Jennifer Moody for president

For years, the pages of this newspaper have discussed what Associated Students can do to make this university a better place for undergraduates. The bedrock of such effective leadership is experience and connections with those who can help effect change. Thus, this page endorses Jennifer Moody for AS president.

Many times, success in student organizations -- which are not in a vacuum and must work with administrators -- depends on relationships with people in high positions, such as the Office of Student Life and the university president. Moody has been active in both AS and in other leadership roles, such as orientation leader and community facilitator. Given the vast amounts of contacts Moody has with those who influence and shape student life, she is the best choice to lead undergraduates next year.

Moody also has her finger on some issues that are problematic and important to students. In an interview with The Santa Clara's editorial board, Moody expressed concerns that student safety isn't high on administrators' and city officials' priority list. In particular, Moody pointed to dim areas of campus that students say make walking at night less than comfortable.

But this page does have reservations about Moody's close relationship with AS -- particularly in how she can reach out to the "common person" unfamiliar with what AS does. It's important that the AS president has a new vision during troubling times of skyrocketing tuition and alcohol abuse.

We were also disappointed with both candidates' seemingly trivial campaign platforms. Moody's promises to streamline the registration of new student groups and install more lighting to brighten pathways are commendable, but hardly should be among the most important goals.

And Adam Suleman's campaign -- having healthier food and keeping the gym open longer -- smacked more of a high school student council ticket than that of a university student government. What about diversity on campus or financial aid cuts?

Changing the status quo and taking risks might seem beyond the confines of a student organization, but with the right leadership, AS could do it.

What we liked about Suleman was his willingness to tackle issues as an outsider. "I'm not your typical candidate ... My approach is extremely refreshing and new," said Suleman when questioned about his lack of AS experience. Though he has been a member of his residence hall's Community Council and served on student government in high school, Suleman does not have the experience to make him a powerful leader.

But as an AS "outsider," Suleman is an ideal voice of the common Santa Clara student -- the one who feels that AS is out of touch with student concerns. He brings fresh ideas that are best suited for an AS senator. We'd be more willing to endorse a "common man" if his platforms addressed more important issues facing students.

Still, Moody is the rational choice to make AS better by leading with experience.

"It's just something that I do -- I like student government and I like leadership," Moody said, and her past experience shows her dedication to AS. Though her strength lies in experience, it also poses new challenges. It seems that AS talks a lot about a lot of issues -- but talking isn't enough.

What we want to see from Moody is genuine action, for her to step beyond the conservative platform and challenge the organization, the university and herself to prove to the students that AS can do better. They are a voice for the students, and, as Moody says, "every student is a part of Associated Students."

Moody has proved to be a loyal member of AS with her experience. Her test, if elected, would be to reinvigorate an organization that has yet to find new ways to tackle big issues.