By snoadmin
Candidates running for ASI positions talked to students about their campaigns during the Meet and Greet event Tuesday at the Southwest Terrace. They talked about why they are running for student government and what they plan to do if chosen next week during elections.
According to Kim Hinckson, assistant director of student lobbying for Associated Students, Inc., the Meet and Greet turned out well. It was intended for students to “stop and go,” giving them a chance to meet several candidates.
“People are coming for the pizza,” said Juliana Wis, a candidate for senator of the College of Liberal Arts. Wis said she only talked with a few people.
Viridiana Sanchez, one of the candidates for treasurer, and Lucy Montano, who is running for the vice president position, said the event was a great way to get more publicity for the candidates.
But Keith Schwanemann, a sophomore environmental science and policy major, said he talked to some of the candidates, but the Meet and Greet was not productive.
“If more people came out, it could be helpful,” he said.
The event also brought out campaign managers. Meli Duque, campaign manager for Joel Barber, a presidential candidate, said the campaigns get serious and expensive. Besides the Meet and Greet, Duque said a lot of candidates reach students through MySpace and Facebook.
Barber said he wants to build a stronger sense of community on campus and to inform students about how student fees are being spent. He said he was not discouraged by the lack of student interest at the Meet and Greet.
“There is a low turnout,” Barber said. “But that is what happens in these situations.”
Christopher Chavez, another candidate for vice president, said he has had a lot of support from the ASI Senate. He said the vice president position has a lot of responsibility.
Another Meet and Greet will be held from noon to 1 p.m. today at the Southwest Terrace.
Additionally, the Executive Candidates Debate will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. today in the University Student Union Room 224.
