ASI Candidates Meet to Debate Issues

Associated Students Inc. executive candidates met at the Southwest Terrace Thursday to discuss their campaigns and positions on different Cal State Long Beach policies.

While James Ahumada, the sole ASI presidential candidate, had to leave early due to an exam, vice presidential candidates Lucy Nguyen and Jeff Yutrzenka, and treasurer candidates Jameson Nyeholt and Jason Aula, spoke in front of an audience of less than 10 people, while other students ate their lunch at the tables. The candidates sarcastically mentioned the huge turnout and ASI’s seemingly lack of importance to the CSULB student body.

Moderators Kevin O’Brien, news director of the Union Weekly, and Joanne Tucker, editor in chief of the Daily 49er, asked the candidates a series of questions from raising ASI fees, to budget cuts and why they are running for their position.

A main issue was the statewide budget cuts and how if appointed, the candidates would take action towards up coming budget cuts. Most commented that there is a high need for students to get involved and stay active in fighting cuts.

Vice president candidate Yutrenka, who is a former Senator-at-Larger said, “We need a unified voice to fight the budget cuts.”

Nyeholt, for treasurer, who is the current senator for Liberal Arts and also starting a Law Preiodical said, “We need students behind ASI.”

Treasurers were also asked about their thoughts on raising ASI fees, Aula said he would be fine with the raise if students agree and Nyeholt said he wants to take a real good look at why the fees should be increased.

Nguyen said, “Students need to be more educated on budget cuts.”

Aula, who is also also president of the Long Beach College Republicans, said he would encourage student to vote.

While Ahumada runs unopposed for president, there has been some controversy over a judicial complaint about slimming down candidates for president.

Initially, the former five candidates filed to be in the president election were Jason Aula, who is now running for treasure, Avis Atkins, Vice President Omar Gonzalez and Attorney General Paxcely Marques, and Ahumada.

It is Aula though that has filed a judicial complaint saying the ASI is running an unethical campaign by allowing only one candidate to run.

“It’s not a democratic process if only one candidate runs,” Aula said.

According to ASI board of elections once a candidate has filed for election they are not required to stay in until the end. Most times students who drop out of the race primarily do so because of a heavy workload or an upcoming graduation.

The board reviewed the candidates’ reasons for dropping out and decided that Aula will have to provide more evidence, until then Ahumada is still a qualified presidential candidate.

With 34,000 students at CSULB, the voting turn-out has been around 12 percent. Students can vote from April 12-15. Elections will be taking place online and students will only need access to a computer.