On the Record: CCSC President Speaks His Mind

Correction appended.

What did you do this summer?

I worked down in DC at the Brookings Institute ... with a fellow there who is creating policy to bring down prices in low-income neighborhoods. Right now, people in low-income neighborhoods pay more for everything relative to people living in high-income neighborhoods.

How's it feel to be the king of Columbia?

I'm still waiting for my crown to arrive. I think the whole power thing is sort of an illusion ... it's not very different than being "not king."

What's the first priority for your senior year?

I hope I know where I'm going by the time it's over.

What's the first priority for CCSC this year?

The first priority for the organization in general is to get everyone working after the summer ... I'm going be putting financial aid reform first. The organization works best when everyone is working on the issue they care most about.

Spicy, seasoned, or regular?

That's a really good question. Okay, so I think seasoned, but can I add Frank's hot sauce too, as a side thing?

What is Michelle Oh's legacy for CCSC and Columbia?

She proved that student council has power with the Baker Field stuff.

Favorite drink?

I like beer that comes in green bottles. Somehow beer in other-colored glass bottles seems less delicious to me.

Favorite course?

I got the most out of my CC class, because I still think about it a lot, but as a self-contained class the History of the Origin of Human Rights was great. It's hard to have a history class that truly captures a modern phenomenon honestly ... but I thought it did.

What three CDs would you take to a desert island?

This is too embarrassing. I listen to really crappy music. I would take the Braveheart soundtrack, probably some sort of collection of James Taylor's greatest hits, and some sort of compilation of the greatest Christmas music. (It just so happens that I'm Jewish.)

What do you look for in an ideal friend?

Trust.

In an ideal mate?

Love.

What's your proudest achievement to date?

Professionally, I spent three years trying to turn around the College Democrats, and I think I did with a lot of help from other people. Personally, I try to be really honest all the time, and I think I usually pull it off.

What one thing would you change about Columbia?

Financial aid reform. You need a financial aid policy that is truly blind. No one should ever decide not to attend Columbia because they don't have enough money, which I think is the case now.

About yourself?

Besides wishing I were cooler, I wish I cared less about what other people thought of me.

Duke v. Columbia basketball - who would you give the edge to?

Columbia, obviously.

Do you give change to panhandlers?

I thought about this for a long time ... If you're going to refuse money, the most important thing is to recognize that you're still talking to a person. I think there are other solutions to dealing with poverty that are more successful than giving change at street corners, but I try to remember that they're human.

Biggest regret to date?

I usually pride myself on having an even temper, and only a handful of people have heard me yell, but once in a while when I'm mean to someone like a stranger, I always regret that. Everyone falls into those traps when you're in a bad mood and snap at someone.

What do you see yourself doing after school?

A whole list of things. I could go to law school, or I could try to rebuild the national Democratic party, or I could avoid the party junk and focus on making sure good people get elected, or I could give up and work on building a space elevator ... I might just start a business. I plan on inventing lots of useless thing that are going to make me a lot of money.

Think you'll run again in '07?

I promise that if I don't end up graduating and stay here for a fifth year, I will not run.

Correction: "CCSC President Speaks His Mind" (Sept. 7) omitted a portion of Flaxman's statement about Columbia's financial aid policy. Flaxman said that in addition to being need-blind, the University's policy should also provide full need.