Sara Hamilton
Age: 19
Majors: General Music and Political Science
Hometown: Klamath Falls, Oregon
Year: Sophomore
Emerald: Can you give me a summary of your platform?
Hamilton: My platform is organizational efficiency, to promote an accountable and efficient student government. To promote an efficient and accountable student government by encouraging organizational efficiency and fiscal responsibility with respect to the community and students.
Emerald: And what qualifies you for this position?
Hamilton: Well, I’ve worked a lot in the ASUO this term and last term. I’m interning this term. I’m president of an ASUO club. I’m in several student-faculty committees, so I already work on many of the issues that require tough decision making. I’m on a formal steering board, remember that, and the University of Oregon course committee. I also work part-time in Salem as a legislative aide to Rep. John Limm. I have a lot of personal experience. I’m ready to take on the ASUO.
Emerald: Why do you want the job?
Hamilton: Let me just say it this way: I think it’s safe to say that everybody wants a student government that’s accountable and efficient. The wrong move is to sit back and complain. The right move is to step up and do your own part. That’s how I view the situation.
Emerald: And in light of the ASUO retreat in Sunriver, what is the best way to ensure accountability in student leaders next year?
Hamilton: What is the best way to ensure accountability? You need a system that does not promote inside cover-ups, if that makes sense to you. A system that is comfortable with being unpopular with each other, and still working together to make good decisions for all students. But definitely not a system, which right now I do get the feeling, (that) does promote insider politics, which is not OK because that definitely encourages abuse of money.