Let me start by saying I support REACH. I table for them, and I wear its shirt. Thus, any attempt to make this letter seem disingenuous would be misguided. That being said, allow me to explain why I support REACH.
A campaign is not only about ideas, it’s about people. And while all the tickets may have good ideas, though I believe REACH has the best ideas, REACH is the only ticket with the people to actualize its ideas.
Each executive has a proven track record of standing up for students. And as much as the other tickets claim to have a track record, they don’t. Zach George has opposed the rebalancing of the General Fund and General Fee, ensuring that the student experience will not diminish in quality. Amrit Saini has directly opposed administrative sentiment on the Q2S transition, and because of that, certain students will be receiving their degrees at an acceptable time. Evan Ecos has sat on the Standards and Review Committee and advocated for an alternative suspension program. I would like to see the other candidates point out specifics where they have opposed the administration and actually achieved something positive for students.
When Zach, Amrit and Evan say they will implement the Chipotle Standard, when they say they are going to mandate midsession class evaluations, when they say they are going to begin evaluations of advisers, when they say they are going to get rid of plastic bags at the markets, and when they say they are going to support local businesses, I believe them. They have done things of the sort before, they’re not afraid to speak for the student voice, and they are the only three that know how to effectively do so.
They have a ticket behind them that shows up every single day and that dedication translates to an effective and dedicated Student Senate. If the student body is to procure these benefits, they need effective executives and an effective Student Senate. Zach George, Amrit Saini and Evan Ecos will be those effective executives and REACH will be that effective Student Senate.
Vote REACH this Thursday.
Keith Wilbur is a freshman studying political science and economics.
