Candidates present alternative to slates

by Caleb Fort

The Daily Lobo

Three students running for the ASUNM Senate said independent candidates provide options for students who disagree with the slates' priorities.

Candidate Mujib Sardar said his top priority as a senator would be improving security, especially how phone calls to security are handled. He also said he wants to improve handicapped parking, increase the number of shuttles that run between commuter lots and campus, install a campuswide wireless network and minimize tuition increases, he said.

Sardar said ASUNM should fight for a student section, but it should not be given as high a priority as security and parking.

Candidate Rose Stevenson said her top priority is the creation of a student section at The Pit. She also said she wants to make it easier for future candidates to get involved in student government at UNM, because running has made her realize how difficult the process is if someone is not already involved.

Stevenson also said she wants to minimize tuition increases as much as possible.

Candidate Ashleigh More, who is campaigning with Stevenson, said she has the same priorities as her friend, especially keeping tuition low and creating a student section. She said she wants the student section to be created without raising student fees.

More said although Sardar and the candidates on the two slates plan to focus on parking, fixing the parking issues should not be a top priority for ASUNM.

Absentee voting took place on Tuesday. Students can vote for ASUNM candidates on Wednesday.