Maureen Dowd. David Brooks. Thomas Friedman.

These names may catch your eye every time you pick up the New York Times. Or it could be their fiery rhetoric raising anger in your chest.

You may be among the readers who read Dowd's column religiously and relish in her liberal slant or furiously write to debate her column's finer points.

Dowd and I have two minor similarities. We're both Irish and both of our names appear on editorial pages. Her name just happens to go on the New York Times' Editorial Page and mine on the Daily Collegian's Opinion Page.

However, no matter the difference in The Times' and Collegian's circulation, the editorial pages of both strive for the same goal.

Both papers hope to create debate on some of the major issues of our time. Editorial pages across the nation have the power to create significant and lasting change through public comment. Consider the outrage created by editorial pages last summer over the Pennsylvania Legislature's self-imposed pay raise.

Voters wrote hundreds of letters to papers across the state.

And ultimately, the legislators repealed their pay hike. This page is part of the debate on a university, local and national level. We invite you to be a part of that and join us in discussions that will ultimately affect every student's life.

Yesterday, you read letters about the tailgating controversy, the conflict in Lebanon and pre-season football rankings. Today, you're reading an editorial about Penn State's classroom food policy among other topics.

No matter how big or how small the issue, the editorial page is the place where it can receive widespread debate.

As the weeks come, you'll notice we're making some changes here at the Collegian to facilitate discussion. In addition to this year's weekly columnists, new writers will appear each week to ponder a variety of topics.

On Mondays, you'll see the battling political views of Penn State's College Democrats and Republicans. The two groups will submit opposing op-ed pieces on a political topic all semester to inform readers about their parties' views.

As the midterm elections approach, the Opinion Page is a place where voters can look to see the points of each party. Why should a voter choose a candidate? Who has a better plan for your tuition money? Is the Legislature reforming after last year's pay raise?

On Wednesdays, look for a big issue page. Tuition problems? Administration issues? They can all be addressed on the Opinion Page.

This Friday marks the debut of a new Opinion Page feature. But you'll have to check it out for yourself.

Want to see your views on this page? Then write me a letter. I love to get mail.

Letters should be 200 words and contain your name, year and major. Send them to collegianletters@psu.edu. Beware, you may get a call from me once you send it in to double-check a few things. Don't worry. I'm really nice.

If 200 words is too short a forum to write your prose, try expanding it into a column. Columnist applications are at the front desk of the Collegian office.

Make sure you get those applications in by 5 p.m. on Sept. 11. Political cartoonists are welcome too.

If you have particular knowledge about a certain area, have a view that would add to our page or just have some ideas for us, you're welcome too.

This is your page. It's your place to debate. It's your place to create change. I want to hear your voice.