· To start: I think it is important to know who exactly is running for each office. The role of USUSA president is between Ian Anderson, Miles Brooks, and Trevor Olsen. Thomas Buttars, Nick Carlson, and Jeff Fonnesbeck are running for executive vice president. And lastly Andy Arnes, Nadir Tekarli, and Ashley Waddoups are running for student advocate.
· One topic that was discussed heavily by all candidates was transparency when it comes to student fees. Cambridge’s online dictionary defines transparency as “a situation in which business and financial activities are done in an open way without secrets, so that people can trust that they are fair and honest.”
· Another aspect repeatedly examined was how all the candidates are planning on helping students actively search out what specific fees they are paying for each semester, and how the school can make that information more available to the public.
· For a “USUSA Candidate DEBATE and Straw Pull” there wasn’t much debating going on.
· The only thing close to a debate was between Student Advocate candidates Nadir Tekarli and Ashley Waddoups on the student resource tool called “MyVoice” which can be found on each individual student’s MyUSU. Tekarli believed that “MyVoice” was a great tool for students to get their voices and opinions heard, while Waddoups believes that there are many improvements to be made with that program and she personally had heard many student complain that their complaints and questions are never answered.
· At the end of the debate there was a straw pull to help get an idea of whom the student body is planning on voting for. Here are the results:
President
1st Place – Trevor Olsen – 53%
2nd Place – Miles Brooks – 33%
3rd Place – Ian Andersen – 14%
Executive Vice President
1st Place – Nick Clason – 51%
2nd Place – Thomas Buttars – 35%
3rd Place – Jeff Fonnesbeck – 8%
Student Advocate Vice President
1st Place – Ashley Waddoups – 49%
2nd Place – Andy Arnes – 37%
3rd Place – Nadir Tekarli – 14%
· Last Point I’d like to make is that all the candidates running are well-rounded, highly intelligent and put together individuals that would each make an excellent choice for your vote and to remember that Elections Week will begin Monday, February 23. Please refer to the schedule below to keep up with all events and debates!
RHA Town Hall: Wednesday, February 18 7 p.m. – ESLC 120
Greek Town Hall: Monday, February 23 5 p.m. – TSC Ballroom
The Final Candidate Debate: Tuesday, February 24 5:30 p.m – TSC Hub (Sponsored by the USU Statesman)
President’s Debate: Wednesday, February 25 11:30 a.m. – TSC Hub
