Complaints against ASO elections

On May 5 the polls closed and the ballot boxes were gathered for tabulation.  But the Spring 2011 Associated Student Organization election was not over.

Two formal complaints were filed and reviewed by the ASO election committee shortly after the polls closed Thursday.

Vice President of Public Relations Nick Serrano said the individuals who came forward with grievances had no bearing on the election outcome.

“They are confidential,” said Serrano about the complaints.

Classified as confidential material, students will be unable to read the nature of the grievances filed against the ASO. But some students were vocal about problems they have with campus elections.

Former ASO Senator Rudy Villegas said the ASO may follow all the rules on paper, but the spirit of the election is extremely biased.

“There are many discrepancies between what the ASO claims to be a reflection of,” he said.

Villegas said he thought it was unreasonable for the newly-elected ASO president Claudia Duran to run unopposed.

“A single person who is uncontested for a paid position for the presidency – because the district does pay you for sitting on the presidency – I think that’s highly unfair,” he said.

Overall implementation of the election needs help, said Villegas.

Election Board members met May 9 and said they resolved the issues presented. No member commented on the details of the events that transpired.

“Honestly, we’re just glad it’s over,” said Duran.

Everyone who filed a complaint received a formal letter in accordance with ASO policy, she said.

New titles include Candy Arias who was elected executive vice president and Angel Castro, social vice president.  Vice president of club affairs and public relations went to Tameika Guerrero and Gustavo Perez, respectively.  Angela Ramirez will be the 2011-2012 treasurer and the new ASO Secretary is Paulina Tejeda.

ASO executives and five senators at-large will be sworn into office by the current president Manuel Lopez, Jr. on May 19 at the ASO End-of-Year Banquet.  The new administration will take office in June.