I have issues with potential candidates running in the ASUO elections due to the fact that they are involved with special interest groups. The student government next year shouldn’t be full of special interest group members because they will not represent the entire student body. I want an ASUO that represents the entire student body on a professional and efficient manner.
One platform that is forming is full of OSPIRG members which will damage the ASUO. First, I am not OK with paying for the OSPIRG’s programming that happens off campus. Second, I am not OK with paying for their employees in Portland and Salem. Third, the fact that Jesse Hough resigned his position as OSPIRG president to run in the ASUO elections causes me great distress. If he would quit that position for another, who is to say he wont do it again. Giving OSPIRG $120,000 of student money for programming off campus should not be continued.
The inexperience and specialization that could occur next year in our government needs to be prevented. “Take Back Campus” was an introduction to such a platform which has full support from the current executive. They are putting the people they want in office on a platform and training them to combat any accusations of their past experience. These candidates are only interested in the groups of which they are a part and should not be put into office. Don’t let specialization occur in the ASUO.
Rebecca Lusk
University student