Fersh for UA Chair

Most years, selecting a candidate to endorse as head of the Undergraduate Assembly is easy. This is not one of them. Most years, hopefuls for the chairmanship present their grand plans for how they will remake the UA into a body that works hard every day for the average student.

This, again, was not one of those years.

Instead, the UA is faced with a choice between two candidates with a great deal of experience and accomplishment, but who have yet to articulate their agendas in detail.

Tonight's UA vote will pit an organized and professional manager against a leader who is more like the everyday Joe; a veteran insider who knows how to keep the wheels greased against a personable but passionate member with a different vision.

It is in the spirit of change in student government that we lend our support to a down-to-earth candidate who can relate with and represent the views of students. Rachel Fersh should be chosen as the next chairwoman of the UA.

Cynthia Wong is certainly qualified, and her experience in working on major initiatives as a UA member and then as vice chairwoman is commendable. But Wong is, in a sense, too qualified. She would be strong on the technical inner workings of the organization, but as it stands now, the external side of the UA is in most need of repair. Fersh, given her experience on the University Council, would be a better promoter of students' interests to the administration and, more importantly, to other students.

One thing is certain: The UA must work to improve its standing and credibility with the student body. And the way to do that is not sticking with the old brand of leadership. A strong new leader who is not afraid to say that she is responsible for her government's actions -- and all of its $1.4 million budget -- would be nice. Unfortunately, neither candidate expressed a willingness to be that leader.

But Fersh fits more closely with this mold. It is important to not only see the big picture, but to make sure others see it as well. Fersh seems deeply concerned about the pervasive lack of interest in student government on campus and would work at curbing the apathy problem.

Being outgoing and creating a social atmosphere around the UA are all parts of Fersh's plan. It will be important for the next UA leader to be a motivator and to keep members on their toes. Fersh stresses a need to be approachable as well as the need for all members of the UA to understand the goals they are working toward.

Sometimes that has not been the case in the past, as UA action has lost sight of what really matters to students.

A time for change is here. Hopefully, Rachel Fersh will work hard to ensure the next year is not like most years on the UA.

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