Just several months ago, the distant idea of running for ASUO Executive with my vice presidential running mate and friend, Johnny Delashaw, became a reality. In a short time, we won our election and worked diligently to recruit an executive staff that will assist us in delivering our campaign platform and goals. I am excited about the months ahead and pledge my full commitment to the best interests of the student body. Over the course of our association’s history, we have maintained a high level of autonomy and self-governance that I will vigorously work to preserve and protect. Our ability to assess an incidental fee for the cultural and physical development of the University community is an essential component of fostering a positive and meaningful campus environment. The ASUO has maintained a strong tradition of political activism and civic engagement; specifically, we have been leaders in registering record-numbers of students to vote in state and federal elections.
The ASUO can present a strong voice when students register and vote. The Student Vote Coalition has been an important part of the voter registration campaign here at Oregon. The power of the student-led coalition lies within its ability to mobilize students as a single voice advocating for our issues. Another organization working with the ASUO is the Oregon Student Association. The OSA has helped to facilitate the non-partisan Student Vote Coalition. While many registration campaigns that can be seen on campus will not maintain a presence after Oct. 14, the Student Vote Coalition, OSA and the ASUO will continue to support student concerns in the legislature throughout the year.
I want to firmly state that no information collected during the voter registration campaign will leave campus or will be misused in anyway. The ASUO serves as a representative of the student body. We want to make sure your full trust can be placed in everything we are doing. I assure every student on campus that we will not abuse your trust or violate your privacy. Not one student phone number or e-mail address will be given out to any off-campus group.
As an enrolled student, you are an automatic member of ASUO and have complete access to hundreds of different campus programs and activities funded through the student incidental fee. I hope each of you takes the opportunity to explore the wonderful events and activities that members of student programs work hard to direct and coordinate. It was not until I became involved with student government that I came to recognize the great programming that student groups bring to our campus. This type of extracurricular activity makes the college experience truly invaluable. Johnny and I look forward to working with students from every part of campus to advocate on behalf of the student body. I welcome your most honest and constructive feedback as we work throughout the year. Feel free to come by the ASUO or contact me at any time.
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