Disclaimer: Editor-in-Chief Taylor Hannon, Night Editor Courtney Kudera and Sports Editor Joel Moline have personal relationships with the candidates and were unable to vote due to a conflict of interest. Hannon, Kudera and Moline had no influence on this editorial.
After carefully and diligently analyzing the current presidential candidate tickets, each candidate portrayed strong characteristics befitting the office of ASUW president and vice president. Each candidate was brought in and interviewed and asked various questions including transparency, first amendment rights on campus, student fees and their future relationship with the Branding Iron.
In the true spirit of democracy, each staff member received the interviews and was given the opportunity to exercise their right to vote. By a wide margin, the Branding Iron has decided to endorse Alexander Gunter and Cody Maxon.
These candidates have shown strong commitments to first amendment rights and accountability.
“Because they state, ‘We can ensure that students of all cultures, political beliefs, genders and ideologies feel safe, valued and find their voice on campus,’” BI staff writer Suweksha Shrestha said. “You better do that honey!”
Gunter was willing to create panels in order to facilitate better engagement with the students on campus, with the purpose of educating students on ASUW, as well as listening to the concerns of their constituents.
“Mr. Gunter expressed a willingness to communicate effectively with students and seems devoted to instilling an environment of transparency in ASUW that was absent from the other two interviews,” BI staff writer Calvin Chalstrom said. “I do take issue with his seemingly firm position against potentially raising student fees. As a student, I have absolutely nothing wrong with paying an extra $30 a year to benefit the overall well-being of the student body.”
UW prides itself on its diversity of students, which requires a unique individual to lead. Gunter’s experience as a veteran will greatly assist his endeavors as president of ASUW.
“I like the experience Alex has as a veteran,” News Editor Brad Horne said. “As a veteran myself, I know how important this experience is in being able to effectively manage a diverse workforce.”
The diversity of issues that the president of ASUW faces while in office, ranges from protecting and representing student voices to managing the money entrusted to ASUW.
“I support Gunter because he’s very strong in first amendment rights and he’s very fiscally responsible,” ASUW beat writer Matthew Green said. “His experience in the Air Force dealing with multimillion dollar contracts is another testament to his ability to lead a multitude of different voices.”
The Branding Iron looks forward to open collaboration between student media and the office of ASUW president in the coming year. However, we will not hesitate to hold ASUW accountable for the best interest of the student body.
