Cook out: ASUSU presidential bid down to Les Essig and write-in candidates
It’s Les Essig versus the write-ins.
The Utah Statesman hosted the final Associated Students of Utah State University presidential debate Thursday on the Taggart Student Center Patio. The two candidates were Les Essig and Josh Cook, until six minutes into the scheduled debate time when Cook announced his decision to withdraw from the campaign.
“It happened in a moment last night,” he said.
He said his withdrawal from the race is because of the “hours upon hours” ASUSU presidents spend working for the student body. If he was elected president, he would not be able to spend enough time with a “very important girl” in his life nor would he serve the students to the best of his ability.
“It’s 18 hours a day and I won’t have the time,” he said.
Cook said it was not just a contributing factor of many, it was “the only thing” prompting him to withdraw from the race since his relationship with his girlfriend is a top
priority.
Essig thanked Cook before answering questions specifically written for him to be asked during the debate that never happened.
“I look up to Josh,” he said. “He’s done a lot for the university that we don’t always know about.”
Primary results put Essig 1,000 votes up on Cook. Now that Cook is no longer a candidate, write-ins are the only way for someone to beat Essig. Brigham Rupp, the presidential candidate who came in third in the primary, has registered as a write-in candidate.
Tiffany Evans, director of the Student Involvement and Leadership Center, explained that the primary and final elections are essentially two separate elections and that is why Rupp was not moved automatically onto the ballot after Cook withdrew.
Students who voted for Cook before he withdrew can resubmit their vote for Essig or a write-in candidate before the polls close.
“It is not over until the polls close at 5 tomorrow,” said Ashley Stolworthy, ASUSU public relations vice president.
Essig said he has plans to do a lot for the university if elected. His platform includes instituting a Monday through Thursday schedule.
“This is a very realistic option,” he said.
He also said he wants students to receive textbook information when they register for classes. Restoring the TSC to the student center it is supposed to be is important to Essig as well. Over the years, he said, the TSC has turned into a more administrative building rather than a student-centered place.
“It should be a place to chill and hang out,” Essig said. “I used to work for LoveSac. I’d like to put them all over the TSC.”
Student fees already pay for two part-time attorneys on campus, Essig said, but he would like to bring both of them from two nights a week up to full time. Lessening congestion and accidents in the roundabout between the TSC and the LDS Institute of Religion is a priority to him as well.
“There is greenspace that can be renovated to help relieve the congestion,” he said.
Students did not ask questions after the commotion but Essig did answer previously scheduled questions written by Statesman staff.
On the topic of budget cutbacks, Essig said he would prefer to consult the committee as a whole before making any. He did mention the possibility of local companies and outside organizations buying advertising space in the TSC.
“Lots of them will pay to be in the student center,” he said.
Students are important to Essig, he said. He wants there to be an open-door policy with him.
“I want to bring the officers down,” he said. “We act on your behalf.”
The candidates who didn’t make it past the primary said they understand the rules and are positive about the rest of the election.
“[Essig] is qualified,” Rupp said.
Runner-up Mike Robins said,”I’m not bitter at all. Les can do a good job.”
Robins added it was classy for Cook to pull out: “He was being respectful.”
From primary voting results, Robins said he saw Cook as the outsider anyway.
Scott Paul, a runner-up, felt ASUSU was already on Essig’s side. He said the coverage he had in The Statesman helped him get ahead of the other candidates.
“I ran to see what it’s all about,” Paul said.
Paul made no banners or fliers. He estimated the cost of fliers and T-shirts by all ASUSU candidates to be in the thousands.
“The money could go to a much better place,” he said, “It should be going to areas that need it.”
Students can vote by following the links at the USU WebMail page. Polls close at 5 p.m. Friday.
-ireneh@cc.usu.edu
ASUSU Presidential candidate josh cook withdrew from the election Thursday, citing personal reasons. (Photo by John Zsiray)