USG gears up for elections

With United Student Government elections just around the corner, senators have prepared platforms to inform students of their prospective goals for their terms.

Current USG President Sara Garfinkle is running uncontested for re-election. USG President is responsible for speaking on various campus issues, organizing projects, and collaborating with organizations and other USG staff members. Garfinkle is running for seats on the College Senate and Student Assembly as well.

"Hello, I am Sara Garfinkle and I am an education major. As the President of USG I have worked hard on strengthening communication between students, organizations and USG.

I have produced monthly letters that have been emailed out to students to keep everyone up to date on what is happening. I have also sent numerous surveys to students to consider their views on a variety of topics so we can better represent them.

Under my legislation we increased the number of senate seats to 40 spots so the student body of 10,000 undergraduates would have a more appropriate number of representatives. So far this year I have worked on issues such as Bengal Pause and the NFTA cutbacks, and I have completed projects such as the escort van bus shelters, Bengal Connect and Gmail.

From meeting with members of administration I have addressed various issues that are at the forefront of students' minds. I have worked with Chartwells, members of the college administration, and the college senate to make sure all student voices are heard."

Running for USG treasurer are current senator Miguel Periera, and current vice-treasurer Justine Britten. USG treasurer is responsible for managing USG's finances, and allocating funds to various student organizations.

"Hello, my name is Miguel Pereira and I am a social studies education major. I have served as a USG senator for one full semester now and I understand the Buffalo State Community a lot more than I did as a transfer student last August.

This school year I have served on two different committees (community and budget) and I have learned a great deal from my peers and faculty.

I decided to run for this position because I want to help USG manage the budget for the school and build a better community for the students.

If elected, I plan to work with all students and organizations on campus. I want to make myself available for organizations and students who have questions about purchase orders or any budget concerns. I want to improve the community at Buffalo State College by bringing USG and students closer than ever."

"Hello friends, my name is Justine Britten and I am running to be USG's treasurer. I started as a USG senator in September, and I became USG's Vice Treasurer in October.

I decided to run for treasurer I wanted to make a change on this campus. I've committed to that decision since I first enrolled, and I am fighting to continue.

If elected to be treasurer, the interests of students will always be put first. I will make sure that every mandatory student activity dollar is accounted for and used most effectively.

This position is important for the student body and we deserve someone with experience and good intention. I will be here for every student, commuter or resident and make it a priority to assure that the student life they are paying for is worth it.

I'm fighting to make sure that every two years students want to pay an activity fee and are looking forward to enjoying it in the fiscal year. Let's help ourselves by making the smart choice."

Newcomers Annedrea Coleman and Andrea Wright are running for AVP for Student Life. AVP for Student Life helps to organize student events on campus and make sure the student activity fee goes toward meaningful programs.

"Hello, my name is Annedrea Coleman. If elected, my goal is to enhance the variety of activities while accommodating diversity in backgrounds, abilities, interests and career goals.

I would like to provide activities that enhance the social, cultural, and leadership development of a diverse student body. I also want to make a difference amongst the many populations who are under represented by making my peers more aware of the student support programs and services available to them.

I would like to see students more engaged. The major concern for students is the Mandatory Student Activity Fee. The activities being held are not activities the students are satisfied with.

Beside the movie series, game room and Spring Fest, where is the Mandatory Student Activity Fee is going for students who are not involved in USG clubs and organizations? While I am a supporter of USG student clubs and organizations, students should be given a tangible product for their Mandatory Student Activity Fee.

I have taken the time to view yearbooks of Buffalo State's past. I saw many things that were done that we are not seeing anymore. I feel as though we need to look back at our history in order to move forward and have the best potential experiences using the knowledge from the past.

Student Life is the world outside of the classroom, the times every student should remember in college, and I want to be the person to make that happen."

"Hello, My name is Andrea Wright and I am a transfer student and a junior here at Buffalo State College. I would like to seek the office of The Vice President for Student Life.

I have decided to run for this position because I feel I need to be more active in the student community. I would like all students to feel that I am a person they can count on to bring other students together in a professional and fun setting by throwing the best programs possible.

If elected, my goals for this position would be for the students to have fun and learn something at all programs being thrown. I would like to explore all options possible to enhance the amount of fun and interaction on campus. 

One concern that I want to address is student involvement. I think not enough students are involved; they have issues and concerns but go unheard because they don't know what to do to get involved.

I want to be the person who helps them achieve this. I want to appeal to all different kinds of students including transfers, commuters, residents, and non-traditional.

I also want people to make connections, meet new people and enjoy getting involved. Not everything has to be all work and no play. I want students to see that there are ways to fit fun and extra curricular activities into your schedule and still keep up with your work.

Lastly, I want to say I would be a great candidate to fit this position because I want to help students and organizations come together. I want to appeal to all students and make sure there's a way for everybody to have fun on campus.

I love this school and I just want to see the student body grow as a whole and be successful."

Other positions at large are AVP for communication, senator, and seats on the College Senate, College Council, Students Assembly, and Auxiliary Services Advisory Committee. Elections will begin at 12 am April 2, and end at 3:30 pm on April 5 on Bengal Connect.