2011 ASLCC Voter’s Information
Candidate's Statements and Ballot Measure Information

• Elections have now closed, results will be posted soon

Voting on May 3, 4, 5, 2011

President/Vice President (unopposed, vote for 1 or write in)

Mario Parker-Milligan/Jenny Lor: Just Like You
Mario and Jenny are students Just Like You.  They will work to build a stronger ASLCC student government- one that works for and with ALL STUDENTS.  Mario and Jenny are fighting to protect the student voice and resources we depend on most. They are fighting for improved, adequately staffed financial aid services, expanding LTD routes, creating a safer and more inclusive campus, and will continue to fight for affordable tuition on a campus, state, and national level. Vote for students Just Like You who envision a college campus where students can be students. Vote Mario and Jenny, ASLCC President & Vice President.

If you wish to vote for a write-in candidate for president, click on space on the ballot that says “write in” and write the names of the persons you wish to vote for in the comment box.

Treasurer (unopposed, vote for 1 or write in)

Tracy Weimer: I have been a student at Lane since winter term of 2009 and I am interested in becoming your associated student government Treasurer (or Financial Director as it may come to be known).  I am only a few credits away from finishing the first degree in my family. I will be completing my AAS in Accounting this summer. During my time at LCC, I have discovered that I may have the drive – to seek out the opportunity – to pursue a transfer degree.
As the current Communications Director for the ASLCC, I have had the honor of representing this college at the state level by volunteering to be the OCCSA board “minute taker.” Sigma Zeta knows me as 2009-10 Communications Officer and 2010-11 V.P. Many graduating students may recognize my face or my name from classes. If not, let me give you a few highlights on who I am and why I want to do this job:

• I am a non-traditional student and the mother of two grown sons.
• I can offer the experience, patience, and resolve to do the job.
• I LOVE cost coding, job costing, account reconciliation, spreadsheets, and formal reports. I spent 4 years in a construction office in California doing detailed breakdowns of expenses and time sheets.
• Your student government is in desperate need of some financial transparency and a current report at every meeting. I can offer that in a nice readable spreadsheet.

If you wish to vote for a write-in candidate for treasurer, click on space on the ballot that says “write in” and write the names of the persons you wish to vote for in the comment box.

Multicultural Program Coordinator (3 candidates, vote for 1 or write in).

Diego Davis: We live in a world full of many cultures, though our cultures may be different it is really important for us to work together and understand our diversity and as a first step we need to be aware of our cultural differences and similarities. As your multicultural Programs Coordinator I will work with students and groups to bring cultural awareness to our campus through cultural events, forums and workshops. I thank you for your vote.

Judicael Ouermi (Tajo): I am an international student from Burkina Faso (West Africa). I strongly believe that my involvement with the different groups has prepared me for the Multicultural Program Coordinator position. In high school, I was the chairman of the committee responsible for organizing cultural events. Here in Eugene, I am involved with the Black Student Union, the International Student Program, the Feminist Group for Action at LCC, and the African Student Association at the UO. If elected, I will endeavor to accomplish the following:

• Promote Diversity: Every year, LCC recruits students from various cultural backgrounds and walks of life. As a result, we have a rich diversity on our campus. I will intensify outreach efforts so that this diversity is harnessed by student groups and clubs.
• Lobby for an affordable Education: In the last few years, the cost of education has skyrocketed and as a consequence it is out of reach for most people. Education is a right, not a privilege. Therefore, using the influence afforded by my position, and with your support, I will fight for more educational funding.
• Advocacy: Aside from the issue of ever increasing cost of education, there are other concerns that both domestic and international students have. I will use my position as a platform to bring these to the attention of the authorities.

Note: If you would like to be well represented and see positive changes in on-campus cultural events, consider voting for Judicael Ouermi (tajo).

Veronica Lefaver: My goal is to help out with financial situations. For example, as many of us agree, and as many have tried, I want to work on getting our book prices lowered; even look into stating how professors can get books that aren't so expensive. We as students end up using most of our funds for books and in some cases can't afford for a food card here at Lane. It may not be such a big deal but when we deal with long days here, it is necessary.  Also, I would like to look more into promoting scholarships for the students who qualify. Many students are not aware of the help or resources that are available here at Lane.  Thank You,

If you wish to vote for a write-in candidate for Multicultural Program Corrdinator, click on space on the ballot that says “write in” and write the names of the persons you wish to vote for in the comment box.

Senators

Lucas Armenta: I’m committed to keeping LCC one of the best places to get an education by creating an environment that supports diversity, academics and student life. I will make sure that the student activity fee money is not wasted and that we create programs and services that directly benefit the students. I will maintain an open line of communication from the students to the senate to make sure the students’ voice is heard in every decision we make.

