With the Vanderbilt Student Government presidential election coming up Wednesday, students are feeling the pressure to make a decision. Both candidates, Fabiani Duarte and Wyatt Smith, published in-depth platforms on their respective Web sites along with videos explaining their personal stances. This year’s campaigns have marked a change in tone, visibility and campus outreach, and for the better. Both debates showcased the candidates’ exhaustive efforts to better understand the campus along with their creative ideas to improve it.
However, it seems Duarte offers a more inclusive vision for the campus. He advocates a newer, more transparent VSG. The Vanderbilt Hustler has therefore decided to endorse Fabiani Duarte and his running mate Deno Sacclarides, for president and vice president, respectively. Duarte’s proposals to provide increased visibility with town hall meetings will allow for students to understand how VSG operates and what its limitations are. Furthermore, while Smith does offer stability — he understands what is required of the position — he also brings with him a conservative stance that might limit his achievements. Duarte will provide a change in attitude. Some of Duarte’s platform points seem overly ambitious, but his risk-taking goals will result in greater rewards for the student body. The Hustler feels a more dynamic, out-of-the-box approach, while not necessarily safe, is ultimately more beneficial.
Duarte’s more practical proposals are exciting and reflect his high level of energy and creativity. His plan to install GPS in VandyVans will make them faster and more efficient, while increasing convenience for students. Furthermore, his green initiatives take advantage of student groups that already exist, making the proposals cheaper and more feasible. Duarte has also made service a part of his platform, which appeals to a vast majority of on-campus organizations.
Duarte also is committed to keeping fresh ideas flowing in VSG. During his time as Senator, he sponsored a bill eliminating the experience requirement for President. Though it did not pass, it shows the candidate's desire for an inclusive organization, free of any inner-circle. Duarte’s grassroots efforts, such as his rallies, prove his desire to become more accessible to individuals in the community. His endorsements are diverse and reflect a wide range of campus organizations and student backgrounds.
Duarte’s campaign took this year’s presidential race to the next level. His specific focus on campaign issues put his platform into a more accessible context. Duarte’s Web site, rallies and on-campus appearances reflect three years of diligent and passionate service to the university, the quality of which will no doubt continue if he is elected president.
—Editor-in-Chief Sydney Wilmer removed herself from the decision-making process for this endorsement due to a close friendship with one of the candidates.
