The Daily Orange Editorial Board endorses Stephen DeSalvo in comptroller race

In the contested race for Student Association comptroller, The Daily Orange Editorial Board endorses the incumbent Stephen DeSalvo.

Having experience in SA, and specifically on the Finance Board, is very important for the comptroller. Although Osarumwense Pat-Osagie has experience in SA and as a member of a registered student organization, he does not have Finance Board experience.

Before running for comptroller last year, DeSalvo worked on the Finance Board. Last week, DeSalvo helped hold one of the shortest budget meetings in recent years, a fact which can be attributed to the way DeSalvo runs the system and the changes he implemented in his first year on the job.

The position of the comptroller is not ubiquitous for those who are not heads of registered student organizations that apply for funding from SA. Many uninformed students may be drawn to vote for either candidate, simply because they lack the background knowledge of either candidate. But as the person who controls the $2 million student activity fee, the comptroller cannot be left up to chance.

DeSalvo has proven to be reliable and knowledgeable about his position. The SA presidential candidates spoke highly of DeSalvo, and have worked closely with him and know him best.

Pat-Osagie is virtually unknown. There is a potential conflict of interest if Pat-Osagie is elected as well. Pat-Osagie is in Alpha Phi Alpha, one of four organizations in the top tier of SA funding, meaning it can request more than $25,000 in funding. With all things considered, The Daily Orange Editorial Board can think of no single, specific reason to vote for Pat-Osagie, and DeSalvo is a strong candidate.