Candidates set for round 2

The race is on for the office of Associated Students Inc. treasurer, and each candidate has guaranteed innovative change if he is elected.

Justin Ramirez, the current senator for the College of Liberal Arts, and Sal Ayon both contend their ideas will get the campus community more involved in the university.

"My platform consists of a proactive movement to incorporate students to have a better link to the A.S. government," said Ayon, a junior majoring in Chicano studies and political science. "Communication is the key."

If elected, Ayon said he would hold a forum with the student government where students can have a say as to where their money goes.

Ramirez, a political science major, has the same idea but plans a different approach.

Ramirez has built a Web site where students can download treasury files on spending funds and voice concerns and ideas via e-mail.

Both candidates also want to improve the student survey, an annual survey created by the A.S.I. treasurer. The survey helps find out what students want their fees spent on.

By talking to organizations and alumni, Ramirez said he could create a more in-depth survey.

Ayon disagreed, adding that speaking to the average student in addition to using the survey can be more effective than the survey alone.

Ayon's goal is to give students a louder voice in A.S.I., while Ramirez wants to increase school pride.

"That's what I want to do here," Ramirez said, "to strengthen pride and to help students get involved."

Ramirez said he plans to increase visibility for campus sporting events, a goal he had accomplished at St. Anthony High School in Long Beach where he was student body president.

Both candidates said they are better for the job because of the ideas they represent.

"I represent diversity," Ayon said. "It's not where you come from, it's where you're at. I'm at a very diverse school."

Experience is what Ramirez said makes him the more qualified candidate.

"I know the executive side, the treasurer side and the A.S. side," Ramirez said. "I have the experience right now."

Run-off elections are scheduled today and tomorrow. Polling booths will be at University Library from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., University Bookstore from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., the ramp base at the College of Business Administration from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and near Lot 11 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.