Anyone can decide to run for a position, promise ideas and get elected. What counts is everything after being elected. I am currently a two-term senator-at-large and this year I had the opportunity to sit on the Board of Control as pro-tempore under the treasurer.
This board conducts all business involving student fees collected each semester. This board makes important decisions and conflicts of interest always arise. As a member, I have always looked for the best interest of the students and made sure their money was being properly allocated.
Every student thinks, “Why should I care about this election, or even about ASI?” When I talk to my constituents, most students always say, “What has ASI done for me?” Many students don’t even know what ASI is or what we do, but there is so much that ASI contributes to this campus that most people are unaware of.
It is ASI’s mission statement to serve the students and I feel ASI should hold more responsibility in bringing its services to the students.
ASI treasurer is a big responsibility and I know that I am qualified for the position. In the following years, ASI will need people who know what they are doing as ASI is also being hurt by the economy.
I have already been working with the current ASI treasurer and understand it will be a tough year for the budget. I understand all the aspects of ASI and the university, and know the capabilities of the position.
Initiatives as treasurer:
• Work the ASI budget concurrently with the Treasurer’s Survey conducted; This survey gives the best representation of what the students really want of their funds being spent.
• Create fundraising workshops for student organizations with fundraising ideas, more opportunities, or even how to successfully run a fundraiser.
• Create a pamphlet/guide for new or turnover student organizations who need guidance working with ASI and the university.
• Improve the publicity of student-led events holding ASI to more responsibility in publicizing these.
• Improve relations with the STAR/SOAR program so that students can get involved with ASI and all aspects of campus community life earlier in college.
• Move forward the initiative for Distance Learning, providing more online classes, alleviating classroom space and creating more sections.
• Advocating a Campus Bike Campaign because our bicycle community is growing.