Danielle Brandon: As a first year LCC student I was unfamiliar with the policies and government until about one month ago when an unfortunate event led to an opportunity to initiate change, which in turn, inspired me to run for ASLCC Senator.
At the end of Winter term 2011, I accidently left all my art and supplies in a classroom in the Art Department over spring break, and according to policy, my art had been recycled and my supplies given away. Realizing that there was nothing I could do to get my belongings back, I decide to try and change the policy so this doesn’t happen to anyone else at LCC. After few weeks of talking to LCC officials, they agreed to make a new policy that will give students a second chance to get their belongings. Initiating this change in policy has really inspired me to continue working for the students here at Lane Community College through the ASLCC as a Senator.  
As a Senator I will work to lower tuition, I’ll lobby against financial aid cuts, I’ll encourage new programs that will help our students be successful and support existing programs that already doing just that.  As a student I’m extremely organized, responsible and highly motivated and as a Senator I will use my strengths to help Lane Community College become an even better place for all of its students. If I can change a policy by myself, imagine what I’ll be able to do representing you in the Senate.

Thomas Fiorelli: I am a dedicated political science student at Lane Community College and candidate for Student Senate. As students, I believe that we all share similar goals and desires: to successfully graduate from college and take positions as tomorrow's leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs. Most of us have been directly affected by the nation's economy, and many have bravely transitioned here from years in previous trades and professions. Additionally, nearly all of us were guided through the process and have been afforded this opportunity because of resources that were provided by our families, volunteers, the government, and our community. As students, I believe it is imperative we succeed in meeting the demands that we have set for ourselves; not only for professional success and the individual pride that we take from it, but for the future of our children as well, and the benefit of the community. Our rights and resources have never been more crucial to our success, or more at risk. Consequently, strong student representation has never been more needed to preserve them. As students, our voice must be well articulated, unified, and must clearly define our needs. As a Student Senator, I will work diligently to ensure that our voice is heard, our concerns are addressed, and that the means of achieving the American dream are protected and remain in tact. I'm asking you for your help in achieving our goals, for your voice, for your participation, and for your vote!

Alphonso Macias: Salutation to all students of Lane Community College. I, Alfonso Macias, am running for a Senator position for the second time. If elected, my priorities include lowering tuition, affordable text books, more financial aid, and become an advocate and voice for the student at Lane Community College. I will represent you all on campus in a local, state, and national level. With my knowledge and experiences, I can share all that important information to the new ASLCC (Student Government) group of 2011-2012 academic years. I have always and always will dedicate my time on the issues and concerns that students have from a short to a long term stage. I’m very passionate about the senator position because as a Lane student, I got tired of hearing about more budget and financial aid cuts to our post secondary education and the rise of inequality issue. That’s why I stepped up and fought for student rights. An example of that is lobbying our state senators and representative from Oregon and letting them know that we need to invest more money into our education. This includes supporting the Oregon Opportunity Grant, which is the only funding we get after filling our FAFSA. In addition, I want to promote equality on our campus by representing all students including the people of color, the LGBTQ community, and the students that want to succeed through LCC. As your senator, I will contribute my leadership, communication, dedication, and passion from senator to student. Thank you for reading my Bio and remember your vote makes a difference for the future of ASLCC and Lane Community College. Thank you

Corinne Mooney: I thought college was a place where I would be free to make my own choices in my education, but I’ve realized it’s truly not the case as we are all fit into snug boxes to fulfill “general requirements.” But, having done some “general” classes and transferring to Lane, I have been left to wonder: Why were my transferred English, art, and communication classes overlooked? Are ENG101 and ENG121 really all that different? Is there any intercollegiate communication?
I want to represent the students of LCC as a senator because I want to participate in decisions that can help make education more convenient and accessible. I aspire to problem solve, think critically, and make a difference in our educational journeys by getting involved and having my voice heard at Lane.

Jasmine Rivera: My name is Jasmine Rivera, and I am running for senator to voice all students’ opinions and concerns here at Lane Community College. I have been a part of the Latino Student Union (LSU), and I currently hold the Communications position. I have been involved in Tuition Equity, North west Student Leadership Conference (NWSLC), LSU, MECh@, and I am currently interning in the Political Science department where I will be working with the Oregon Students of Color Coalition (OSCC). I am really dedicated to being involved and completing a project that has been brought to me. I only have everyone’s best interest in mind. I am a very motivated person, I enjoy hearing what others have to say, and I try to help in any way I can. I have had many leadership experiences that I could bring and share with the rest of the senate. I want to improve the campus by attending other student organizations and being involved with their projects. I would appreciate your vote and really look forward to being one of your ASLCC senators.  Thank you.

