Mario Cuomo once said, ‘You campaign in poetry. You govern in prose.’ The course of action in completing an initiative has always been a slow process, not because of poor leadership, but because it simply takes time.

As a former senior-level cabinet member, Carr should have recognized that process. Initiatives within Student Association often get carried over to the proceeding sessions. Examples include the cyber-bullying campaign, formerly led by Carr, and the bookstore exchange program, which will be launched in the fall.

In response to the criticisms of President Dylan Lustig, no preceding presidents in the last four years have had the tangible results Carr cites. I have served in five administrations and the most recognized initiatives were left to the SA committees.

This semester, the committees of the 56th session are leading innovative initiatives. There are plans to create a late-night shuttle program for students within the Student Life committee, a loose-leaf textbook initiative within the Academic Affairs committee and the establishment of Project Impact within the Student Engagement committee.

The ‘network of friends’ described by Carr only strengthens the organization. In previous administrations, I have witnessed the lack of camaraderie hinder the productivity of assembly members, where individuals became too concerned with the politics within the organization and not the their duty to the students.

President Lustig’s leadership style is reflected in the direction of the organization, where he has been hands-on with initiatives from new assembly members and transparent with his ideas.

Additionally, Lustig has made significant connections this semester with administrators and other student government presidents. Lustig is not losing the respect of administrators and members but making stronger ties than ever before.

Bonnie Kong

Senior adviser, Student Association 

Published on April 24, 2012 at 12:00 pm