Miami Hurricane, April 24, 1968

              Special Edition
W e«lneeday, Aj Jril 24. 196«
Hurricane
Election Analysis
Recommends
USG Executives
EDITORS NOTE: The Hurricane has provided students with two special election editions in which candidates were interviewed and analyzed. As many candidates were interviewed and photographed as possible. Those who could not be contacted were not interviewed. They were Ken Rohinson, James Francis Jr., John Regan, Peter Hill, and Larry Kessel.
Our policy was to interview candidates, analyze their programs and philosophies, and then rate them as either Superior, Good, Average, or Poor. Candidates were rated individually rather than the entire slate.
PRESIDENT:
SUPERIOR—DENNIS RICHARD. Richard carries with him the experience of the office for over a year, from the time he was Vice-President under Jim Fleming until the present time. He has performed the functions of his office admirably despite the early negative influence of a hostile student council. But a maturity of the council and changes wrought in it through Richard's efforts resulted in more programs established to provide power for students than any president in the history of USG.
A Bill of Student Rights was provided to define what rights a student has as a member of the university community, especially in the area of student discipline.
A change of the Compulsory Board Plan has been initiated and pressed for by Richard. A reduction of the total required meals to ten may be the result.
A Faculty Evaluation was published for the first time giving students an evaluation of faculty members.
An excellent lecture series and entertainment series were organized.
Most impressive has been Richard’s method of dealing with the administration and particular members working for it. A year of experience in working with them and dealing with them without being manipulated too much himself has been accomplished. Richard was elected Florida Chairman of the Southern University Student Government Association.
The best quality that Richard has to offer is that his election would provide completion and execution of programs enacted this year. More student rights, a new board plan, continued interaction with international students and a stronger student council may enhance an already successful administration.
GOOD—MICHAEL ABRAMS, a candidate whose sincerity betrays his inexperience. Mike is a hardworking individual who has demonstrated his propensity to fight for what he believes.
He has served as Junior Representative to USG but has compiled a less than distinguished voting record. One of his more inept maneuvers was the introduction of a motion
to turn USG into an appeal board for the election board following the disqualification of three candidates by the latter in the elections last fall. The motion was clearly unconstitutional. hut despite the pleas of President Richard and Attorney General Parker, Abrams refused to withdraw the motion.
Abrams was equally sincere in motive when he undertook to set up and run the Vietnam referendum last semester. He repeatedly displayed his inability as an administrator by failing to make final arrangements for the referendum until the day of the voting. The result was a sham. There were repeated serious violations of the election code in the form of signs placed right on the election boothes and campaigning against the USG constitution within inches of the balloting. Abrams further demonstrated his ineptitude under fire by proving no help whatsoever in clearing up the situation.
Mike endeavors to display a certain Kennedy image in his actions and conversation. However, Abrams is a poor speaker at best and this can only serve to betray his sincerity. As President of USG Mike will come into constant contact with administrators. His weakness under fire will make it extremely doubtful that he will be able to handle the big men in the Ashe Building.
In his interview with the Hurricane Mike displayed a working knowledge of campus and national issues that we must admire. However, knowledge without concrete ability means absolutely nothing and the Hurricane sees Mike Ahrams as a short second best in the upcoming USG presidential campaign.
AVERAGE—MIKE LEONE. Mike has choosen to run for President of USG because he feels he can offer a broad base of appeal to the entire campus.
His main campaign plank is an effort to get a fieldhouse on campus. If Leone would have taken the time to investigate the matter he would have discovered two things. First, the administration has every intention of building a fieldhouse as soon as possible. The problem is that all campus buildings are payed for purely by donation and philanthropy. Not one cent of student money goes into building funds with the exception of the Union as part of the Activities fee. The result is that few philanthropists want to donate to a field house, they’d rather see their name on a medical school or mental retardation center. The administration is presently endeavoring to raise the money for a field house and as soon as revenues are available and a site is choosen the construction can begin. Second, there is nothing USG or the students can do to speed up or slow down the construction of a field house. The plans for the facility are already drawn up and the administration has it on its priority list.
A second Leone plan is the proposal to put representatives of the four interest groups on the Board of Publica-
tions. Leone, and Abrams too, have decided that now is the time to get some control over the editors of student publications. In his Hurricane interview Leone and his slate said they wanted to get an editor who would “represent all interest groups impartially.” The only possible way they could achieve this end would be to censor material that went into the paper. When asked if this would constitute censorship they answer "No.’’
Leone asserts to be representative of all campus interests but during an interview he readily admits that he could do nothing for those interests.
Leone lacks the main attributes of the other two candidates. Unlike Richard he has had no experience in important administrative responsibility and he is, at times, even less articulate than Abrams. Abrams and Richard both score far ahead of Mike Leone in the Presidential bag.
POOR: ROBINSON. ROBERTON. David Robertson only real claim to the presidency is that he was a a member of the honors program and an extremely bright boy. But he is also, like his slate mates, naive about student government and what the job function of the office actually is.
