Matt Abularach-Macias has a vision for what next year’s Facilities Commission can achieve, and he knows how to go about attaining it. For this reason, this board endorses him for commissioner.
Most of his goals are well thought-out and achievable. For instance, installing water filling stations is an easy and fairly inexpensive way to discourage plastic water bottle use while adding an online reservation calendar for the events office should go a long way toward simplifying the process of booking space for campus activities.
A plan to organize an “Amazing Race” through Los Angeles as a way of encouraging students to learn how to navigate public transit does not get at the larger issue of transportation affordability, although this is likely an issue beyond USAC’s ability to influence. But the concept of encouraging students to venture out of Westwood is a good one; we hope Abularach-Macias can think of ways to add to this platform.
As a volunteer with the Facilities Commission this year, Abularach-Macias has been involved in current efforts to expand services for homeless students, implement gender-neutral housing and extend Bruin Bus hours. Owing to this involvement, he shows a clear understanding of how these efforts can be continued and expanded next year.
In addition to having a substantial vision for the commission, we were impressed by Abularach-Macias’ experience working in various areas of campus. As an intern with parking services, he is familiar with administrators who hold sway over students’ transportation discounts and parking costs. Having also served on the UCLA Rally Committee and On-Campus Housing Council, he knows how to direct and organize events.
Abularach-Macias seemed fairly impressed by his own resume, but we take this self-confidence as a sign of his commitment to fulfilling the goals he has set out.
His opponent, Michael Starr, was equally enthusiastic about the commissioner position and had some good ideas. Overall, though, he showed much less of an understanding about the feasibility of his plans, and his background research was not nearly as thorough.