Associated Students Inc. hosted an election “meet and greet” yesterday at the College of Business Administration, geared at assembling this year’s student government candidates, but only a few actually attended.
What was intended to be a gathering of 2011 ASI election candidates ended up being a modest show of only one executive ticket and a few senatorial candidates.
Current ASI Vice President Lucy Nguyen, Sen. Stephen Thomas and Secretary of System-Wide Affairs Justin Lawson were one of the few candidates who attended the event. All three are running on ticket for ASI president, vice president and treasurer, respectively.
“We work very well together,” Nguyen said. “Our strengths balance each other out.”
Thomas said that he has confidence that each member on the ticket will do well in their respective office. Thomas added that his experience in the ASI Senate has prepared him well for the vice presidency.
“We all share the same ideals, the same goals, the same motives,” he said.
The vice presidential candidate stressed that he wanted to “represent students and advocate for students” as well as “make education as accessible as possible.”
Midway through the event, current ASI president, James Ahumada, greeted the present candidates. He later called the event a “good way to get all of the candidates together.”
The turnout did not improve, however. More than 30 minutes before the event was over, Nguyen, Thomas and Lawson were left alone in the walkway.
But being alone did not deter the group’s enthusiasm. Nguyen continued offering high fives to passers-by, while Thomas never stopped smiling.
“I could do this all day,” Thomas said.
Nguyen stated that her primary reason for running was to help students grow together, describing her motives as both personal and service-oriented.
“We just love the students,” Nguyen said. “We love them.”
There will be an executive candidates forum today in the University Student Union, Room 205 from noon to 2 p.m.
Online elections will be held from March 21-24.
Disclaimer: The Daily 49er is not responsible for Postings made on www.daily49er.wpengine.com. Persons commenting are solely responsible for Postings made on this website. Persons commenting agree to the Terms of Use of the website. If Postings do not abide by the Rules of Conduct or Posting Regulations as listed in the Postings Policy, the Daily 49er has all rights to delete Postings as it deems necessary. The Daily 49er strongly advises individuals to not abuse their First Amendment rights, and to avoid language suggestive of hate speech. This site also encourages users to make Postings relevant to the article or other Postings.