Tuesday's Vote Decides Three Senate Positions, Forces Three Run-Offs
By Susan Hoang
Staff Writer

Three officers for ASPC Senate were elected in Tuesday’s vote and another three went to run-off elections on Thursday.

Cory Forsyth ’03 won a majority to defeat Duke Gray ’03 for North Campus Representative. Samuel Gaines ’03 beat out Severine Fleming ’04 for Off-Campus Representative. Tanya Languerre ’03 ran uncontested and was confirmed the winner for Communications Commissioner Tuesday.

In all other races, none of the candidates received the 51% majority needed to avoid a runoff. Sierra Ferguson ’05 and Claire Cvitanovich ’05 entered into run-offs for South Campus Representative while Chrissy Henneberg ’05 and Michael Owen ’05 battled for Sophomore Class President. Sara Avila ’06 and Galen Benshoof ’06 also went to the run-offs for Freshman Class President.

In the highly contested race for South Campus Representative, Lina Chagoya ’05 and Thomas Rosen-Molina ’05 were eliminated and did not go on to the run-offs. Candidates for Sophomore Class President Jesse Mays ’05, Marie Sullivan ’05, and Kate White ’05 and Freshman Class Presidential hopeful Jesse Gallegos ’06 also were eliminated from Thursday’s run-offs.

Forsyth was ecstatic upon winning, and went out for drinks soon after he found out about his victory.

“I’m delighted and pretty damn excited to have been elected. From the positive responses I’ve received so far, I’m also confident that I’ll be able to work together harmoniously with others to the benefit of all,” said Forsyth.

His main goals continue to be the return of snack to North Campus for more days of the week, to lower laundry machine prices and to provide change machines in the laundry rooms. He also wants to create a North Campus Representative Weblog where ideas and issues can be posted.

Languerre, even though she ran uncontested, was excited to have won.

“I’ll try to do the best job I can in the Senate,” she said. She doesn’t have a clearly delineated policy yet, but is holding a set of conferences for all the media groups on campus about policies.
Gaines was unavailable for comment.

Dean of Students Ann Quinley, Associate Dean of Students Neil Gerard, ASPC President Phil Kopczynski, ASPC Vice President Julia Patzelt, and Elections Commissioner Patty Van Kuran, who was appointed on September 17 by the Senate, tabulated the results of the elections Tuesday night.

The elections ran smoothly, as there were no violations of campaign rules or issues in changing the voting system. Students voted as they entered the dining halls. The voter turnout “was about 600, which is normal since less people vote than in the spring, when there are more positions,” said Van Kuran.

The results of the run-off elections were decided on Thursday and did not arrive in time for publication.