Committee Experience is Key

When electing the future AS President, it is crucial to pick someone who thoroughly understands the issues facing students and how to address them. My extensive experience with the numerous AS and university committees through my current position as AS VP for Legislative and Governmental Affairs illustrates how I am the most knowledgeable and qualified person for the job.

Legislative Affairs Council - Chair: This AS committee drafts both the federal and state legislative agendas for the Associated Students. In addition to addressing the traditional issues like tuition and financial aid, this year we expanded the agendas to have a stronger focus on environmental and public transit issues. 

Alternative Transportation Fee Committee - Chair: This university committee is tasked with implementing the universal bus pass program and late night shuttle.

Alternative Transportation Advisory Committee - Vice Chair: This AS committee examines all aspects of alternative transportation on and around campus, we make recommendations to the AS Board of Directors and university administration regarding WTA, bike lanes, parking issues, crosswalks, etc.

Housing and Dining Budget Committee: This university committee reviews all aspects of the housing and dining budgets and ensures that rate increases stay as low as possible while still providing high quality housing and dining options.

Senate Bylaws Committee: This Student Senate committee is established to review the bylaws  of the Senate and make the operation of the Senate as efficient and inclusive as possible.

Election Code Review Committee: This AS committee reviews and makes changes to the election code to ensure the fairness of the AS elections, allowing all students to have an equal chance of becoming a member of the AS Board of Directors.

Mayor's Neighborhood Advisory Council: I serve as WWU's representative to this confederation of all neighborhoods in Bellingham (Western is its own neighborhood). Issues discussed that are of importance to students have included neighborhood parking issues and the housing laws of Bellingham.

Campus Community Coalition: I am one of two members of the AS Board who represent the greater student body at this important group of community leaders, campus administrators, business owners, and both city and university police departments.

These are the various committees that I have served on for the last year. I also frequently attend Student Senate meetings as well as other university and AS committees when I have time. If you would like more information on what I have done on each of these committees, please let me know.