The online polls for next semester’s Associated Student Government, opened up May 2 through May 6, are ready for students to cast their votes on whom they would like representing the student body this next term.
The election ballot included one candidate for A.S. President, three candidates for A.S. Vice President, one candidate for Treasurer and eight candidates for the A.S. Senator positions.
The current students in ASG looked forward to the election, especially to see who would be taking over for the executive leadership.
Current A.S. Vice President William Newell described the leadership as a “tag team,” saying that it is important to have a good relationship between the president, vice president and treasurer.
One candidate for A.S. Vice President is Mauricio Vasquez, who believes being apart of ASG as a senator helped him realize his own personal drive as a student. His main goal being to improve the student life on campus, Vasquez shared his reasoning for taking part in the election.
“I want to get that student life feel,” said Vasquez, while he added that he appreciates how the campus feels closer to that of a four-year university. Another thing that Vasquez feels is important to do on campus is create a separate pathway for skateboarding and biking on campus.
Additionally, Vasquez wants to do something to improve the parking on campus, stating that the current ratio is one parking spot to every seven cars. “I want to reduce our carbon footprint,” said Vasquez.
Another candidate for the vice presidency is Adolfo Meza, currently an A.S. Senator as well. Similar to Vasquez, Meza is also interested in lessening the amount of traffic that floods the school on a daily basis, wishing to create a form of shuttle system in-between campuses for students. In addition, Meza also emphasized an importance in supporting clubs on campus, as well as spreading cultural awareness across Mesa College.
Lastly, Johanna Eriksson, an International student from Sweden, is in her third semester here on campus. Currently the Office Manager for ASG and having been involved in student government for nearly two years, Eriksson sees being vice president as a good opportunity to learn more about the program as well as the student body.
In her method of campaigning, Eriksson refrained from putting up flyers and sharing the website she created until the actual week of elections.
“I feel that social media is the best way to get heard,” she stated, while discussing her election tactics.
Eriksson shared some changes she wishes to influence on campus if elected include healthier options for food, such as vegan and vegetarian, and having a better and improved space for the Veterans on campus. Eriksson also hopes to make students more aware of ASG and that they are here to improve and help as much as possible.
“These things drive me to improve this space on campus as much as possible,” states Eriksson.
Election week was kicked off with an email sent out to students reminding them to cast their votes online for the next group of ASG members. The winners of the elections will be announced to the student body on May 11.