Just 800 elect Jonathan Sanford as president

In the poorest student election turnout since 1998, Jonathan Sanford claimed the student body presidency while Johnnie Ozimkowski was selected as the next Student Fee Committee chair.

In addition to Sanford and Ozimkowski, six students were elected to the SFC as members: James Gent, William Zimmers, Christian Messerschmitt, Ron Lee, Aly Rey and Waddah Sofan. The student senate gained 22 new members [see page 3 for details on the senate].

After an election season disrupted by Election Board blunders and less candidate campaigning than normal, just 800 of 26,321 students voted. Sanford said that despite the low turnout—which previously had been reported as 1,177—he was “immeasurably happy” with his victory over Collin LaVallee and Sean Staub.

“Chris [Proudfoot] and Collin were excellent,” Sanford said moments after hearing the results. “Sean and Kyle [Juedes] were, too. I’d have been honored to serve under them or with them.”

Sanford said the first thing on his list of priorities is to take it easy for a little bit and take care of some class work. After that, he said the goal is to interview as many of his opponents and current ASPSU members for advice.

“The goal is to not lose the momentum and knowledge gained this year,” he said. “Institutional memory is not only a key term, it’s vital to having success next year.”

Sanford thanked those who helped elect him, including former student body President Rudy Soto, campus Greek life and Ozimkowski. Appointing qualified students will also be a key task, Sanford said.

“Frankly, I need to have good people with me,” he said. “Recruiting is a priority.”

He said he would like to purchase Web cams and microphones so ASPSU has the ability to record meetings and post them online.

“That’s something I’d like to do immediately,” he said.

Sanford’s running mate, Rebekah Chitsaz, said she was “a little shook up” but excited to start her term.

“I’m ready to get out there and work now,” she said. “I want to group all the senators together, get connected and renew past campaigns.”

Ozimkowski, previously a vice-presidential candidate two years ago, said he was feeling a little overwhelmed by his victory and the immense task at hand.

“There’s a lot of work to be done,” Ozimkowski said. “There’s a lot of people who really see on level with non-traditional students. That’s something I need to keep in mind.”

Ozimkowski defeated Jil Heimensen 502 to 449, or 52.8 percent to 47.2 percent. Ozimkowski said he plans on meeting with the incoming committee, current student government leader members and student group leaders for advice.

“This is such a unique campus,” Ozimkowski said. “I think the student fee needs to be a medium for helping students.”

Sen. Steven “PV” Jantz, who won re-election, said he expects the senate to ride the momentum it has generated this year. The student senate has not missed quorum this year.

“It’s a good thing for the student body,” Jantz said, referring to the senate’s work on multiple campaigns this year. “We’ve got some good quality people [for next year].”