The call goes out for ASPSU elections

As winter quarter nears an end, ASPSU has begun soliciting candidate applications for spring term student body elections. The deadline for submitting applications is March 20.

During last year’s election cycle just 1,447 students voted, the lowest total in five years. Hannah Fisher and the “Bridge the Gap” slate defeated Christian Aniciete and the “Empowerment” slate 932 to 455. The highest voter turnout in recent years was 2005-06, when 2,432 students voted.

Last year just 16 people ran for the 22-member Student Senate, meaning each candidate needed only one vote to be elected.

Elected positions available are:
Student body president
Vice president
Student Fee Committee chairperson
Student Fee Committee member
Student senator

Several people have already expressed an interest in running for president.

Erica Lee-Johnson is the current president of the NAACP at Portland State. She was a student senator, and currently co-chairs the Multicultural Board. As a pre-med student, she is currently weighing her options, but is interested in running because of her work with this administration.

“I want to continue the work that the current administration has done in promoting diversity on campus and empowering students,” she said.

Lee-Johnson hasn’t made the definite decision to run, but is very comfortable with the prospect.

“I love how student government is organized, and I want to continue the excellent job they’ve done.”

Ron Lee is a transfer student, majoring in either public interest or civil rights law.

“I see a lack of accountability in student government,” he said. “I see running for president as an opportunity to improve the methodology of student government.”

Lee expressed disaffection for what he sees as the current “shotgun-style” method of governing.

He mainly wants “to be part of the process” of government. “If my campaign doesn’t pan out, I wouldn’t mind working with the future administration in some other capacity,” Lee said.

As for a campaign platform, Lee said he would like to bring a “balanced, accountable voice” to ASPSU, and “would probably run as an average Joe.” He is currently looking for a running mate, and asks that any interested parties contact him at [email protected].