Opinions

When it comes to a political ticket, the chemistry between running mates is just as important as their platform. Although Philip Kim for Senior President and Jenny Han for Senior Vice President (VP) did not win the primary election for Junior Caucus last year, they have shown commitment, dedication and vision over the course of this year and appear to offer more of the same for next year. Eunju Namkung, who is running for Senior President, and Aaron Ghitelman, who is running for Senior VP, showed a passionate interest in increasing school spirit, but lack a track record and have failed to show how they could carry out their plans. For these reasons, The Spectator endorses Philip Kim and Jenny Han for Senior President and VP.

Kim and Han are the current Junior Caucus. Kim served as Freshman and Sophomore caucus VP and Han was on the Freshman and Sophomore Advisory Council. Namkung holds the position of SU co-Club/Pub Coordinator and is a member of the Junior Prom Committee. Namkung has also been on the Freshman and Sophomore Advisory Council. Ghitelman has no former experience in the SU.

While both tickets are commendable and are passionate about representing the class of 2009, their platforms were not very innovative. Kim-Han’s platform displays many past accomplishments, but listed an assortment of conventional goals which failed to distinguish the pair as a unique ticket. Namkung-Ghitelman were able to provide new goals towards school spirit and student unity, but their plans were marred by impracticality. One of their main goals was to introduce senior class trips to promote student unity. In their interview with The Spectator Managing Board, Kim and Han shot down the idea by citing Principal Stanley Teitel’s unwillingness to allow non-educational school trips after the race-walking team car accident.

Despite the underwhelming aspects of their platform, presidential candidates Namkung and Kim demonstrated the ability to lead. As seasoned members of the Student Union (SU), they both offered responsible solutions to problems that may arise. Kim-Han were aware of mistakes made this year concerning the budget, and were quick to demonstrate the value of experience.

During their interview with The Spectator Managing Board, Kim and Han seemed very comfortable with each other, jointly answering questions and demonstrating a healthy chemistry. Namkung was articulate and reasonable and Ghitelman was very confident and talkative. However, the pair sometimes disagreed on important issues and demonstrated a lack of unity in their beliefs. At times, Ghitelman dominated the conversation, making it difficult for Namkung to interrupt. Ghitelman was also unable to demonstrate enough vision to compensate for his inexperience with the SU.

Kim and Han have had an overall successful year with three college trips, a junior comedy night and a new Class of 2009 Web site. They are a cohesive team. Kim and Han have already started looking for a graduation speaker and have secured a fourth college trip, further exemplifying both their organizational skills and dedication. We hope that they continue their success into the 2008-2009 school year.