For the previous two elections, Program Board has put forward one candidate for executive chair representing an internal consensus. This year, two candidates are vying for the top spot at PB. While both are dedicated, passionate and competent, Dan Secatore distinguished himself during his tenure as political affairs chair, executive vice chair and as a candidate. The Hatchet is proud to endorse him.

In addition to Secatore’s extensive PB r?sum?, he also has a great record of successful programming. As political affairs chair, Secatore coordinated the widely-attended election night 2004 programming, collaborating with a variety of student groups.

This experience showcased Secatore’s strong ability to network with relevant student groups to improve programming. He understands that there are student organizations on campus that could create better programs than PB alone if given the resources to succeed. To that end, Secatore wants to work to increase co-programming by helping student organizations with programming coordination and providing financial and marketing resources.

Secatore understands that for most students, Fall Fest and Spring Fling are their only interactions with PB; he wants to continue improving these events. At the same time, he is sincerely interested in creating niche events that cater to smaller segments of the campus community. In this way, he hopes to involve students who traditionally would not attend larger PB functions.

Another important initiative of Secatore’s is increasing PB’s budget. The group’s budget, funded directly through the University, has remained stagnant for a number of years.

Bea Querido is a dedicated student with extensive event planning experience. Serving this year as marketing director, she seems committed to PB, but just does not have the PB programming experience of Secatore. In addition, Querido was the driving force behind the weeklong Hurricane Katrina relief fundraiser in the fall, an event considered a colossal failure by participating student groups. Her ideas for improving PB are vague, and it is unclear whether programming would improve under her stewardship. Querido is just not ready for the top spot at PB.

Program Board’s work is not always apparent to the average student outside of their two main events each year. However, the execution of Spring Fling, Fall Fest and a variety of other programs requires a massive amount of behind-the-scenes coordination and planning. Secatore has the institutional knowledge, the enthusiasm and a clear understanding of his limitations to succeed as the next PB executive chair.