Click here to visit the Emerald’s Campus Elections Homepage. Listen to candidate interviews and watch election video.
Name: Samantha Brotman
Age: 20
Desired position: Senate Seat 15
Major: International studies
Hometown: Mercer Island, Wash.
Year in school: Junior
Criminal charges: None
Platform summary: Brotman is with the campus improvement slate, whose main goals are to cut costs, expand services, and build community. Brotman supports the idea of an ASUO-run book exchange. Brotman also wants to make HPV vaccines more available with subsidies.
Qualifications: Brotman said she has participated in high school youth groups and clubs, was vice president in the residence halls, is the current president of Oregon Hillel, and a founding member of the Middle East Club.
Reasons for applying: Brotman said she loves leadership and is passionate about her major.
Role of student government in local, state and federal politics: Brotman said the ASUO should be a voice for students because not every student has the time, resources or desire to go to Capitol Hill or Salem. She also thinks the ASUO should make sure the city, state and federal government are doing everything they can for students.
Should the Student Senate have a clearly defined ethics policy: Yes, Brotman said it’s important not to leave a gray area.
How to ensure representation of constituents: Brotman said she would like to talk with students as they fill out instructor reviews, and encourage the use of Web sites to rate teachers.