Aniciete responds
Not only did the Vanguard miss the opportunity to endorse the best student body presidential candidate for Portland State University, it also has chosen to ignore and invalidate the work that I have contributed over the past three years for my fellow students serving as a student leader on this campus. The criticisms are hurtful and shameful and are simply inaccurate.
Serving as a leader for various offices, I have not only helped form a respected organization on campus with strong, genuine alliances between students and staff, but I also have advocated for students, particularly from underrepresented communities. Serving as a student senator for the past two years, I have seen the successes and failures of previous administrations and have the experience and perspective to create an effective student government if elected. As a full-time student of PSU, I personally experience, observe and engage in the issues affecting students of this campus. Undoubtedly, I have and will always care about our university.
I ask for the Vanguard to show respect for students who unselfishly devote energy and time serving their individual communities and making this university a better place day in and day out. It is time for the Vanguard to show some respect for students who are not of an “ASPSU elite breed” but have a genuine desire to effect change in the greater community through student government. Your impressions of me as “timid and uncertain” couldn’t have been any more false. Actions speak more volume than any calculated words. This is my third election year, consecutively running on the campaigns of Ryan Klute and Rudy Soto, and my passionate pursuit for the student body president position this year reflects continuity in my commitment to serve my fellow students and empower this university to its maximum potential.
All of us in the Empowerment slate are confident and proud of our platform. We are not discouraged and we will not falter. Your scrutiny and criticism only encourage us further to continue our tireless service and efforts for the voice of 25,000-plus students here at Portland State.
Christian Aniciete?ASPSU Presidential Candidate
Save PSU athletics from Fisher
Miss Fisher vehemently opposes funding for PSU athletics and will undercut all the successes and investments in the past to an area that is vital in the elevation of university’s profile and raising student voice and pride. She will not be bridging any gaps, but will only create more with a shortsighted vision. Wake up students! Vote Empowerment!
John Frederic
ASPSU open to all students
I found the excuse for not endorsing the SFC chair for the Bridge the Gap slate insulting and exclusionary. “We cannot in good conscience endorse a candidate who plans to graduate halfway into the year, only to spend the next half of the year in a job that is meant for a student still pursuing their degree.” Who did the Vanguard endorse last year? “SFC chair, Our pick: Amanda Newberg.” I believe Ms. Newberg, our current SFC chair, is in fact a PSU graduate. It seems the Vanguard has as little institutional memory as ASPSU does. As I understand it, ASPSU is supposed to be open to all students, whether they’re an undergrad, grad or post-bac student.
Tyler Kueber
Big waste of time
I just wanted to take a time to throw out what a waste of time these elections have been thus far. We enter into a legislative session this coming year and as such, or at least in my opinion, that should be the focus of the debates and campaigns. I could care less about listening to the same watered down platforms student leaders preach of every year. What PSU needs is an organized front, equipped and ready for Salem next year. Forget the slate bullshit, what students care about most is their money, or lack there of, and the answer to that is our ability to organize and lobby next year.
Zach Martinson
Why not Aimmera?
I think it’s highly unfair that you would not endorse Aimeera simply because she’ll be post-bac. Firstly, post-bac students are students too. Secondly, Kyle Cady, the incredibly capable vice-presidential candidate you endorsed will also be post-bac. They stay because they genuinely care about the school and the students, that shouldn’t be punished. Third, you have previously endorsed candidates who had graduated but were staying on taking classes (Amanda), so why not Aimmera? You said yourself there is little difference between her and Rylee.
Ariel