*This article does not represent the views of Her Campus FSU
SGA elections are right around the corner. If you have no idea what that means, who Vitality even is, or why it’s important, I’ll fill you in. If you know, but don’t know enough, stick around to learn more. Here’s why the Vitality Party wants your vote:
Courtesy: The Vitality Party
Party Aims:
Centered in the safe guard and consideration of the student opinion, the Vitality Party reflects the direct values of the student population, and works to bring about changes that are inspired directly from the student locale. Each platform point falls under one of the five prongs of their mission: Voice, Accessibility, Leadership, Unity and Empowerment altogether coming to form the acronym VALUE. This year we have seen real platform points from last year’s election really come to fruition. These platforms include: $15 airport rides to and from campus, the installation of solar panels in the union, transportation to and from the FSU Rez and considerable parking forgiveness. The student vote is the vehicle for the implementation of these promises, putting every collegiate body at the axis of enacting change. This is where YOU come into play.
Courtesy: The Vitality Party
Voting:
This year elections will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 24 from 8 a.m to 7 p.m. You can submit your ballot in two ways: Virtually via sga.fsu.edu using your blackboard ID and password or physically, in the union, where SGA representatives will guide you through the process. Before formulating your ballot you must, of course, consider all of the candidates and their platforms. A well informed voter is a powerful voter and with so many different candidates and election platforms, there is a lot to consider this year.
Courtesy: The Vitality Party
Candidates and Platforms:
John Russo, student body president hopeful, aims to spread awareness of mental health and instability, noting himself that, “So much depression goes unnoticed, making suicide a prominent issue on this campus.” In addition to this issue, Russo aims to establish “relaxation zones” around campus, where students can de-stress before exams. He also plans on implementing “campus carts” to aid in an easier route to class for students with disabilities or injuries. Russo would be following in the footsteps of the current president, Jean Tabares, whose legacy he hopes to continue in his term. Of the Vitality Party as a whole, Russo says, “We, as a collective body, are willing and prepared to work for our peers and to really strive for greatness.”
The platform of Cecily Matthews, student body vice president candidate, aims to increase faculty diversity as well as to advocate a self-reported name and identity generator, allowing for a wider demographic on campus and increased representation for those who often feel underrepresented. Cecily maintains that, “Florida State is a university that is working to create a space that is diverse and teaches multiculturalism and we need to make sure we are truly showing that on all fronts.”
Other notable initiatives include: Free tampons in the women’s bathrooms, the creation of a bike share program, a required sexual assault virtual course for incoming freshman, increased study space during finals and the sponsoring of a “Safe Walk” student partnership program.
Courtesy: The Vitality Party
As a student of FSU, you have a right and a duty to play your part in the betterment of our university and community. This starts with the leaders we elect, which starts with you. Don’t forget to vote and have your voice heard this Wednesday, Feb. 24.
Candidates Running with The Vitality Party:
Student Body:
John Russo & Cecily Elise Matthews, Student Body President & Vice President
Emily D’Angelo, Student Body Treasurer
Senior Class Council:
DeShawn Simpkins, Senior Class Council President
Alexis DeJarnette, Senior Class Council Vice President
Patrick Duggan, Senior Class Council Treasurer
Diana Haber, Senior Class Council Secretary
Student Senate:
Keely Congdon, Arts & Sciences Seat 2
Monique Paggeot, Arts & Sciences Seat 4
Frances Hanson, Arts & Sciences Seat 10
Joshua Fern, Business Seat 2
Matthew Solomon, Business Seat 4
Carina Tarsio, Business Seat 6
Betty Fuentes, Communication Seat 2
Jennie O’Hara, Criminology Seat 2
Jordan Camejo, Engineering Seat 2
Chesten Goodman, Social Sciences Seat 2
Christian Elijah Matthew St. Prix, Social Sciences Seat 6
Zoe Chia, Social Sciences Seat 6
Austin Graham, Undergraduate Studies Seat 2
Gabrielle Sosa, Undergraduate Studies Seat 4
Madison Driscoll, Undergraduate Studies Seat 6
Kelsey Rodgers, Undergraduate Studies Seat 8
Laura Smith, Undergraduate Studies Seat 10
Ja’Vail Lewis, Undergraduate Studies Seat 12
Kahla Harber-Brown, Undergraduate Studies Seat 14
Richardson Gaston, Undergraduate Studies Seat 16
Taylor Huet, Undergraduate Studies Seat 18
Colleen Kane, Undergraduate Studies Seat 20
Brittany Nesbitt, Undergraduate Studies Seat 22
Miles Fanfalone, Undergraduate Studies Seat 24
Oglesby Union Board:
Hannah Akil
Emily Galant
Dylan Hoffman-Strungis
Bianca Jyotishi
Nicholas Lopez
Jose Moralejo
Mary Katherine Pittman
Sydney Smith