One foot(print) at a time: Mary Cooper’s early successes indicate her ability to achieve goals

Student Body President Mary Cooper built her campaign platform on three big ideas. This fall semester, Cooper will fulfill at least one of those “Big Three” promises by expanding CCI printing.

Despite significant budget cuts, Cooper has managed to implement her plan. This is no small task given the recent state budget cuts to the UNC system.

Though the editorial board has been critical of student government in the past, Cooper deserves credit for making good on her promise, especially in the midst of adversity.

Fulfilling a campaign promise before the school year has even begun is in itself a positive step. Moving an initiative from paper to reality is not simple; feasibility issues have always plagued student government.

Last year’s student body president, Hogan Medlin, made good on some of his promises, but largely failed to implement many of his most significant policy proposals due to crushing budget cuts from Raleigh.

This year, Cooper faces even steeper cuts than Medlin.

Too often during an economic downturn, legislation and student initiatives run aground due to the lack of resources. However, Cooper has responded with vigor rather than complacency, demonstrating her ability to deliver on the promises she made last spring.

Cooper has had to work hard to make her plans feasible with some creative funding.

Part of the expansion of CCI involves bringing the printing service to Greek housing. Each fraternity and sorority house will be required to buy its own printer, costing the school nothing.

In a perfect world, the University would have paid for the printers for each Greek residence. But Cooper’s out-of-the-box approach provided an opportunity to successfully implement an important program while spreading the burden in an equitable manner.

Cooper’s initial success is a step in the right direction, albeit a small one when compared to her other campaign promises.

Still, Cooper’s innovative style is exactly what her administration will need to implement the changes Cooper promised in the spring.

Her other ideas include a flat-rate taxi service and a student enrichment fund that would provide grants for students attending conferences, seminars and lectures outside of UNC.

Both are excellent ideas on paper but will require considerably more planning and funding than the CCI initiative. For now, Cooper’s small step in the right direction is welcome news, but hardly reason to rest.

During this era of drastic budget cuts, UNC needs Cooper’s strong, guiding hand to continue making positive changes.