The Daily’s Picks

Editorial note: These endorsements do not constitute the views of the entire Daily staff and are only the opinion of The Daily’s ASUW election editorial board, consisting of the editor in chief, opinion editor and managing editor. They are based on a series of one-on-one interviews and phone conversations conducted last week with as many candidates as possible. The information presented here were provided by the candidates themselves, and are summarized for space.

While The Daily’s editorial board believes that controlling the rising cost of in-state tuition, along with transportation issues such as the I-520 bridge replacement project are important, the paramount issue affecting on-campus students and commuters alike right now is safety.

Overall, Tim Mensing impressed us the most, with his Greek block watch program and his sincerity and professionalism. We believe that he will be effective at leading efforts to combat crime in the U-District and that he will spearhead efforts to keep students safe.

We were also impressed with Anttimo Bennet’s experience in helping select the next UWPD chief and his attitude of servant leadership. We feel he would make a strong alternative choice.

Both candidates offer practical plans to make the ASUW presidency more transparent and accountable, and both have expressed an interest in reaching out to students in this crucial election year.

In regards to the other ASUW Board of Directors positions, we believe the candidates we endorsed bring a balance of experience in student government, fresh ideas and enthusiasm. They can also work well together, which is an important consideration for a group of student leaders. All of those we endorsed were proactive in responding quickly and thoroughly to our questions.

Please take our endorsements into consideration, along with your own research and experiences, and make sure to vote before 11:59 p.m. Wednesday at vote.asuw.org.

President

Name: Timothy Mensing

“I’m working right now on issues that matter to students: student advocacy, safety and community. I have the experience, concrete plans and goals to build success in these and all areas for this year and the next.”

Web site: visionuw.org

Affiliation: VisionUW

Qualifications:

RHSA representative and senator

Philanthropy chair at Theta Xi

Two-year ASUW senator

Vice President

Name: Jonathan Spatacean

“I am the best person for this job because I have something new to bring to the association.  I bring in fresh ideas, the ability to think outside of ASUW norms, to help change an association that is having a difficult time connecting to students.” 

Web site: dawglife.org

Affiliation: DawgLife

Qualifications:

Endorsed by Commuters Issues Committee

Philanthropy chair for off-campus house in the 17th Ave House

Community Relations

Name: Lauren Cutting

“I believe that I am the best candidate for this position because I am passionate about our university and its students, and I am therefore sensitive to the issues and concerns of individuals, campuswide.”

Web site: dawglife.org

Affiliation: DawgLife

Qualifications:

Advertising representative for The Daily

Diversity Efforts

Name: Drew Ann Blincow

“I believe that the key to being an effective leader is to listen first and then take action. Only after hearing the issues, concerns and ambitions of the people you are cooperating with are you able to create a plan for change that will benefit everyone.”

Web site: DEFinitiveUW.org

Affiliation: DEFinitiveUW

Qualifications:

ASUW senator

Publicity and Outreach Committee Chair for the ASUW

Faculty, Administrative, Academic Affairs

Name: Phuong Nguyen

“I understand the importance of proactively reaching out to the various RSOs, departments and groups to recruit the best candidates for the 14 faculty councils representing the voices of students on campus.”

Web site: DEFinitiveUW.org

Affiliation: DEFinitiveUW

Qualifications:

Direct experience working with faculty, administrators and students for ASUW as Executive Assistant to the Vice President/Personnel Director

Operations

Name: Andrew Shubin

“I am running for the Director of Operations because I am extremely interested in this position and I know I have the passion and the experience to do a great job.”

Web site: DEFinitiveUW.org

Affiliation: DEFinitiveUW

Qualifications:

Member of the ASUW Judicial Committee

Pi Kappa Alpha secretary and internal vice president

Member of the 2007 Interfraternity Council executive council

Organizational Relations

Name: Natalie Bankson

“My background in design and accounting and my volunteer work in ASUW over the past two years qualify me for the position of Director of Organizational Relations, publicizing and supporting the four ASUW entities.”

Web site: DEFinitiveUW.org

Affiliation: DEFinitiveUW

Qualifications:

Commuter senator, ASUW Senate

Vice President, Commuter Issues Caucus

Member, ASUW Finance and Budget Committee

Programming

Name: Mike Snowden

“I am the best candidate because aside from just putting on sweet concerts, I will also bring the passion of the UW student community, back to campus.”

Web site: DEFinitiveUW.org

Affiliation: DEFinitiveUW

Qualifications:

Director of Programming for the Residence Hall Student Association.

UW Alumni Marketing Intern