Eddie Herrera is a politician, inside and out. Though it may not score him points with most students, from his signature suit jacket to his formal manner, Herrera would be able to exude a politician’s professionalism that the other candidates do not possess.

Though he’s not a candidate members of this board would necessarily want to have a beer with — the proverbial measure for national candidates — Herrera, we believe, would do the best job in representing student interests abroad.

Herrera has plans for all sectors of his office, including inside the A.S. Council. But like his competitors, Herrera’s foremost goal is to increase access and affordability to higher education. His obvious vigor gives him an edge in a position that needs passion. This year, resignation and controversy left the office depleted and ineffective, save some marginal victories. Herrera has the drive to protect student rights — which drew this board to Kevin Mann last year — at all stages of the political game.

That drive could be too strong, however. His strategy to establish a Student Bill of Rights and an A.S. board of ethics may very well embody his desire to protect student rights, but they are idealistic and out of reach of the vice president’s resonsibilities. In his interview, Herrera went even so far as to tout student safety on campus as one of his concerns — calling UCSD, quite incorrectly, “one of the most dangerous campuses.” This board cautions Herrera to frame his fervor with priorities in mind. Focusing external efforts in the wrong areas could stretch the office thin, digging the position into a deeper hole.

Independant opponent Matt Corrales has the experience to effectively run the office and has the institutional knowledge to know the nuances of political lobbying efforts. His plan to consolidate San Diego’s colleges would similarly provide a more effective political machine for local concerns, as well as a larger lobbying conduit at the state level. Herrera would be best served by adopting these ideas as his own.

Student Voice!’s Porsia Thomas has a similar local vision, but less experience. Although her resume as a delegate to various student-interest organizations, especially at the state and national level, is strong, her experience with the A.S. Council is lackluster at best. The vice president external will need to serve as a link between the council and other governmental units, which makes Herrera’s well-rounded platform the logical choice.