Photo by: Photo contributed by the candidates
Undergraduate Student Government (USG) elections feature a three-way race between presidential candidates Sam Estenson, Stuart Portman and Sam White. Current USG president Sam Gerk is stepping down after a year of tenure, leaving USG’s top spot unoccupied.
Voting on the race begins tomorrow at 7 p.m., when an email link will be sent out to everyone through their DU emails. Voting concludes on Friday at 4 p.m.
Before voting opens tomorrow, there will be a candidate meet-and-greet at The Pub at 5:15 p.m., followed by a debate between the candidates in Davis Auditorium. Students have the opportunity to meet the candidates and hear their platforms at “Day on the Green,” which will be held on tomorrow and Thursday, before casting their votes. The final results will be announced on Friday at 7 p.m.
B
Candidate: Stuart Portman
Running Mate: Jackson Stevens
Major: Biology and Political Science
Year: Junior
Experience: Past USG Diversity Committee Chair
Past Natural Sciences and Math Senator
Currently in charge of volunteer coordination for the presidential debate
Member of the diversity committee
Person: Tutors Japanese, German and Spanish
Platform: Portman said the number one priority on his presidential platform is accountability.
“I don’t want USG to feel like an exclusive club, but a representative body,” said Portman.
To initiate the change, Portman has begun working on several initiatives to increase communication between students and senators.
He said he has been in contact with the Provost and Chancellor to implement a list-serve between USG representatives and administrative executive assistants to further increase lines of communication. The program would allow USG senators to forward questions from students directly to administrators who can answer them.
Portman also said increasing transparency is on his agenda.
“I feel strongly that whatever student activity fees are paying for, students have a right to know where it goes,” said Portman.
B
Candidate: Sam White
Running Mate: Julia Godshaw
Major: Psychology with concentration in cognitive neuroscience
Year: Junior
Experience: Three-year senator and current president pro tempore
Person: White said he has wanted to run for USG president since freshman year
Platform: White said he wants to address a lack of school spirit and “apathy” at DU through pushing for school spirit.
“I’d like to see us elevate our community and increase participation, which requires integration of Greek Life, athletics and pioneer pride,” said White.
To achieve this, he suggested more tailgates, networking events and career service involvement. In addition, he said since there is no event on campus everyone can embrace, the DU community could celebrate the university’s birthday.
Another item on White’s agenda is to take steps to increase safety on and around campus.
White said he submitted a safety bill with ideas such as a safety link on the DU mobile application and installing lighting around the perimeter of the campus.
B
Candidate: Sam Estenson
Running Mate: Parker Calbert
Major: Intercultural Communication and Foreign Language
Year: Sophomore
Experience: Current off-campus senator
Member of the Traditions Committee
Person: Estenson, a second-year student, maintains senior standing and individually structured his own major.
Platform: Estenson said he is invested in creating a “cohesive sense of community, inclusivity, and communication.” One idea he has worked towards is the development of a weekly email sent to students which allow them to know what other students are doing on campus.
He also said he wanted to focus on heightened transparency, particularly with the tuition bill.
“If students know and understand the decisions that are being made, it’ll create a better environment,” said Estenson.
