Newly elected undergraduate student government officials are
likely to face opposition in the coming year because the council is
equally divided between slates, with no single slate holding a
majority of seats on council.
Both Bruins United and Students First! slates each won five
positions on the Undergraduate Students Association Council.
The split between slates is expected to cause the three new
independent commissioners to play a key role since neither slate
holds a majority.
Each slate will need to garner as much independent support as
possible in order to advance its proposed initiatives.
In the past, the divide between councilmembers has caused
stalemates during decisions and has sometimes delayed the
council’s progress on contentious issues.
Despite their differences, newly elected USAC officials are
hopeful that the coming year will run smoothly.
“By maintaining a good level of respect and really working
together, we can handle problems,” said Marwa Kaisey,
president-elect and member of Bruins United. “I know it will
work.”
Gregory Cendana, newly elected internal vice president and
member of Students First!, agreed that slate differences will not
interfere with USAC’s ability to best represent the
students.
“I’m not going to let slate politics get in the
way” he said.
Students First! made gains compared to last year, when it won
only three elected positions ““ the slate’s worst
performance in an election since its creation over a decade
ago.
Outgoing USAC President Jenny Wood said she is satisfied with
her slate’s increased representation on council, and is
optimistic that Students First! will continue to improve the UCLA
community, regardless of the divided council.
Incoming Facilities Commissioner P.C. Zai is optimistic that
council will be able to achieve its goals next year because three
of this year’s councilmembers are returning: current General
Representatives Kaisey and Zai and Community Service Commissioner
Farheen Malik,
Other newly elected councilmembers said individual experience
that each person brings to the table will benefit USAC as a
whole.
“Even though we’re from different sides of the aisle
we really can get things done,” she said. “Each (slate)
brings assets to the council. If we can utilize those assets then
we really can unite this campus,” said General Representative
Joline Price, the only general representative elected from the
Bruins United slate.
Price also said USAC has faced similar challenges in the past
due to a divide among slates.
“I think we saw this year what the negatives of a split
council can be. I think it’s going to take a lot of working
together,” she said.
Although incoming councilmembers may face conflict due to the
influence of slate politics, they are looking forward to the
challenges that USAC will face in the coming year.
Next year’s Academic Affairs Commissioner Nat Schuster
said although he believes council will overcome its differences, it
will only remain effective if all members make sure they are
representing the students.
“Maturity is key. We’re all involved because we want
to make a difference,” he said.
“We need to keep our eyes on the goal, which is serving
the campus.”