It would be wise for Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to heed the UC Students Association’s advice and appoint Dolores Huerta to the UC Board of Regents. Doing so would not only add a unique voice to a board dominated by businessmen and political appointees, but also better serve the people of California.

As a former labor activist who worked with Cesar Chavez to organize farm workers, Huerta clearly embodies the ideals of the state as well as the ideals on which the University of California was built. During her six-month tenure on the board last year, Huerta demonstrated keen understanding of the issues and showed concern for key student crises like rising tuition fees and growing eligibility standards.

Huerta’s appointment would also represent a much-needed break from the current tradition of awarding the coveted regent positions to large campaign donors, a practice used by both Schwarzenegger and his predecessors. Public universities deserve the most qualified leadership, not the most political, and Huerta certainly fits the bill.

As the recent attendance controversy involving Regent Haim Saban has shown, the current system of making the appointments is in dire need of an overhaul. Instead of using the regent position as political booty, governors must work to make their appointments more public and take into account feedback from concerned groups. The legislature must also lead in setting firm attendance requirements that hold uncommitted regents accountable.

Certainly, appointing Huerta would be a welcome step in these directions.