To the Editor:
The Daily's endorsement of Duncan Pickard for Tufts Community Union president states an endorsement of a "clear vision" over "concrete plans."
However, what is a clear vision without a plan to implement it? I believe the student body wants to focus on the issues themselves instead of empty, eloquent and feel-good rhetoric.
There is no doubt to me that Elton Sykes provides what the student body wants: They want specific plans that are actually attainable, and they want the experience that Elton brings with his three years here at Tufts.
Elton outlines actual, specific goals that, contrary to what the Daily thinks, Tufts students are most concerned about. He also has the strongest connections to the student body, including his roles as a resident assistant, a TCU Senator and an overall student leader.
The student body should look beyond platitudes and words, and look at the issues and specific proposals, and place their vote for Elton Sykes today.
Dan Hartman
TCU Senator, Class of 2009
To the Editor:
Today I write in support of Duncan Pickard for TCU President.
It's hard to believe, but in a few weeks I will be graduating. When I arrived on the Hill three and a half years ago I remember feeling at once overwhelmed and suspicious. I was suspicious that the four years would pass quickly, that before I knew it I would turn around and it would be May 2008. Well it's April now, so I guess I'm looking back prematurely, but you get the point.
At this moment, when all seniors stand on the precipice of a new beginning, looking back at the past four years and excitedly thinking about what comes next, I have to reflect on what made my Tufts experience so spectacular. For me, it was diversity - the diversity of the student body, the diversity of the activities I pursued and the diversity of the people I met and the friends that I made solidified the fantastic experience I had at Tufts.
Looking at this year's candidates for TCU President, I know that Pickard has diversity in mind as he plans his campaign. At Tufts, we value diversity above all else. But sometimes it's just a buzzword, something we take for granted. Pickard is a fresh leader who has proven he values diversity and who promotes and embraces it through activities and projects he has taken part in.
Pickard actually became a part of Senate the year after I finished serving. Because I was preparing for my junior spring semester abroad, I was unable to run for a seat on Senate. Luckily, I kept myself involved with the members of the body, old and new, which was how I met Pickard. People always ask me about Pickard. They want to know what his deal is, as he's energetic, friendly and handsome.
In his two years on Senate, Pickard has served as both assistant treasurer and as parliamentarian. The positions are quite different, but he has succeeded in both - proof that he is capable of varying responsibilities.
In addition to the hordes of projects Pickard has completed on Senate, he has also been a part of the Tufts Observer and the Media Advocacy Board. Somehow Pickard also found time to be a Tisch Scholar, and he's in with the people at the Institute for Global Leadership. The guy can handle a lot.
Aside from his busy schedule and accomplishments, Pickard is special for other reasons. A good friend and a kind person, Pickard makes it his business to listen carefully to the people he speaks with; this attentiveness has gained him accolades in the past and will help procure his future success.
Now that our time at Tufts is almost up, we seniors should make sure we leave Tufts in better shape than we found it. Pickard will work to improve Tufts because he is an ambitious and tireless worker with goals and experience.
Jon Adler
Class of 2008
