Posted on 15 April 2009

By Staff Writer: Laura Plantholt

The ASUSF Senate race is on, and this year three candidates are running for president, which may lead to a much more involved campaigning process than last year when current President Alex Platt, ran unopposed. This spring, Platt is running for reelection, along with opposing candidates Jon Coon and Bobby Marquez, who are currently off-campus representatives.

The increased competition may have sparked some of the candidates’ decisions to create websites to campaign for their positions. Coon and Platt both have websites which they are promoting with outlets such as Facebook and Twitter. Perhaps inspired by U.S. President Barack Obama’s innovative web campaign, the new online presence allows USF student voters to get to know and interact with their candidates more than a paper campaign flier would allow.

Platt’s website, PlattForPres.com, features sections with a biography, campaign promises for next year, and a blog on campaign updates. She uses a brightly colored logo and many photos from her various endeavors at USF, from working with USFtv, shooting a music video for Wyclef Jean, to posing on the set of the College Players’ production of the Vagina Monologues.

Coon’s website, WhoIsJonCoon.com, uses the campaign slogan “Who is Jon Coon?” to define himself as a student and candidate. Coon’s site includes a biography, an extensive description of why he is running for ASUSF president, a link to his personal blog where voters can learn more about him, and even videos for people to see him in action. Coon’s website and campaign is being run by successful nightclub promoter and USF junior Tom Roche.

Marquez took the traditional option of creating a Facebook group for which he lists the many organizations supporting him and list of his campaign promises, including an offer to spend $2,000 of his would-be stipend to host an event for USF students. The president’s total stipend is $7,000.

All of these online platforms allow USF voters to question and interact with their candidates. Maybe this spring’s elections, running April 23-27, will actually draw a voter turnout above last year’s ten percent.

Posted on 15 April 2009

By Staff Writer: Letter to the Editor

Hello USF!

I am your Associated Student President for ASUSF Senate.

With elections fast approaching, I wanted to reintroduce myself and highlight some of Senate’s accomplishments so far this year.

If you are unaware of Senate’s purpose as an organization, our primary function is to serve as the voice of you, the students. With 31 representatives, including myself, we span every class, college, and age group of USF undergraduates.

Every year, Senate helps to respond to and resolve important issues on campus.

We have regular presentations from administrators on the status of USF, including those from Father President Privett, and Margaret Higgins, Vice President of University Life.

Students are always invited to Senate to bring issues to light.

Our Senators have worked with their constituents this year on everything from safety concerns on campus, to community engagement and involvement.

In each instance that Senate offers a statement or resolution, Senators take the issue back to their specific constituent groups.

In doing this, they gain a greater understanding and perspective of how their fellow students feel and to uncover any potential concerns.

When the Senate reconvenes to make a final decision, each Senator presents the thoughts of their constituents.

Voting occurs after a thorough discussion has taken place, and the Senators’ votes reflect the collective opinion of their represented student group.

Our recommendation for change is taken to the administration, and is always taken very seriously.
We have an incredible potential to create change, made more possible with help from the input of the student body.

Two notable resolutions on campus this year are the:

*Tuition Resolution, encouraging the University to keep this past December’s tuition increase at the lowest possible level

*Crossroads Resolution, extending the hours of Thursday and Friday evenings in Crossroads to 2:30 a.m.
As the President, I sit on the Board of Trustees. After passed by Senate I presented the Tuition Resolution to the Board and University Life Committee to encourage the University to put the students first, and keep tuition at a low.

It was taken seriously, and influenced the Board of Trustees to keep the increase at an all time low.

The Crossroads Resolution was presented by your Sophomore Class Representatives Patrick Sudlow and Lansen Leu, as a way to meet the need of a safe late-night social space on campus.

They coordinated with Crossroads and Bon Appetit to specify times for their trial run of the extended hours through April.

Senate campaigning for next year is in full swing this week, and voting will begin April 27 through April 30 online.

Senate is here for you. Voting helps make sure that your voice is heard in every step of the process. It only takes a few minutes. Know your candidates.

Vote. If you have any questions about Senate, stop by our office in UC 100, attend one of our weekly Tuesday meetings from 6-8 p.m., or email me at aplatt@usfca.edu.

Sincerely,
Alex Platt

“Today I am announcing the Last of My top picks today I am endorsing Alex Platt because of her hard work and dedication I believe that she is a leader that wants change a leader to create new and better opportunity. If it was not for alex I would not be half of a man that I am now. Her dedication speaks for us all I believe that the change is finally happening. Vote For Alex and you will not have regrets.” – Nick Baradello

Thank you Nick. I will do what I can to live up to your high opinion of me, and reach out to those who may doubt that I can do this job the best of the current candidates.

We’ve got cookies, lollipops, anything your heart could desire.

Posters will be up around campus, and keep your eyes peeled for Alex around campus!

Campaign for the 2009-2010 Senate begins this week!

Voting will be April 27-30th, so check back for updates on where everything will be located!

RE-ELECT ALEX FOR PRESIDENT!

Check around campus for Alex!