ASUWB Elections: Vice-Presidential Candidate Interviews

Welcome back to coverage of ASUWB elections.  Voting begins today and goes through Wednesday of this week.  Last week The Husky Herald conducted interviews with the majority of candidates running for office; the only interview omissions are those candidates who did not respond or declined to interview.

We hope that this interview series will enable you make a more informed decision when voting this week.  Here are the interviews and platform statements for the Vice-Presidential candidates.

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Eliran Eretz-Kedosha’s Platform Statement

Hello, my name is Eliran Eretz-Kedosha and I will be your next ASUWB Vice President. Early this year, I got accepted into the CSS program and am set to graduate at the end of 2011. Along with being a full time student, I am also a student worker in the Office of Advancement maintaining the UW Bothell website.

I pledge to undertake all issues that are within my reach, but also strive to tackle things that are beyond what past Vice Presidents have achieved—I already have a few ideas pending. Firstly, I am well aware of the fact that printing services are very outdated and make printing before class very inconvenient.

Additionally, most of my classes are during the evening, but I still find that flexibility in schedule is lacking. One of the goals for next year is to create more online/hybrid classes as well as to create a smarter student schedule. Another service that will be offered to both daytime and evening students would be a healthier and wider variety of food options.

Other than the fact that I have progressive plans for the next year, I also excel in communication, problem solving, and planning ahead. I want you to know that I will do my best to represent you and maintain the responsibilities of your ASUWB Vice President.

So don’t forget to vote Eliran Eretz-Kedosha for Vice President and Hillary U for President. We’ve got you covered.

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Shahin Mortazavi’s Platform Statement

As an ASUWB Vice-President I will focus on three main goals. First, to expand the role of students in their school government and reaching ASUWB potential. Second, to create a bridge between students and ASUWB as well as the greater Bothell community. Finally, focusing on issues that are the most important to students. In expanding the role of students in their school government I will make it a priority to listen to the student body by engaging in discussions with anyone who wants their voice to be heard. Also by promoting students to part take in ASUWB activities and discussions. As Vice-President I will hope to expand our campus’s role  in both the Bothell community as well as the other two University of Washington’s campuses in order to create opportunities to diversify and build relaionships among students. Lastly, I will focus on current issues that are the most relevant to the student body such as greater food options on campus to the budget cuts facing our school. I have been actively involved with various activities and clubs throughout the school year and have seen the great potential of the student government, but I have yet to see what the student government can deliver to the student body.

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Maryam Soomro’s Platform Statement

This previous year, many of you voted for me to serve as your Executive Representative, and I am very thankful that you believed in me. I hope that you will put the same trust in me this year as I strive to continue bringing more positive changes to the UWB campus.

Having firsthand experience on ASUWB, I have acquired many qualities that make me more suitable to serve as your Vice President. I want a position where my voice will continue to speak for the thousands of students attending UWB. Along with experience, I bring many leadership attributes that make me the perfect candidate for this position. I have the persistence to fight for what the students want. This, along with my tenacity, will ensure that your voices are heard by the administration and staff at this campus.

I want to make your vision for UWB a reality as I continue to work on some of your concerns such as more food options, extended library hours, sports field and a permanent student activities center. I also want to continue building transparency between not only the administration but also the various student organizations on campus and the Bothell community. I have worked with the Chancellor and his team to get your voices heard, and when elected I will continue to do that.

You put your trust in me last year and now with more experience and even more determination I want to continue on this path and make sure that I attend to all the wants and needs of our UWB community.