Voting for ASUSU officers begins Tuesday
With 2011 ASUSU election officially beginning Tuesday, Feb. 22, candidates and their campaign teams are getting the word out across campus that the race is about to begin.
USU President Stan Albrecht said, “These leaders are going to do things that will affect the lives of every student. Voting is (the students’) chance to really express him or herself. If we do not exercise the right to vote, we are not exercising the voice that is granted to us.”
James Morales, vice president for student services, said voting is a chance to practice democracy that students should take full advantage of. He said students need to vote for candidates that share the same goals because officers have a direct impact on what happens with the university.
“The fact that these officers make decisions that effect the entire university is reason enough for students to vote. The ASUSU president is on the board of trustees and has a vote in everything ranging from parking to faculty salaries,” Morales said.
ASUSU PR Director Lacey Nagao said the biggest thing students should care about is the fact that ASUSU officers have a direct say in where students’ money goes.
“As we have seen this year, ASUSU decides on what events come to campus and what legislation gets passed. These things directly or indirectly affect every student. If you aren’t voting, you can’t complain about things that happen because you never got your voice out there,” Nagao said.
Albrecht said this year the candidates who win would have heavy responsibilities, including continuation on creating a quality academic atmosphere with pending budget cuts. They must also be prepared to make decisions concerning the proposed student recreation center.
“I think we have had a great relationship with the student executive council,” Albrecht said. “I think it’s about a relationship of trust as we work together on legislative issues, tuition issues and other policy related things. We’ve been really fortunate with those in student office positions, and I think we have attracted students who reflect this value of trust.”
Morales said one of the most important issues officers will face will be “maintaining and improving the quality of Utah State.”
He said the student recreation center will continue to be a key initiative as well as the possible new Ph.D. vet program. He said there will always be something important come up every year for ASUSU officers and it gives student government a chance to listen to students.
Primary campaigning will begin promptly at 7 a.m. on USU’s campus along the sidewalks located between the Quad and the Taggart Student Center, and dispersed throughout the rest of campus. Candidates will display their campaign logos and be available to speak with students who pass by on their way to class.
Nagao said students should become actively involved in meeting the candidates and seeing what each can bring to the table. She said students should look for someone who brings new ideas to the table, and who can follow through with their plans. Morales agreed saying a lot of people can “talk the talk” but not all can “walk the walk.”
“We need people who are able to carry through with their visions and promises. A lot of people make promises, especially during campaigning, but you want somebody who follows through,” Morales said.
Advancing the university is an important initiative, Albrecht said, and with every new group of student body officers, new issues become important. However, budget cuts will need to remain important until it financial conditions improve.
“There were students who were concerned about student advisers, student transfers, it has always been interesting to see the issues that kind of emerge,” Albrecht said.
Morales said one main thing student should look for during elections week is how well candidates follow the rules. He said if students don’t follow the rules campaigning, they aren’t going to be a good asset to the ASUSU team.
“High integrity starts with campaigning,” Morales said. “Look for students who follow campaign rules, if they are willing to abide by those rules it will be a clear indicator that they will follow the rules of the university in office.”
Candidates will be subject in multiple public forums throughout the week, including the primary and final debates held on Feb. 22 and 24 respectively at 1 p.m. in the Hub. In addition, a candidate forum will be held with the Greek community on Feb. 23 at 6 p.m. in the TSC Auditorium. The Utah Statesman will also facilitate a debate between those running for executive VP positions Feb. 23 at 12:30 p.m. in the TSC Auditorium.
“The impact of the election can be long lasting. It really is worth it for everyone to take some time and cast their ballot,” Morales said.
– catherine.meidell@aggiemail.usu.edu,
– megan.b@aggiemail.usu.edu