The first announced slate of candidates in the 2008 ASUO elections will focus on bringing greater diversity, outreach, transparency and sustainability to the ASUO, organizers of the slate said Friday.
Oregon Action Team is managed by ASUO Senate Administrative Assistant Derek Nix. EMU Board Member Tony Mecum will be the assistant campaign manager and EMU Board Member Michelle Haley will be a campaign spokeswoman. All three plan to be candidates as well.
Transparency and outreach to the greater student body are the basis for the candidates’ platform. Haley said she wants to see regular blog postings to the ASUO Web site, a more prominently placed ASUO calendar and meeting minutes published online.
Changing the behavior of those in the ASUO is important too, Haley said.
“If you’ve ever attended a Senate meeting, it’s kind of a zoo,” she said. “It’s important to treat everyone with professionalism and respect.”
According to Nix, Sean Jin of the Veterans and Family Student Association will run on the slate.
Nix himself plans to run for a Senate seat on the Programs Finance Committee, he said.
The slate may have a presidential and vice presidential ticket, Nix said.
“We have had a few Exec offers and we are weighing our candidates,” he said.
Nix supports making ethnic studies a University department.