Busteed or bust

Many top-notch Young Trustee candidates are seasoned Duke Student Government veterans with strong connections to the administration and other student leaders. The standout in this year's strong finalist pool, however, is a bit unusual.

He was never a DSG leader and at times could be considered the most hated man on campus. But even after last year's disastrous foam party, Trinity senior Brandon Busteed recommitted himself to his work for the community. When almost any other college junior would have crumbled, Busteed persisted. Signs of his continuing positive influence on the University include the success of the homecoming semiformal, the growth of the Campus Social Board and the genesis of a national conversation on college social life.

Throughout his undergraduate career, from serving on the first all-freshman East Campus Council to being junior class president to founding a non-profit organization, Busteed has shown his commitment to making the University a better place for students.

But Busteed's knowledge of the University extends beyond social life. He speaks intelligently about Curriculum 2000 and the latest plans for upperclass residential life. Busteed is also a charismatic public speaker and his ability to generate creative solutions to problems is impressive. He has specific ideas for remaining in touch with students and addressing their concerns.

By no means are the other candidates unqualified for the position. Trinity senior Sarah Mitchell is a very articulate, polished speaker with an excellent knowledge of the Board and the University and a demonstrated ability to work deliberatively in committee. She also has a strong grasp on balancing the University's research and education concerns and would probably be the best of the candidates at negotiating these concerns with the Board. But although Mitchell was an outstanding legislator during her freshman year and began serving as executive vice president as a sophomore, she is less impressive as a visionary: Her most daring move as executive vice president was the complaint she filed against then-DSG President Lino Marrero, but that achievement is undermined by her subsequent abrupt departure midway through her term.

Trinity senior Bianca Motley, beyond her experience with DSG, would bring to the Board a well-grounded concern for employee issues and the University's relationship to the surrounding community. But she provides few specific ideas and too often relies on generalities.

Busteed, too, is not the perfect candidate. Sometimes, as even he admits, he gets carried away with an idea and does not know when to give up. But he seems genuinely interested in tempering these excessively creative impulses and appears ready to do so.

Furthermore, he will need to learn about more than just the undergraduate experience. A knowledge of graduate student, faculty, employee and facilities issues is essential for the Young Trustee.

But Busteed's weaknesses do not outweigh his amazing perseverance, dedication and love for the University. DSG and the InterCommunity Council should remember these traits when they vote this evening.

The Chronicle endorses Brandon Busteed for Young Trustee.