Election day is upon us again. Indeed it is time once more to cast your ballot for SGA president.

It is perhaps regrettable that only two have decided to throw their hats in the ring for the student body's top office this time around. Given the tumultuous year and present state of the student government, students might do well with a larger selection of candidates, but, alas, only five souls registered for the three executive offices of the SGAÑpresident, vice-president, and comptroller. None of the group is an incumbent.

The two candidates for president both have their respective strengths and weaknesses. Darwin Butler is a senior business major and president of the Organization for Producing Successful Black Men and Women, a group he founded. Butler comes awash in fresh ideas about which he is clearly passionate. His drive and determination are probably his most attractive attributes. By his very nature as an outsider his enthusiastic "get things done" attitude appears to offer a way to invigorate a faltering student government.

Unfortunately, freshness comes with a price. While Butler's suggestions on increasing diversity at events, SGA election reform, and strengthening student voice are certainly worth a second look, his proposals, especially on parking and other issues, appeared at Wednesday's debate as somewhat unrealistic and lacking in specificity. Further, Butler's time as a student senator at his previous school aside, his lack of knowledge and experience of this campus and its SGA were evident at the debate and would appear to put him at a severe disadvantage.

The other campaign for president, that of Jackie Anderson, a sophomore biology major, comes with its own set of weaknesses. Wednesday's debate exposed an almost disturbing lack of vision and ideas on the part of Anderson's slate. Anderson made almost no specific proposals for the 1999-2000 student government, other than to be responsive to student concerns. This reveals good intentions but is a questionable basis for leading campus governance.

Despite this, however, Anderson's record may be her saving grace. Extensive experience within SGA, presently as its treasurer, as well as her ties to the University Program Board, of which she is also treasurer, give her a strong history with the organization. She also has the advantage of running with a full slate of candidatesÑButler does not have a vice-presidential nomineeÑand she seems to have a good working relationship with Carrie Mowen, her running mate and probable winner in the vice-presidential race, running with only a write-in opponent. While both Butler and Mowen seemed sincere in their pledges to work with one another should the students elect a split ticket, the danger of a divided SGA seems to loom if a split slate is brought to power. The divisiveness of this year's student government should be avoided at all costs. For these reasons, The Current endorses the entire Reformation slate of Jackie Anderson for president, Carrie Mowen for vice-president, and Bryan Shaw for comptroller. The other candidate for comptroller, Jana Johnson, a member of Bulter's slate, was unable to appear at the debate and could not be reached for comment.

No matter who wins, however, let's hope that they understand that the job ahead of them is a daunting one. Ideally, this year's winner will try to incorporate the other candidate's ideas and suggestions into his or her own governance. The SGA needs all of the involved, interested participants it can get. Rebuilding the student government will not be easy. It may be an occupation bigger than either Anderson or Butler can handle alone.