz community at UCLA, a community ever in danger of being lost.

Next year, Shaw will continue her work by hosting a concert for at-risk youth to expose them to the diverse culture at UCLA in hopes of motivating them to work harder toward a higher education.

Furthermore, she will form a Student Arts Advocacy Coalition that will bring together various student organizations to work with administrators in providing more opportunities to showcase student art.

The Cultural Affairs Commission needs experience. The “expansion and renovation of existing programs” need experience.

Successfully organized concerts require experience. Outreach to students, student groups and administrators needs professionalism, poise and experience.

The only qualified candidate is Shaw.

Todd Hawkins

Fourth-year, theater

USAC Cultural Affairs commissioner

2005-2006

Ramos committed to social change

As cochairs of IDEAS (Improving Dreams, Equality, Access and Success), a student-immigrant rights group at UCLA, we want to argue against the Daily Bruin Editorial Board’s decision that Matias Ramos’ hopes to focus on the issues of undocumented students would be detrimental to the work of the Financial Supports Commission.

The ongoing immigration debate continues with many unanswered questions, but undocumented students are left waiting year after year.

As director of the IDEAS AB 540 community service project, Ramos is personally invested in the advancement of opportunities for undocumented students.

He has been instrumental in organizing two conferences for counselors, numerous workshops and a banquet that raised over $40,000 to create 38 scholarships for undocumented students at UCLA.

Ramos’ hopes to start at the campus level in order to achieve broader societal changes. This would be aligned with the Students First! legacy of working on relevant issues that tie the university to its surrounding community.

Ramos’ commitment to social change should not be a detriment to his campaign.

Susan Melgarejo

Fourth-year, mathematics and applied science

Carol’s Montes

Fourth-year, physiological science and English

IDEAS cochairs

Cendana advocates safety, accessibility

We are concerned that the Daily Bruin Editorial Board missed the opportunity to endorse the strongest presidential candidate, Gregory Cendana.

Cendana’s demonstrated on-campus leadership and unparalleled advocacy are characteristics of an ideal president that can work with both Students First! candidates for internal and external vice president as well as other councilmembers.

This year, without communication between the three executives in USAC, many student needs were ignored.

As internal vice president this year at UCLA, Cendana took part in numerous coalitions, including Mighty Mic, Earth Day and the Darfur Action Committee, exemplifying his abilities to organize a wide variety of student organizations, make connections with different issues, and learn their needs. These connections, which do not represent a small fraction of campus, should not have been ignored by the Daily Bruin.

As a board member of the United States Student Association, Cendana has led student mobilization efforts regarding student and workers’ rights as well as fees and financial aid.

Cendana has also worked with on-campus administrators to proactively address campus safety issues at UCLA and created the Campus Safety Alliance, which brought together over 10 different organizations to hold university police and the administration accountable to students.

These efforts have also legitimized Cendana in the eyes of the administration, demonstrating his commitment to students.

UC leaders statewide and on-campus officials recognize Cendana’s potential in a second year in USAC.

Only Cendana will effectively lead UCLA to increase accessibility, affordability and campus safety for all students.

Jeanalee Obergfell,

Third-year, political science and Chicana/o studies

Candidate, external vice president

Jamel Greer

Third-year, political science andAfro-American studies

Candidate, internal vice president