First of all, if you are annoyed by the dozens of students volunteering their time for weeks in order to represent YOU next year, I have little sympathy. Candidates running for all positions put off class work, social lives and personal priorities in order speak one-on-one with students; in order so they may further put off class work, social lives, and personal priorities to work on behalf of students for an entire year.
I cannot speak to the motives of Sam and Johnny, but I know that Kari and Jesse are not running to bolster their résumés. Kari has served on the Oregon Association of Student Councils Student Executive Council, and more recently has served as a co-director in the Multicultural Center. Through these positions, she has spoken often for underrepresented populations: students and minorities.
Likewise, Jesse has been quintessential in sustainability efforts on this campus, and he has represented us regionally as well. Along with the ASUO staff, Jesse lobbied in Salem on short notice a few weeks ago to represent students whose voice has been disregarded in the basketball arena issue. Through their testimony, they swayed two votes in students’ favor. Neither Kari nor Jesse need this title to sway future employers that they are leaders. Both are committed, well-educated, and sincere human beings. They deserve your vote (and your two seconds on the street this week) because they are interested in what YOU have to say.
Briana Orr
University Student