In a statement provided to the Vanguard, Associated Students of Portland State University senator candidate Patrick Vroman declared that he is disassociating himself from the Step Up, Speak Out, Stand Together slate. Vroman, who is currently an ASPSU senator, will continue to run as an unaffiliated candidate.
According to his statement, Vroman credits the separation from the SUSOST slate to recent developments in the student government elections.
In a follow up email, Vroman said, “The decision wasn’t an easy one to make. I’m still trying to sort out exactly what it will mean for me.”
Vroman’s full statement is as follows:
“I have stepped up as a student leader because I want to leave PSU better off than how I found it. I want everyone at PSU to have a fair opportunity to improve their lives, and to feel safe while doing so. Recent developments in the student government elections, however, are hampering every student leader’s ability to work for change, and discouraging student involvement.
“Right now, I believe the best way to stay effective as a leader is to separate myself from the confusion and continue running on my own. It is too late to change how my name appears on the ballot, but I am hereby declaring that I am an unaffiliated candidate for ASPSU Senator.
“I encourage everyone in the PSU community to seek all the facts about what’s going on, speak your mind, and keep holding people accountable. And just as importantly, vote!”
ASPSU polls close April 23 at 7 p.m.
Additional reporting by Colleen Leary