And finally... Our endorsement.

Each of the candidates interviewed displayed many of the strengths and weaknesses of past Executive candidates (and office-holders), though in the end our recommendation for endorsement was a relatively easy one.

First, how the candidates stacked up: Eric Bailey made an important, oft-ignored point about tuition and incidental fees: ASUO Presidents typically support tuition freezes while supporting increases in the fee that all students pay before enrolling in classes. This hypocrisy should be duly noted by whomever does become next year's ASUO Executive. His respect for differing political opinions, a hallmark of this magazine, is also well-received. On the other hand, his endorsement of a city housing code is a popular one around the ASUO, but it is short-sighted and wrong-headed. Any Economics 101 text will explain that housing codes only raise rental prices, while rent control squeezes out smaller competitors and reduces a renter's options.

Nilda Brooklyn's focus on community relations - in particular, her opposition to City Councilor Bonny Bettman and endorsement of Councilor Betty Taylor - and concern for the City Council's recent party ordinance that many feel targets students, were important issues to be addressed. On the other hand, her positions on diversity, the role of the ASUO in students' lives and - of course - OSPIRG were a little too much in line with what this magazine recognizes as an ineffective status quo for us to endorse her bid.

Sho Ikeda and the Qualheim/Boone ticket were good for quite a few laughs (whether they win or not, we're looking forward to their "We are the World" rendition, and Eric Qualheim had some original - if unrealistic - ideas about how to turn this student government around. Also, Ikeda has far and away the best posters of any candidate.

What has been on Brad Schatzel 's or Kevin Stolle's mind this week is a mystery to us - it certainly hasn't been outreach, or for that matter, campaigning.

In the end, it may simply come down to shared political beliefs, but the Oregon Commentator will endorse Bret Jacobson and Matt Cook for the 2001-02 ASUO Executive office. Their positions with regard to the WRC, OSPIRG and diversity fell closest to that of this magazine's editorial board. We had some concerns about the relative lack of ASUO experience among the two (Jay and Holly's ineffectiveness this year should make everyone think twice), but Jacobson appeared to be well-acquainted with the issues - his former position at the Oregon Daily Emerald certainly doesn't hurt. In particular, their plan for an ASUO "PR hub," as they call it, is an inspired idea. Student groups would benefit greatly from in-house, organized, professional media support. Most of the candidates offered at least lip service to promoting the awareness of student fees, but this idea was the most specific idea, and likely most effective, idea proposed. A vote for Jacobson and Cook would send a strong message to the student government about letting new ideas in through the door - not just talking about them.

The management of the Oregon Commentator feels confident recommending that you vote for Bret Jacobson and Matt Cook. That is how our votes will be cast, and we hope that you are among that majority.