Enthusiasm and sincerity are strong points. Absolutely no experience and a lack of understanding about how to solve campus problems undercut his ability to see through problems and deal with others. For those who seek to have an intellectual president, Robertson is the choice.
Untortunately, he could easily be snowed and would accomplish very little as a president.
Ken Robinson's seriousness as a candidate is questionable. He is not campaigning and his only apparent claim to tame is his job as a student union page. Inasmuch as he is not really campaigning there is little evidence that he has strong opinions on anything or solutions to anv problems.
VICE-PRESIDENT	—	*
SUPERIOR—RICARDO D’JAEN. ALAN SHERMAN. Ricardo D'Jaen promises to be an effective officer. His strength lies in his pledge to bring international students into politics as a major force. He has been a member of the President’s Cabinet for a year and has experience in executing programs requested by the president, a function necessary for the Vice-President.
Alan Sherman is a sharp, bright candidate who has a strong grasp of campus and national problems. He could deal with administrators better than others on his slate and presents a clear, lucid case for those programs he would like enacted. Unfortunately, he is saddled with planks in his slate's platform that are dubious, like suggesting that major organizations be included on the Student Publications Board.
AVERAGE—Al. FAGANT. A1 is an extremely weak
choice for the VP spot. He is reflective of the weakness of his whole slate. His interview with the Hurricane revealed his knowledge of world and campus affairs and it is unimpressive. Perhaps his greatest drawback is his platform. The idea that Albert Fagant can do something to get UM a fieldhouse is almost appalling. Al has worked hard in MRHA and ROTC and when compared to his opponents the grass is greener in the old pasture.
POOR— JOSEPH LAMB. Like other members of his slate, Lamb has a gifted mind and is sincere in intent. But his total inexperience and naivete doom his candidacy. He too would be easily snowed by the administration, he fails to understand the political processes of USG. TREASURER—GOOD-BUD BUKHA1R,
Since all of the candidates have little experience in keeping books, a primary consideration must be overall background and ability. Bukhair understands the workings of the job and possesses administrative ability. He has a good grasp of overall campus problems and if coupled with Richard will be able to administrate the funds necessary to enact proposed programs.
AVERAGE—TOM REBEL. JANET ROSLUND, JULIANA BRAZE.
Rebel is running on Abram’s slate and must be considered a "face man", although treasurers usually take that role in elections. His general background on issues and problems is only average. Although his innate ability is excellent, there is some question about his initiative to organize and execute effective, imaginative programs.
Janet Roslund was once president of Pan Hellenic, an office which is seldom made the most of in terms of influence. Janet apparently hopes to pull sorority votes in hopes of winning. She is smart, but also is ethnocentric in her thinking. Her philosophy is usually typified by a solution to a problem that gives some minorities benefits and other disadvantages: she fails to propose solutions which protect the entire minority in general while still giving freedom to the majority of students.
Juliana Braze exemplifies the rest of her slate. A member of the honors program, she knows nothing about student governments, which may provide credentials to those cynics who think that is advantageous. She suggests that keeping a budget in a household is like being treasurer of student government. Very bright, very worldly, but like her collègues, naive about how student government works.
Recommendations:
PRESIDENT—DENNIS RICHARD VICE-PRESIDENT—
RICARDO D’JAEN TREASURER—BCD BUKHAIR
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Richard, D’Jaen, Bukhair
“More Student Rights”
Dennis A. Richard, Pres.
Ricardo D’Jaen, Veep.
Bud Bukhair. Treas.
Hurricane: Concerning the war in Vietnam, are you a hawk or a dove?
Richard: I believe the US should de-escalate the bombing and seek negotiations. We should give Hanoi a long period, say six months, to come to the table and negotiate. If, during that period, Hanoi demonstrates unwillingness to take the US peace moves seriously and continues to use forces, then I feel that we should do whatever we can to win a military victory.
Hurricane: The other two slates have advocated representation of the interest groups on the Board of Publications.
How do you feel about this?
Richard: Leone and Abrams feel that the Greeks have been slighted by the paper. To a certain extent this is true. Larry, you are not particularily disposed toward the Greeks, to put it mildly, and you have openly attacked them in your editorials.
At the same time the Hurricane has provided complete coverage of USG for the first time. Your editorials combined with more coverage of USG has left the impression of a slanted paper. I don’t feel that putting the interest groups on the Board of Publications will help.
Hurricane: Why not?
Richard: Two reasons. First, the only pos-
sible reason that my opponents could want them on the Board was to see that the editor was kept in line. This would, or necessity, mean censorship of the press which is unconstitutional. Second, The Board vt Publications is made up of people with experience with publications. Their purpose is to guide student publications in a very peripheral manner. The four interest groups do not have either know-how or experience in this area and would probably only weaken the Board. I doubt if Leone and Abrams have even consulted these groups to see if they would want representation. 1 am sure they would not. They would realize that their actions would constitute censorship.
Hurricane: What is your major goal for next year if elected:
Bukhair: The major goal of a treasurer must always be financial solvency for the organization. This year’s USG will finish well in the black so I will start off OK. We will seek a flexible but efficient budget that will allow USG to present effective Lecture and Concert Series!
