After a year mired by resignations, closed executive sessions and the continued degradation of student autonomy at the hands of the administration, we are yearning for a president who can turn the Union into a more open advocacy body that can fight for the rights of students. It is because of this that we wholeheartedly endorse Jason Gray '10 for Student Union President.The focus of Mr. Gray's time as Director of Union Affairs has been working to gather student feedback in order to attempt to transform the Union into an agency capable of fighting to defend students.

He has held open forums and senator-representative luncheons in order to solicit input and created itsmystudentunion.com to allow students to effortlessly submit their concerns. Mr. Gray has spoken out against the closed executive sessions that characterized this administration, and emphasizes providing clubs and students with the information needed to maximize efficacy.

Mr. Gray has also been an effective advocate for student's rights and autonomy. He was one of the primary organizers of the protest against the usurpation of the Student Activity Fee by the administration. Yet, Mr. Gray also has developed close ties to the administration through his position. He realizes that part of the controversies of this past year stem from a lack of communication and voicing of concerns. The good working relationship will hopefully allow the Union to proactively persue projects rather than jump from crisis to crisis. Mr. Gray's work on the Student Bill of Rights also shows him to be committed to protecting students.

We choose Mr. Gray rather than Assistant Treasurer Justin Kang '09, the second best candidate in a pool of four, because we feel Gray is more experienced in the intricacies of government and has proven he can deliver results for students. However, we hope that Mr. Gray does not lose sight of the areas where Mr. Kang is strongest such as advocating for social justice and working effectively with clubs across the spectrum of campus interests. These are certainly things that could help unify a divided campus.

Mr. Gray brings both an experience that has allowed him to develop effective relationships with those in charge and an urgency to change the bickering culture and gridlock that has plagued our leadership.