Juniors Callaghan, Joseph discuss visions for presidency

Leslie-Bernard Joseph '06 and Shaun Callaghan '06, the two candidates for USG president, present different visions of the way the organization can effect change on campus — visions shaped by their respective experiences at the University.

Both stressed the extent to which they want to reform the USG — Callaghan said he believes widespread but realistic changes in the way the USG addresses students' needs will be most helpful, while Joseph said he would seek to broaden the scope of issues the USG addresses.

Callaghan currently serves as USG vice president, and Joseph, who ran for USG president last year, is president of the Black Student Union.

Joseph said he believes the USG has been focusing on the wrong issues. "Some of the changes I want to make seem almost too clear to me," Joseph said. "We should have a USG that cares about service and people."

If elected, Joseph said he would increase the number of Community-Based Learning Initiative classes, get students more involved with the Office of Admissions and create an Academic Council to discuss grade deflation with Dean of the College Nancy Malkiel.

Callaghan said he will focus on making the USG more active and accountable. He said he wants to reform the current meeting system and create a portal where students can check student government representatives' work via the USG website. He also plans to improve campus mail delivery and academic advising.

"I would get things done that are feasible and realistic, things that students care about," he said.

Joseph, on the other hand, said he "want[s] to preside over a cultural shift in the organization of USG."

He said he believes his experience on campus has prepared him well for the USG presidency. "I'm completely prepared to talk to USG officers, administrators and the Board of Trustees," Joseph said. "I already do that."

Joseph said he sees personal involvement as a hallmark of his leadership style. "I like to have my hands in everything," he said. "I'll learn to delegate responsibility, but I think we need less delegation in USG, not more. Change isn't going to happen with just one person, but one person can galvanize the campus to change." Callaghan said his experience makes him the best candidate. He said his achievements as vice president, including helping to plan the Pre-Rade and fighting grade deflation, testify to his leadership and accomplishments.

Callaghan said he would stress getting things done. And with more USG experience than the past two presidents, he said he would be able to immediately put his plans into action. "I wouldn't have to take time to figure out how it all works," he said.

Both candidates mentioned issues they would steer clear of if elected.

Get the best of the ‘Prince’ delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe now »

Joseph said he would not focus on trivial issues "like . . . prox readers on Dillon," and said he would shy away from "ask[ing] for more student input when its my job to already know it. I would not want to be silent. Students should know what I'm fighting for."

Callaghan also said he would look to chart his own course as president. "I won't try to push ideas which have no chance of succeeding," he said. "That monopolizes a lot of time. There are some issues which have been voted on about 19 times in two years, and been rebuffed at every corner. I won't promise to do those things even if they would help me get elected."

USG President Matthew Margolin said he sees the race as a test of credibility and who can best help the USG address the disconnect between the administration and students.

He offered a positive view of both candidates.

"Though he was new to how things worked in USG, Leslie really had some good ideas when I ran against him last year," Margolin said. "Shaun knows how to motivate other people, and we've been really successful with what we've done this year."

Voting begins this Sunday at noon and ends Tuesday at 11:59 a.m.