Oregon Daily Emerald: Why don’t we start with your name.
Gonzalez: Alexander Gonzalez.
Emerald: And what’s your major?
Gonzalez: Sociology and ethnic studies. Does it matter if ethnic studies is not declared?
Emerald: Uh, no. And what’s your class standing?
Gonzalez: Good. What do you . . .?
Emerald: (Laughing) Oh, I’m sorry. Freshman?
Gonzalez: I would be a sophomore.
Emerald: A sophomore, OK. And why are you running for this position?
Gonzalez: To, I don’t know, be a voice. I’m an informed student who’s seen a lot of viewpoints and I think being an advisor to the president would be beneficial to the students.
Emerald: And are you involved with other activities on campus right now?
Gonzalez: Yeah. I’m involved with Students for Peace. And I’ve work with the Multicultural Center and other community groups.
Emerald: Could you tell me a little bit about what ASPAC does exactly and why it’s important?
Gonzalez: Well, it provides a student voice to the administration. A much needed student voice due to — the administration is somewhat separate from the university as a whole and ASPAC is sort of a check to the administration and also they are a bridge from students and the administration who are, could be considered to be in their own world, but that bridge needs to be there.
Emerald: And what would you say are some of the most important issues affecting students you hope to represent?
Gonzalez: Tuition, diversity building, students rights and accountability.
Emerald: Do you want to elaborate on any of these, like why exactly you think they’re important?
Gonzalez: Well, I mean, I think education is by far the most important. It can move you up economically so, to the next level, and I mean, if tuition goes up there will be a certain majority that won’t be able to afford college and the University doesn’t provide night classes so it’s not like they can work during the day and then go to class at night. And that group needs, is the one who really wants to be in school because they are working for it, too. Working one job or two jobs to make it.
Emerald: Anything else you’d like to add?
Gonzalez: No, I don’t know.
Emerald: All right, that should be it.
(recording stops. Candidate starts talking again. Reporter resumes recording)
Emerald: Do you want to say that again?
Gonzalez: I’d also like to bring other alternative education to the university.
Emerald: When you say alternative education, what do you mean by that?
Gonzalez: Not the standard, you know lecture classroom, maybe more discussion or an area of discussion, maybe relating to current events or issues.
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