D'Jaen: As Vice President I will devote my attentions to the success of the Symposium of the Americas. Few people realize that UM has the opportunity to pioneer this project of good will with Latin America Dennis began this project this year and, with effective planning and action, we can bring this program to fruition during our administration.
Richard: Symposium of the Americas is most important. Equally important, however, is our continued fight for student rights. Larry, this has been a banner year in this area as you know. I must have the opportunity to continue the fight for increased voice on university policies concerning students. Whether it be judicial procedure, board plan, or tuition students must be permitted to say in these policies. I am not advocating that students should have the final voice but they should be consulted and have their opinion weighed in the final decision. Hurricane: Are you anti-Greek?
Richard: I am surprised at the question. I am not anti-Greek. Last year I ran with a Greek for Vice-President and a Greek for treasurer. This year I am running with a Greek for treasurer again. More than half of my appointments while in office were (Cont. on pg. 4)

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VU1 ~ I
BLDOn
Leone, Fagant, Roslund
“Better Council”
Mike l.eone, Pres.
Hurricane: What is your view on the Vietnam War?
Leone: We should not withdraw without an honorable solution.
Fagant: I agree.
Hurricane: Are you a Democrat or Republican and who do you support for President of the U.S.?
Leone: I am an unregistered Democrat. I haven’t yet decided who to support. It will not be Nixon.
Fagant: I too am a Democrat. I support McCarthy at this time.
Hurricane: Why do you feel that your slate is the best?
Leone: We have not formed a Greek slate as many have charged. It is Abrams who is running an unrepre-.entative all-Greek slate. Our slate is the most representative of the special interest groups on campus.
Hurricane: What is your major goal if elected?
Leone: To better represent the students. I feel that the
Albert Fagant, Veep.
students are being left out of too many of the activities of USG.
Hurricane: A student government is often forced to buck the administration, could you do this and how would you handle them?
Fagant: You never have to fight the administration. You can try to get along with them.
Hurricane: Are you the IFC candidates?
Leone: There is no such thing as an IFC candidate. A president of USG can do nothing for IFC.
Hurricane: You favor representation of the four interest goups on the Board of Publications. Why?
Fagant: I feel the paper has been too slanted. We will attempt to secure an editor who will pay equal amount of impartial attention to all parties concerned.
Hurricane: Isn’t this a form of censorship?
Fagant: No.
*	¥ M
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Abrams, Sherman, Rebel
“USG Budget Report”
Michael Abrams, Pres.
Hurricane: Who is your candidate in the ’68 presidential elections, national, that is?
Abrams: I’m a Kennedy suporter.
Hurricane: What is your position on the war in Vietnam? What do you think are the solutions?
Abrams: 1 don’t think there’s a real concrete solution, just that doors have to open. Johnson is too committed to a policy, and I think that Nixon would be too. We must explore all avenues to peace, and I think that Kennedy is realistic and pragmatic enough to do that.
Sherman: I can’t really say who my candidate is, the next few months will have to allow things to develop. At this time, I think Humphrey is a strong possibility. About Vietnam, the important thing in any confrontation is that both sides cooperate. Both North Vietnam and the US have to cooperate, to the point where Ho Chi Minh and the US can withdraw from the area and then attempt something.
Rebel: Unfortunately, in the US presidential race, a candidate isn’t the same in a race as he is when he’s in office. In Vietnam, I favor a coalition government. There should be some compromise on both sides, and then maybe the nation would back up some of our efforts.
Hurricane: What is your solution to the civil rights problem in the US?
Sherman: I have been and am in favor of civil rights action at the federal level. I’ve seen local and state governments make too many mistakes. I’m very pleased with the recently passed open housing legislation. Its not so much these people being denied the right to these things, but the fact that they know the law won’t help them. You and I have recourse to law, but the average Negro doesn’t.
Abrams: The real answer is in our heart. Education and things along that line.
Sherman: You can’t legislate morality, but you can legislate conditions conducive
to it.
Rebel: First you have to change the environment, the family and children. There’s a lot of work that can be done by people in many areas.
Huricane: What solutions do you offer for the campus parking problem?
Abrams: We offer three alternatives. First, high rise parking It’s not been completely
Alan Sherman, Veep.
Tom Rebel, Treas.
explored yet, and we feel there’s a lot of investigation still to be done here. Secondly, we favor an increase in perimeter parking and then bussing to classes and main campus. The third alternative we’d like to investigate is possibly parking students in shopping centers around the community and making arrangements with Metro busses to get them to campus on a regularly scheduled time-scale.
Huricane: Your oposition, Mike Leone, has stated that there should be special interest representation on the Board of Publications. How about you?
Abrams: That is a good idea, I think. The big gripe of these organizations is that they don’t get their articles printed. Their presence on the Board of Publications would make the editor more conscious of their needs.
Hurricane: As treasurer, what would you like to do to get greater solvency for USG?
Rebel: Greater solvency is a good goal. First, I’d improve the quality of the entertainment series. Better booking and back to back booking can save a lot of money in this area, which constitutes a great part of our expenditures. Last year instead of the (Cont. on pg. 4)