Rebuttals
Wednesday, May 1, 1996
John Du
The president must provide a clear vision for student government to focus on real issues that directly affect all students. A realistic plan must be holistic enough to include campus-based issues as well as state and national issues, including: campus-based student services such as the Scholarship Resource Center and the Booklending Program, and a $6 per hour student minimum wage; developing four new affirmative action outreach programs; student influence in the state legislature through voter registration, letter writing campaigns and lobbying through campus organizations and state/national student associations.
Brad Miller
The council must assist in the transition from high school to college through mentorship programs and increased tutorials; involve students in UCLA by making funds, as well as Kerckhoff office space, available to ALL groups; prepare students for life after UCLA with 24-hour computer/study space, more practical General Education classes and increased exposure of the Student Alumni Association, Career Center and Pre-professional groups. Only as United Students can we put all Bruins first!
J.D. Tovar
In order for any progress to be made on campus, it is important to realize that all party politics must be dropped. Although each of us has our own separate beliefs and interests, we must ask ourselves: "Can we really afford to elect candidates not fighting for ALL Bruins?" We need to work together for change , including the loudest advocacy groups as well as the "silent majority."
I urge everyone to carefully look into all the candidates' issues, assess their practicality and make an educated vote rather than go blindly to the polls and base a decision solely on a political platform. Together, the council can once again be a veritable force for direct change.
Stanley Yen
The only candidate with solid experience in fee and financial aid issues affecting this campus.
We need an external vice president who can respect the varying perspectives of students not cram an agenda down their throats.
I have the ability to effectively mobilize students from all facets of the community, make the work of the office visible and relevant and head the effort for early outreach and recruitment for the students who need it most.
Milly Diaz
The internal vice president must focus on the needs of UCLA students, not continue the tasks of the external vice president.
I recognize the individual needs of our varied student groups and will continue to support programs most pertinent to their members. I will unify our numerous groups by creating programs to foster a sense of community and strive to represent all 23,000 undergraduates.
Marisa Powell
I understand the dangers and issues that need to be dealt with. I have serious concerns, that if met, will benefit the entire community: lighting, campus space, better accessibility to the commissioner and a centralized location where students can inform me of their concerns.
I want all students to feel safe and to benefit from the wonderful things UCLA has to offer.
Richard Pablo Bis
I will play an active role in affecting access to education, increasing retention and lowering the burden of paying for loans.
I will put all Students First! by making the office more accessible.
Our office will play a role in organizing against cuts to financial aid, lobbying for a 15 percent fee rollback and implementing direct lending.
Rob Barrett
I will develop a Student Center for relevant information about the 500-plus organizations on campus, expand tutorial services, open office space in Kerckhoff for peer groups to meet and increase study space with longer hours of operation including a 24-hour study space with increased van services to accommodate late-night or early-morning studiers.
Thais Bass
Rebuttal not available
Ben Hofileña
I am best suited to represent ALL Bruins. Yes, we must continue to advocate for solutions to the repeal of affirmative action and we must advocate for increased financial aid and lower registration fees. However, we cannot, and I will not, drop the ball on my responsibility to represent all students and issues that effect our daily lives.
Kristen Montet
Affirmative action is a very important issue, but let's face it, it's gone. We must look to our school to help with outreach, recruitment and retention, rather than spending hundreds of dollars protesting. With administrators who support affirmative action, we can get help and save money.
I will bring results, not empty promises.
Joseph Liu
Why not?
Angela Linares
It is one thing to say you have worked closely with a council member's office, but if you don't have much to show for it, then how much pride should you show in saying you have adequately served UCLA and all undergraduate students?
We are intelligent enough to make the best decisions about who should serve on the undergraduate council. Ask yourselves, "What has student government done for me?" And strongly consider whether or not it is a time for change.

