Sunday, September 2, 2007
Jennifer Avelino's Facebook Shit-Talking
As senator this year I've seen a lot happen and I'd like to share my personal feelings about this year's elections.
I do NOT support Van for President!
In leiu of today's Daily Cal endorsment of Van Nguyen, I thought I should share my experiences with CalSERVE candidate Van Nguyen. Let's get this clear. He has shown no interest in serving ALL students on this campus. He is only about empowering the minority voice. What about the rest of us? He did not support Spring Concert which would serve over 3,000 students. He did not support fixing the Cannon, which impacts 20,000+ students. He did not support the Student Life fee which affects well over 28,000 students. He did not support the Student Union Complex Fee which would support almost ALL the students. So again, who's voice is he trying to empower?
He has shown no support for current activities in the President's office. President Gabriel has worked very hard with the administration to get the Lower Sproul redevelopment project off the ground. He and AAVP Joyce Liou have even put together student forums to hear the student voice. Now let's face it, Eshelman and MLK student union are not the most attractive of seismicly safe buildings. Students deserve better, and students have expressed that they want more. It is clear that the university will not move unless students are ready to put down a monetary committment. Van thinks that money is not the solution. What the heck does he know? He hasn't been involved with Lower Sproul Redevelopment at ALL!! His only involvement is asking whether or no there will be a multicultural center in the plans. This project is going to cost the university millions of dollars! A nice student union is a privilage not a RIGHT! We have to show we are committed. He hasn't shown that committment at all.
His sentiment that "Students should not have to pay for their voice" will fall flat on its face when NOTHING is done next year. Let's flash back to when he opposed giving money to Cal Lobby Day. REALLY?! Not putting any money where your mouth is!! Then a few weeks later Van asks EAVP Jason Chu why he thought Cal Lobby Day was a success, if not much was accomplished. Well DUH!!! If there isn't enough money to put on a successful Cal Lobby Day, then you can't have a successful Cal Lobby Day!! Come on Van!
Representing his community? I think not! Van wanted to lower the amount of money for the VSA Culture Show. What? That's your community!! He said he wanted to be more financially responsible and leave more money to other groups. If you're not supporting your own community, then who ARE you supporting?
Now about this Election Council Chair witch hunt mentioned in the Daily Cal. I was all for approving Jessica Wren in the beginning, but seeing her in action I take it back. Van argued that if we don't approve her now, we won't have elections. Bologna! Van argued that she has the experience to run a smooth election. Well so far, she's pushed back the filing deadline for candidates but not parties, so people who wanted to be part of a party after the orginal deadline couldn't. They HAD TO run independent. The new deadline was past the candidate's meeting, which meant that anyone who signed up late could have missed that very important meeting (read yesterday's daily cal). Van said that she will act professionally. She has sent emails to the entire senate disrespecting me and my role as a senator. She has not come to a senate meeting during the campaign season, and she probably won't. She said that she would mark off the polling stations before the elections so no chalking violations will occur in those areas. Where are the markings? It's the day before voting and its the first time I've seen advertisements for voting posted up. She's taken away polling stations from graduate student hot spots, but has made no effot in publicizing the elections in those areas. Van supported this ineffecient, disrespectful, and unprofessional chair. This shows his bad judgement.
Cal is a community. It encompasses the students, the faculty, the staff, and the administrators. Van supports more ASUC independence from the administration. Well there is a reason there is an administration in the first place. First and foremost we are students, and the ASUC should come second. The administrators are there to put the ASUC first, the students first. Without their support, a student would be overwhelmed, and lots of things would not get done. The Cal community needs to work TOGETHER to accomplish things. Not independently.
I have sat in senate with him this past year and all I have seen from him are complaints. He's been running his presidential campaign since day 1 and has spent little time making CHANGE this year. What makes you think he'll make any change next year. He complains about the executive offices, but takes no action in changing things. So much progress has been made in the president's office. Voting for Van is taking a step backwards. Actions speak louder than words, and Van has been a sitting duck in senate this year.
Why I support Ilana Nankin?
She bleeds BLUE and GOLD. She has a love for this school like no one I have ever seen. That kind of passion for a school is what the president should have. That's the kind of passion that donors to the university are looking for. She has proved that she will do great things on this campus. As SENATOR, she put together a resource conference for student groups, helped the greek community with philanthropic bills, put together a first ever Spring Welcome Week, and helped the Cal Band and UC Rally Committee continue their timeless traditions in Cal spirit. These are just a few of the things Ilana has accomplished this year.
A president should be someone you can relate to, someone who understands the students needs. As one of the most personable people I have ever met, she can relate to all of us. She is a Fall Freshman Extension student, a Jewish student, from the Bay Area, a sister in Alpha Delta Pi, a former ASUC intern, a former UCRC member, a former Unit 2 resident, a Cal Football fan, an ASUC Senator, and so much more.
As a good friend of mine, I have sat with her to talk about my goals in the Asian American community. She has shown me that she has an open mind about issues, and continues to offer her assistance in achieving my goals. Unlike Van who constantly criticizes me efforts. (Bitter? Yes.)
Ilana's passion for Cal and her current achievements as Senator show that she is ready to be president. Being one year younger than Van does not mean she is less experienced. She has proved her experience this year. Being a woman, the first one in 10 years, would not only empower women on this campus but show the world that Cal is PROGESSING.
Vote Ilana Nankin for ASUC president!
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