Jason Lifton for SA President: Tested, Proven, Qualified to Lead - An Endorsement

Jason Lifton has served as SA Executive Vice President for nearly a year. And although he admits he hasn't always been the sharpest on parliamentary procedures of the SA Senate, he has certainly been a forceful advocate on behalf of the student body. Simply put, he grasps - and knows how to address - the major issues facing GW.

Lifton is extremely polished and articulate, and would continue to serve as an excellent liaison between the student body and University administrators. In fact, last Friday, GW officials announced they would double the number of Columbian College academic advisers, due in large part to Jason's forceful advocacy on the matter as EVP.

It is important to mention, however, that Lifton is still realistic about a handful of issues that other candidates (in a variety of SA races) have exploited for the sake of campaign strategy and political expediency. He understands the stringent limitations pertaining to J Street dining reform (mainly contractual and union matters), and recognizes the critical need to increase study hours and study locations, while continuing to push for enhanced campus safety and security.

In stark contrast to Xochitl Sanchez,  Jason will be able to hit the ground running on these policy matters from day one, ever more facilitated by his firmly established working relationships with university administrators.  Although Sanchez is an eloquent speaker, highly likable, "take-no-prisoners" tough, and knowledgeable about an admirable cross-section of GW life and bureaucracy, Lifton is a step ahead, having demonstrated that he can also put these qualities into action.

Furthermore, Lifton has recognized - and taken responsibility for - the shortfalls of the Bindelglass administration, namely in the realm of communication.  He emphasizes the importance of keeping close tabs on vice presidents within the executive cabinet, the utter lack of which contributed to disorder and inaction this past year, as it has in previous years. 

For the reasons above, the staff of WRGW News feels confident that Executive Vice President Jason Lifton will make an outstanding SA president come fall, and we strongly endorse his candidacy.