This year we were pleased to see six students step up to run for student trustee.

Only a few weeks ago, we had no idea whose names were going to be on the ballot, but then all of a sudden, six names appeared. Some were surprises, and some weren’t.

After interviewing each of the candidates and listening to what they had to say at Thursday’s debate, we’ve decided that Chris Cox is the best candidate to represent our student body on the University of Illinois’ Board of Trustees.

Throughout our brief time with each candidate, many topics were raised, and many of them gave similar answers we’ve heard before.

But Chris Cox separated himself from the rest with his understanding of the average student.

True, he hasn’t been as active in the Illinois Student Senate as some of the other candidates. But he has spent his time – like a large part of the student body – working to pay for his school tuition. He knows the sacrifices that many students are forced to make to get their degrees, especially considering our tough economic situation.

His focus on student funding reflects many of the concerns we face daily.

His platform stands on two major issues, one of which has been our mantra for the year: transparency and reinvention. While his fellow candidates had concerns about student funding, Cox’s angle was encouraging. Students power this University and our administration no longer seems to be taking us seriously.

His plan to change the process for amending the student code by lobbying members of the General Assembly is a unique one, and if successful will give more control to students.

This isn’t to say other candidates didn’t have viable goals and issues as well.

Each of them have been running on legitimate platforms.

However, in the end, it was Cox who caught our attention with his passion for the student body and realistic vision for what a student trustee can actually accomplish.

He may be soft-spoken and not the most conventional candidate, but we see that he has what it takes to voice his opinions and to voice students’ opinions as their representative.

He is down to earth and very easy to talk to, and as student trustee, he plans to keep communication as open as possible between him and the student body.

He spoke of putting up weekly YouTube videos to keep students informed, and he also would like to have monthly open-question panels at the Union that would also be broadcast online.

Because of his realistic campaign promises and dedication, we encourage you to vote for Chris Cox for student trustee.