Veronica Rodriguez: My goal is to help out with financial situations. For example, as many of us agree, and as many have tried, I want to work on getting our book prices lowered; even look into stating how professors can get books that aren't so expensive. We as students end up using most of our funds for books and in some cases can't afford for a food card here at Lane. It may not be such a big deal but when we deal with long days here, it is necessary.  Also, I would like to look more into promoting scholarships for the students who qualify. Many students are not aware of the help or resources that are available here at Lane.

If you wish to vote for a write-in candidate for senator, click on space on the ballot that says “write in” and write the names of the persons you wish to vote for in the comment box.

2011 ASLCC Ballot measures

Election Results Advisory.  The Board of Education Policy D.090 provides as follows:  Students may be assessed a mandatory fee for the purpose of supporting a board approved student-initiated program.  The board will approve those student-initiated programs that it determines provide educational value to the students.  After board approval, the fee initiative will be placed on the ballot for the student elections.  The student election results, as they relate to the fee initiative, are advisory only.  After the student elections, the fee initiative will come before the board for final approval or disapproval.

Note:  If all measures were to be approved, the Mandatory Student Activity fee would increase from $46.25 to $49.75.

Proposed Ballot Measures:

MEASURE - Athletics

Question:  Sports continue at the current level of $12?

Explanation: Funding for Athletics and Recreational Sports at the current level of $12, per student, per term, was passed in 2009 with the stipulation that the fee be reaffirmed by student vote every two years beginning 2011. 
The Recreational Sports Program currently serves over 6,000 students per year with on and off-campus events.  The Athletic programs currently serve over 180 full-time students.  If approved, the Athletics and Recreational Sports program will maintain the current recreational sport opportunities for students and their families, and allow the remaining intercollegiate sport programs to offer comparable programs to the thirty-nine NWAACC Colleges. 

MEASURE – OSPIRG

MEASURE – OSPIRG (note, approval of this measure does not result in a fee increase, it maintains the current level of funding, and will be reaffirmed every three years).

Question:  Shall the Student Activity fee for support the student-run OSPIRG organization be continued at the current level of $3?

Explanation:  OSPIRG comes up for reaffirmation by student vote every three years.  The Oregon Student Public Interest Research Group (OSPIRG) offers students in Oregon the means to study and act on the problems facing society, engaging them on issues such as environmental protection, social justice advocacy, and consumer rights. Recently, OSPIRG has been working locally to alleviate hunger and homelessness, to make textbooks more affordable, to make politicians pay attention to student voters by registering them and turning them out to vote, to protect forests and clean up rivers, and to protect the rights of renters.

MEASURE – Learning Garden

Question:  Shall the Student Activity fee be increased $0.50 to provide funding for the student-run Learning Garden?

Explanation:  If approved, this measure would increase the student activity by $0.50, per student, per term.  
A $0.50 increase will enable the Learning Garden Club to hire part time staff to manage Learning Garden activities. This staff position will increase organization and efficiency of garden operations, maximizing productivity. The members of the Learning Garden Club have collected more than 150 signatures of current Lane Community College students in favor of this measure. There have been over 300 students involved in working at the garden since its inception in Spring Term 2006.The Learning Garden is an essential part of Lane Community College’s core value of Sustainability and has received national attention in KIWI Magazine’s “Green College Report” as well as an Outstanding Commitment Award at the 2009 Clinton Global Initiative University. It is essential that the Learning Garden Club receive this funding to continue to grow and provide learning and leadership opportunities for students across a wide range of disciplines. The Learning Garden Club will continue to diligently seek additional funding through grants, community support, and other outside sources.

MEASURE – Veterans Center

Question: Shall the Student Activity fee be increased $1.00 to provide funding for the Student Military and Veterans Center?

Explanation: If approved, this measure would increase the student activity by $1.00, per student, per term. 
A $1.00 increase will enable the Military and Veterans Center to provide space and support for veterans and their families. The current number of military service personnel, veterans (& their families) that will be enrolled in LCC this fall is estimated at over 900 students.  The grant funding that has been supporting the current veterans program runs out in June. This fee would allow for the continuation of services past the June 2011 projected grant funding end date. Funds raised by this increase in the student activity fee could be used as matching funds to secure grants to improve the services available. Right now military and veteran's seeking to use the resource computer find themselves in a cubicle outside the restrooms. This fee would provide for a permanent meeting/gathering space for currently serving, veteran, family, and supporters of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Proposed changes to the ASLCC Constitution
Note:  The ASLCC Senate is referring 3 proposed changes to the ASLCC constitution to improve their organization and service delivery.  None of these changes result in an increase to budget or alter the amount of the activity fee. 

-Shall the ASLCC Constitution (article 4.1) be changed so that the current position of Treasurer be changed to Finance Director?

-Shall the ASLCC Treasurer (Finance Director) position be removed as an elected position under the ASLCC Constitution and placed within the Executive Staff?

-Shall a Student Finance Board be established under the ASLCC Constitution to evaluate the student activity fee?