Brace yourselves: Fall 2015 UF Student Government elections are here.
At every entrance to Turlington Plaza on Monday, students were approached by Impact Party campaigners dressed in white, while students near the North Lawn were met with campaigners in blue for Access Party. Former majority, the Swamp Party, did not register or partake in campaigning.
Both parties asked students how they could improve UF.
The open-ended question generated answers from students that ranged from wanting sauna rooms to getting a Dunkin’ Donuts on campus.
Impact and Access are preparing for Fall elections, where 50 positions will be filled based on a student’s residency.
Julian Andrew, 24, circled "more parking" on Access’s board, which was written by another student.
"If you really think about it, they’re building more on campus, but not more spaces," the UF telecommunication senior said.
Because he can’t park on campus, Andrew said he pays $150 a year for a parking space on West University Avenue. UF student parking decals are $160 for the year, according to UF’s Transportation and Parking Services website.
Lillian Rozsa, 19, a District D candidate for Access, said a lot of students brought up parking as an important issue. She spoke with students on the North Lawn to find out what Access’ platform should include.
"I think it’s really important to hear what constituents have to say," the UF political science and women’s studies sophomore said.
Avery Smith, 20, a District B candidate for Impact Party, spoke with students on Turlington to find out what they wanted Impact’s platform to be.
He said as a candidate, it was important for him to be out talking to students.
"For me personally, being a candidate is a position of trust," the UF philosophy junior said. "I think it’s so important to find out what the Student Body wants."
Smith said he talked to about 20 students.
"The most popular option we’ve gotten from students is more vegetarian options," Smith said.
Laura Smithson, 21, wrote on Impact’s chalkboard that she wanted to see more water fountains on campus.
There is only one fountain in the theatre and dance building, the UF dance senior said.
"Specifically for my major, I feel like there needs to be more accommodations," she said.
Smithson said it’s a general issue and it’s not important which party implements it.
Platform generation will continue on Turlington and the North Lawn today. Fall elections will be Sept. 29 and 30.
Contact Caitlin Ostroff at costroff@alligator.org and follow her on Twitter @Ceostroff
