ASUA executive officer has eye on presidential office

Wildcat File Photo Arizona Daily Wildcat "I just see being president as you can do a lot of things without people telling you what you can and cannot do." Cisco Aguilar ASUA executive vice president, presidential candidate

As he vies for the office of Associated Students president, Aguilar said he is looking to complete some of the student government organization's unfinished projects.

"I just see being president as you can do a lot of things without people telling you what you can and cannot do," Aguilar said.

University Activities Board President Caitlein Ryan and finance junior Greg Kugler are opposing Aguilar in his bid for the presidency. One of the three candidates will be eliminated tonight when ASUA primary election results are announced.

Where It's At Primary elections, which will eliminate one candidate from the presidential race, continue today. Polling stations open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Locations Student Recreation Center, the Old Chemistry Building, Park Student Union and the Harvill Building

During last year's general elections, Aguilar defeated journalism and English senior Mary Brandenberger, securing his current position as the organization's executive vice president.

But as a newcomer to the University of Arizona, Aguilar knew little of the student government. One of Aguilar's friends gave him a candidate's packet and pushed him to run for office, and Aguilar began his ASUA political career in the Senate as a junior.

"I didn't know about ASUA until I was a sophomore," said Aguilar, a finance and accounting senior. "I was probably one of those apathetic students."

With a platform that focuses on the Memorial Student Union renovation project, childcare issues and the UA's Camp Wildcat, Aguilar said he hopes to involve the general student body in decision making.

"It's just an awesome feeling when you make a change for students," he said.

The candidate said he plans to ensure campus accessibility during new construction projects. He also wants to enter into negotiations with the Associated Students' Bookstore to lower textbook prices for students.

While childcare subsidies are now on UA President Peter Likins priority list, Aguilar counts it among his main issues. The University of Arizona is the only Pac-10 school that lacks student childcare, Aguilar said.

"It doesn't just hurt the student," he said. "It also hurts the faculty."

Many projects that ASUA starts are never completed, Aguilar said, adding that he would make a point to continue work on projects started by current ASUA President Tara Taylor, including academic advising and parking.

The presidential hopeful wants to make a task force of small student groups to discuss issues, keeping students abreast of ASUA matters.

Aside from ASUA, Aguilar keeps himself occupied as a member of the Omega Delta Phi fraternity, with the Business and Public Administration Student Council and a weekend job at Wells Fargo Bank.

"I am either in my car, in a meeting, or at a retreat," he said.

Two ASUA senators yesterday said they support Aguilar's run for student body president.

ASUA Sen. Emily Dunn said Aguilar needs to improve the organization's outreach to students.

"I think it's wonderful, I couldn't be happier," Dunn said.

Sen. Ferdie Echiverri said Aguilar has done enough groundwork in ASUA to prepare for the presidential position.

Aguilar efficiently coordinates the ASUA senators and "knows how to motivate others to follow," Echiverri said.