Casagrande/Olivo

Experience, aggressiveness make one ticket stand out above others

The Daily Collegian Board of Opinion endorses the USG presidential and vice-presidential ticket that knows the ropes of USG but is still willing to question operations within -- and that ticket is Caroline Casagrande and Brian Olivo.

The array of presidential and vice-presidential candidates is appreciated. All the candidates have worthwhile platforms, and everyone should continue working on their ideas regardless of the outcome of the election tomorrow.

Casagrande has experience as a USG town senator; Olivo has experience as USG Big Ten committee director. They are working for students now, and they will continue to do so if they are elected USG president and vice president. Casagrande has proven herself to have the aggressive attitude that it takes to effectively lead the student body. She said she has seen the problems within USG, and she knows what it takes to fix them.

"USG should work on issues, not restructuring the election code," Casagrande said in an interview with the Board of Opinion.

She will not tolerate internal conflict. She will not take no for an answer from administrators when it comes to student interests. The ticket plans to hold the University accountable for the money students pay into it by hiring an auditor to review the University budget.

Olivo has proven himself to be a success in relating to others -- both at Penn State and at other universities. As a Lion Ambassador, Olivo already represents University students to visitors, administrators and alumni. As the USG Big Ten committee director, he has represented Penn State to other universities.

And the issues this ticket plans to tackle, if elected, are feasible and directly related to student needs and interests. They may not appear to be feasible to many students; however, the sincerity of the ticket backs up its claims.

What more could students ask for than a cheaper bus ride? Casagrande and Olivo propose to lower the Loop fee through corporate sponsorship. Why wait all day to see a doctor at Ritenour? Casagrande and Olivo want to expand the staff and make it more accessible for women to see a female gynecologist, in addition to other improvements.

How can students voice concerns to USG? Casagrande and Olivo want to hold office hours in the HUB Cellar. Casagrande said she wants students to hold her accountable for her actions.

Will all students really be represented by this ticket? Olivo said he wants to be certain that every diverse organization on campus has a liaison from the USG Senate. Also, Casagrande and Olivo want to diversify their cabinet, thus creating strong executive and senate branches.

However, Casagrande and Olivo need to be aware that if they want to promote diversity, they need to promote all diversity. The ticket states in its platform a demand for "language-proficient TAs." But international teaching assistants should not be limited as to where they can teach.

If you want insider experience with outsider aggressiveness, Casagrande and Olivo are your candidates.