THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 1999

Candidates voice ideas

By Michelle Devera

On-Line Forty-Niner

Less than 100 students listened to campaign promises of a football team, concerts at The Pyramid and more student involvement as Associated Students Inc. candidates made their pitch Wednesday at the University Student Union.

"I was surprised it was here," said Michelle Simes, a multiple subject education master's candidate. "From what I saw, some of the candidates didn't even show up when [they were announced]. I thought that was kind of odd."

Woods, the current Daily Forty-Niner sports editor and first presidential candidate to speak, drew a few chuckles from the audience.

"I want to go to President [Robert] Maxson's office and say, 'Dude, what's up with the $63 dollar parking permit?'" Woods said.

Woods also pitched a textbook buyback rate increase and promoted bringing back a football team.

Robert Garcia, a current A.S.I. senator-at-large, pushed big name concerts at The Pyramid, "Beach pride" and a CSULB rewards card for his presidential campaign crusade.

"I'm a visionary leader," Garcia said. "During the first day of the week of welcome, I want to see huge balloon arches, signs, radio stations, cheerleaders and giveaways to say welcome back!"

Toby Sexton, the current A.S.I. vice president, echoed Woods' sentiments about football.

At one point during his presidential speech, four of Sexton's supporters rolled professional football banners across the stage as Sexton threw a football into the crowd.

"I've already started this process," Sexton said. "I've already talked to the director of athletics ... It's not something you can do in a year."

Other issues on Sexton's platform included the elimination of student textbook taxes and his prior political experience.

Other A.S.I. executive board candidates include: Sheryl "Shorty" Mauricio and Saundra Crumbley for vice president; and Rochelle Williams, Sal Ayon and Mosi Odom for treasurer.

While Mauricio advocated student government continuity, motivation and exposure, Crumbley emphasized the need for students to voice their opinions and the importance of voting.

"I don't care who you vote for," Crumbley said. "Just vote."

The proposed $6 student fee hike was the hot topic for treasurer candidates.

Odom, unlike her opponents, did not endorse the increase, and suggested teaching organizations how to find funding sources other than A.S.I.

"I thought the speeches were interesting," Saran Nguyen, a senior nursing major said. "They looked and acted like real politicians."

Students can vote March 22-24 for A.S.I. candidates.