LSU Student Body,I would first like to thank Jasper Holland for giving me this opportunity to address several concerns. Since my freshman year when I joined Student Government, I have always been fiscally conservative, looking for every way we can save the students money.I personally voted against spending almost $40,000 on new furniture for the new Student Government Offices, which two of my opponents voted in favor of. I always have and will continue to keep the students’ interests at the forefront of every decision I make.We have put together a 25 initiative plan called LSU 360. Twenty of our issues will cost absolutely nothing to implement.The three issues Holland brought up will cost nothing. The first point of inquiry, computer-based testing, is an exciting and promising technology, and we would never seek to compromise the efficiency its use allows.Our concern lies with only one small aspect: mathematics and accounting examinations. As a student who has taken both accounting and calculus exams on a computer, I can tell you that the difficulty of the course lies in learning all the signs and symbols associated with the program, rather than the actual course material itself. It is our stance that traditional paper-based formats of math and accounting tests should be made available to students whose classroom performance would be hurt by the electronic format. This issue deals more with academic performance, rather than simply saving paper. As far as the Tiger Cash issue goes, their Web site will still exist to transfer money and manage accounts. All we want is the opportunity for students to check their balances on PAWS through a simple link. The last issue brought up is that of the Student Government House of Representatives, which will assemble a diverse group of some of the most motivated students on campus and allow them to fully evaluate what happens in SG. One of SG’s biggest complaints deals with spending money, and this program would directly allow more outside oversight on SG finances.They will have advisory control of the budget, and will be able to represent Student Government to their respective organizations and the student body as a whole.  The House is an exciting opportunity for non-SG campus leaders to get involved by bringing new ideas to the table and — in conjunction with the newly-elected administration — invigorate Student Government to be a more efficient and responsible institution of student advocacy. The House of Representatives will promote, not undermine, fiscal responsibility and accountability, and will, like all our other initiatives and candidates, take LSU to The Next Level. Andy Palermo SG presidential candidateThe Next Level–Send letters to the editor to [email protected]