Name: Nick Gower
Position: ASUO Vice President
Briefly explain your platform.
It isn’t focusing on politicizing the races. The things and issues affecting students are apolitical.
What qualities and experience qualify you to be ASUO vice president?
I have a large amount of experience on a broad spectrum. I serve as academic senator for architecture and allied arts, psychology and music majors. I serve on student faculty committees, the scholastic reviews committee and the university hearings board. I am a member of Greek Life in Delta Tau Delta fraternity and a part-time student paying his way through school.
What are your thoughts on the purpose and size of the student incidental fee?
We’re in a time of financial crisis. Students are facing a financial burden. With the I-fee, we must keep student programming and essential services like LTD. As far as expansion, we won’t advocate for things we can’t pay for.
What do you see as the vice president’s role in the ASUO?
The role is inter-disciplinary but a main role is communicating with Senate. The vice president is an ex-officio member. This year there was trouble with the communication with Senate, and that creates barriers throughout the year that turn into a political battle of Senate versus executive.
How would you fund the LTD bus service?
We have to balance priorities. We’re stuck with two things: Do we value LTD or are we willing to sacrifice student tickets? This is really realistic and pragmatic. I value student tickets, but the safety issues with late-night buses makes them a priority.
Should OSPIRG return to campus, and if so, what form should it take?
I advocated for OSPIRG being cut because of a lack of transparency in funding. If you can find a way for OSPIRG to be accountable for its funding so the money we spend will be directed by university students, not split up, I am for it. If that means creating a program, that’s great. We just can’t have duplications of services.