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(DAILY_WILDCAT)

By Tory Hernandez
Arizona Daily Wildcat
May 5, 1997

Students meet new ASUA reps.


[photograph]

Robert Henry Becker
Arizona Daily Wildcat

Economics and history sophomore Greta Taylor (center) talks to new ASUA officers, including Sen. Mary Peterson (left), President Gilbert Davidson, Sen. Leslie Hunter (foreground) and Sen. Morgan Long (right) after receiving a free cup of soda on the UA Mall Friday. The new senators, president and vice presidents were outside to interact with students as part of the "Meet Your ASUA Representatives" event.


Just one day after officially taking office, ASUA representatives took to the UA Mall Friday to meet with students and build interest in student government.

"I want to make sure that we are accessible and that general student issues are addressed," said Associated Students President Gilbert Davidson.

Davidson and other newly elected ASUA representatives handed out free soda and discussed their ideas with students as part of an event called "Meet Your ASUA Representatives."

Although it was designed to generate student feedback, Davidson said interest in the event was less than expected.

People came to and left from the two-hour event at various times, many of them stopping by only to get a drink. Most of the representatives talked to about two or three students each.

"It was organized very quickly, so it was hard to get the word out," Davidson said. "But I think the people that were out there were aware of what we were trying to do."

Despite the low turnout, Davidson said he was encouraged by the enthusiasm of the new representatives.

"Overall, I think this group of senators shows a lot of excitement. I think we're ready for a whole new year," he said.

Sen. Cisco Aguilar, the event's organizer, said trying to generate student interest was a learning experience for the new representatives.

"We didn't get a lot of response, but the senators got to interact with each other on a more relaxed level," he said.

After KAMP Student Radio set up and began playing music, more students started showing interest in the event, Aguilar said.

He said the students seemed to be most concerned with issues such as the proposed Integrated Instructional Facility and the future of Spring Fling.

Andy McCullough, a senior majoring in biochemistry and Japanese, said it was important for ASUA representatives to get out among the students.

"It's good for them to be out here," he said. "I had a few questions about a club I am involved with and this is a good opportunity to ask them."

Sen. Summer Katzenbach said she received some positive feedback from students who stopped by.

"People have said to me that it's nice to see us out here, so I know this has been a good event."

Outside of the event, Administrative Vice President Tara Taylor said she has received a lot of positive suggestions from students.

"I've been getting an overwhelming response," Taylor said.

"People have been coming up to me saying they want to get involved with something next year."


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