This year 34 candidates are running for 23 Associated Student Inc. positions varying from senator to president. ASI President Naomi Rodriguez is not running for re-election.
"I am not running again and I do say that with my heart in my hands," Rodriguez said in a senate meeting early this month. "I do believe in shared leadership and it is time for a new leader to step up."
Andwele Harper, who wants to replace Rodriguez, went a step beyond passing out campaign flyers by creating his own website. It can be accessed at www.csulb.edu/~aharper, and includes things such as Harper's resume and his action plan for CSULB.
Harper's action plan includes starting a committee in charge of creating on-line internet forums for each of CSULB's seven colleges, used to post information for students about activities within the campus.
Harper will have to compete against College of Liberal Arts Senator Christy Zamani.
Senator of Health and Human Services Toby Sexton, who has a high regard for CSULB, is running for ASI vice-president.
"This campus is diverse. It gives people who have not come from a different background a chance to experience a mixed culture," Sexton said.
To help the candidates gain more publicity the Elections Commission voted March 9 to allow potential office holders to advertise on-line by sending their campaign slogans to students who have a CSULB e-mail account.
According to Director of Student Life and Development Stuart Farber, the commission did not discuss any potential privacy violations of giving out e-mail addresses for advertising.
All candidates will debate the issues important to them on Wednesday at noon in the South Plaza of the University Student Union.
The candidates will take questions from the audience. Students are encouraged to come and bring their concerns.