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EDITORIAL: Elect Andrew Brooks: He is experienced, innovative and bold
Editorial | 3/20/07
Posted online at 10:53 PM EST on 3/19/07
/ Last updated at 9:42 AM EST on 3/19/07
He seems willing to take risks in putting creative ideas on the table-a contrast to Sinha, whose rhetoric suggests a preference for crafting policies around whatever students' ideas may be, rather than in a specific direction-Brooks emphasizes that none of his ideas for reform will see the light of day without wide student support.
We see an interesting dichotomy in Mr. Brooks-he is both a fiscal conservative, and would be a strong executive-that will benefit students greatly. Of the candidates, who all said they will draw policies based on a consensus, Mr. Brooks has articulated the clearest vision for the Union-indeed, the organization could be transformed under his stewardship. If elected, Mr. Brooks would be wise to remember that the reins of leadership are not his alone; his policies must be adaptable to undergraduates' wants.
Similarly, Mr. Brooks' plan to cut the Union's costs is laudable and necessary, but if elected, he must remember not to take such measures too far. There is much good that student government can do-take for example the modest cash awards to professors and teaching fellows, a former Union initiative whose unfortunate recent scrapping was spearheaded by Mr. Brooks. The Union's role in campus life need be approached with an eye for nuance, and Mr. Brooks must remember that some small expenditures are compatible with his fiscal conservativism.
Despite our fears of electing a president who aims to take greater control of finances, Mr. Brooks seems responsible enough to avoid making rash decisions-his assertion that he would not be afraid to veto Finance Board decisions demands particularly scrutiny-without the consent from the student body. Although during a candidates' debate last week Mr. Brooks suggested increasing the SAF from 1 percent to 1.2 percent of tuition, he said he would never do so unless students supported that decision.
The Union is ready to move in a more transparent, fiscally responsible and focused direction, and we believe Mr. Brooks is the candidate most qualified to lead it down that path.
We see an interesting dichotomy in Mr. Brooks-he is both a fiscal conservative, and would be a strong executive-that will benefit students greatly. Of the candidates, who all said they will draw policies based on a consensus, Mr. Brooks has articulated the clearest vision for the Union-indeed, the organization could be transformed under his stewardship. If elected, Mr. Brooks would be wise to remember that the reins of leadership are not his alone; his policies must be adaptable to undergraduates' wants.
Similarly, Mr. Brooks' plan to cut the Union's costs is laudable and necessary, but if elected, he must remember not to take such measures too far. There is much good that student government can do-take for example the modest cash awards to professors and teaching fellows, a former Union initiative whose unfortunate recent scrapping was spearheaded by Mr. Brooks. The Union's role in campus life need be approached with an eye for nuance, and Mr. Brooks must remember that some small expenditures are compatible with his fiscal conservativism.
Despite our fears of electing a president who aims to take greater control of finances, Mr. Brooks seems responsible enough to avoid making rash decisions-his assertion that he would not be afraid to veto Finance Board decisions demands particularly scrutiny-without the consent from the student body. Although during a candidates' debate last week Mr. Brooks suggested increasing the SAF from 1 percent to 1.2 percent of tuition, he said he would never do so unless students supported that decision.
The Union is ready to move in a more transparent, fiscally responsible and focused direction, and we believe Mr. Brooks is the candidate most qualified to lead it down that path.
Viewing Comments 1 - 8 of 10
Jessica Orton
posted 3/20/07 @ 12:29 PM EST
This write up is extraordinary! Not just because my cousin (Mr. Andrew Brooks) is featured in it, but as a former newspaper writer in highschool myself. (Continued…)
Whistleblower
posted 3/20/07 @ 3:26 PM EST
The Justice is a ridiculous publication for believing that Brooks offers a fresh change. Get real.
"Innovative"?
posted 3/21/07 @ 12:13 AM EST
This article calls Andrew Brook's ideas inovative. What the Justice fails to mention is that these "inovative" ideas really suck. Moreover, they reveal Brooks' lack of understanding of the SAF, the role of the student government, and the power of the student voice. (Continued…)
Tired of Sensationalized News
posted 3/22/07 @ 10:03 PM EST
Well this is embarrassing for the Justice?sort of reminds of what happened last time the Justice endorsed a candidate, haha.
Maybe you guys should stick to ?reporting? the news?
The Justice Gets it Wrong .. again
posted 3/24/07 @ 11:18 PM EST
So much for your endorsement guys.. you show real dedication to understanding student opinions and voices. He didn't even come third. Shreeya was clearly the winner at the Debate and the Justice just lost all credibility in my eyes. (Continued…)
The Justice Got It Right
posted 7/09/08 @ 5:51 PM EST
Shreeya Sinha proved to be an ineffective advocate for the Student Body. The SAF is now capped, and we were forced to spend $100,000 of OUR STUDENT money to fix the weight room. (Continued…)
David
posted 7/09/08 @ 6:44 PM EST
holy shit i had no idea the justice endorsed brooks for president over shreeya in 2007. i guess the justice was smart and saw through shreeya's bs. sadly, brandeis voters seem to have a penchant for falling for semi-attractive phonies over run-of-the-mill typical Brandeis students who clearly are better at getting the job done. (Continued…)
Daniel Ortner
posted 7/23/08 @ 11:36 PM EST
I was an editor when we wrote this editorial and looking back on it now, I am uncertain if we were right or wrong ultimately. There is something to be said about an efficient opposition to a political regime. (Continued…)
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