Students voting in today's Tufts Community Union (TCU) Senate presidential election face a choice between two candidates who both tout desirable goals, but have different government experience and leadership styles. Choosing between behind-the-scenes Treasurer Michele Shelton and friend-to-the-people Vice President Eric Greenberg may leave students stumped between two very qualified candidates. But upon closer examination, it becomes clear that Shelton is the better choice. The three-year senator has developed solid working relationships with key administrators and student group leaders through her work on the treasury, has set forth attainable goals, and will likely head a more publicly accountable Senate than her opponent.
Shelton's accomplishments as treasurer speak to her ability to lead an efficient government body. She balanced the budget this year, a rare accomplishment, and led ALBO to its second consecutive year without receiving an appeal on any of its decisions.
During her time on the Senate, Shelton has established ties with both administrators and the signatories of various groups, connections which will ensure her voice is well-respected when acting as the head representative of the student body.
While both candidates are proposing beneficial changes, Shelton's goals are more realistic. Her ideas are varied, affect many communities at Tufts, and strike a balance between long and short-term objectives. She has already begun brainstorming methods to accomplish the goals set forth on her platform, taking initial steps in some circumstances.
For example, her commitment to increase support of athletic teams marks a step towards improving student pride at Tufts. Greater attendance at and knowledge of athletic competitions would further the connection between students and the University. So too would Shelton's proposed class websites, an inexpensive innovation. More long-term goals, from securing funding for a music building to diversifying orientation programming, demonstrate Shelton's greater vision of life at Tufts.
Greenberg, too, has a vision for Tufts. But while his goals of better cable and phone service, more dining choices, and improved facilities at the fitness center and campus center are all admirable, his plans to accomplish them seem less formulated and, in some cases, less feasible.
The biggest difference between the two candidates, however, lies in their leadership styles. Under outgoing President David Moon, the Senate's reputation for infighting disappeared, but so too did much public accountability. Shelton is a motivational leader who would likely allow her Senate a freer reign to innovate and speak out on a variety of issues. Greenberg, meanwhile, has during his campaign lauded Moon's tight-lipped style of governance. He would be a visible leader in his own right, maintaining his good relationship with the media and the student body as a whole, but would encourage his senators to keep up the current atmosphere of secrecy.
Both candidates have campaigned hard this spring. Greenberg, it seems, has made more personal contact with voters than his opponent, and is a more familiar face to the student body. Shelton has excellent contacts with administrators, but needs to follow Greenberg's lead in reconnecting with students. She must be prepared to step up and speak out for students should the need arise.
Greenberg outdoes his opponent in terms of public persona. But Shelton's leadership style and realizable goals, along with her established connections and track record as treasurer, ensure she would lead a productive and efficient student government.
