Elections for the Las Positas College Student Government (LPCSG) executive board for the 2020-21 school year are happening now.
Candidates are running unopposed for President and Vice President, two candidates are running for Director of Legislation and three candidates for CLPCCD Student Trustee. Three positions do not have any candidates — Director of Communications, Director of Events and ICC Chair.
Since the COVID-19 campus shutdown and shelter in place directive, the scheduled Meet the Candidates meetings were not possible. Candidate statements are available online on the Las Positas College website.
Candidate for President Saba Salehifar discussed what she wants to improve at LPC.
“I want to focus on student integration on campus,” Salehifar said. “I would seek to improve student awareness of events and activities by starting a Student Remind. My goal is to be able to provide and deliver as many resources as possible by taking on new projects, as well as providing funding for the Reading and Writing Center.”
Candidate for Vice President Esmaa Elgarguri focused on improving student involvement in his statement.
“There is a distinct lack of community within our campus,” she said. “Student life on campus is frail right now. I have been a student at Las Positas for two years, and from my experience it seems like there’s this overcast of alienation over all of us. If elected, I would want to make Las Positas feel more human.”
Director of Legislation candidate Chioma Nwosu touted her previous experience.
“I have a lot more years of experience as an attorney and thoroughly understand what excellent legislation entails and how to utilize advocacy to help people’s lives,” Nwosu said. “I seek to work alongside the school to provide easily accessible channels to help in the resolution of legal issues that affect students.”
Director of Legislation candidate Raine Yenlinn focused on making LPC a more friendly environment.
“Overall community is a priority for me. When I spoke to students, I found that one of the primary issues at Las Positas is making friends,” Yenlinn said.
One candidate, Johnny Mulrooney, who is running for Student Trustee, also made a campaign video which is also available online.
“My primary goal as Student Trustee will be to increase communication between the student population and the decision makers,” Mulrooney said in a written statement.
Trustee candidate Frank Javier Polanco stressed the importance of improving student life.
“I would like to ensure that our campus is a safe place for everyone and that their voices are not only heard but also acknowledged,” Polanco said.
Student trustee candidate Sam Zandiasadabadi discussed some ideas for making LPC a more conducive environment for learning.
“I can say that it is difficult to focus and keep the same intensity throughout the entire semester,” Zandiasadabadi said. “As a member of the Student Government, I, alongside the rest of the council, will try to come up with different solutions to solve this issue; whether by increasing each club’s budget, or finding other ways to brighten up their day such as emotional support dogs or providing art galleries.”
Brandon Byrne is running for Director of Events as a write in. Byrne wants to increase the number of events on campus by finding out what events students want.
Voting is being conducted online using Class Web. Voting started on Monday, April 6 and ends on Sunday, April 12. It is unknown what the impact of campus closure and shelter in place will have on the elections.
Chabot-Las Positas Community College District Director OF Public Relations, Marketing and Government Relations Guisselle Nuñez sent out an email to all LPC students on Tuesday, April 7, reminding students to vote. Students have until Sunday, April 12 vote for the candidates of your choice before Sunday, April 12.
Alan Lewis is the photo editor of The Express. Follow him @alolewis1.
