ASUA elected officials optimistic for next year

Wildcat File Photo Arizona Daily Wildcat Aguilar's Platform continue seeking greater student childcare subsidies develop a low-cost computer lease program for students improve tuition costs by lobbying UA President Peter Likins install a traffic arrow at East Speedway Boulevard and North Park Avenue

"We're going to be keeping the lines of communication open," said Associated Students President Cisco Aguilar.

Among his top goals for the upcoming year are continuing the fight for student childcare subsidies and working on a low-cost computer lease program for students, Aguilar said.

The childcare project will be picked up by the new Senate, Aguilar said, and will likely receive support from former ASUA senator and new Minority Action Council Director Josue Limon.

Aguilar said he will personally oversee the computer lease program, and will continue to discuss the financial possibilities with UA business officials.

"That's what I plan to do after the summer," he said. "It's something I want to get started."

Aguilar said the Arizona Students Association will also be working to improve tuition costs by continuing conversations with UA President Peter Likins.

Aguilar has also been in contact with Republican Councilman Fred Ronstadt to install a green arrow at the corner of East Speedway Boulevard and North Park Avenue, and also hopes to establish further compromise on the City of Tucson's Parkwise program.

"He (Likins) was more optimistic about that (the arrow) than the parking program," Aguilar said.

Associated Students Executive Vice President Ben Graff said his major focus will be forcing ASUA to look more closely at student input.

"I really want this Senate to be as close as they can to the student voice," said Graff, a former senator.

Graff said making senators more visible should also help alleviate student apathy.

"I would definitely see next year's voter turnout being much greater," he said.

Graff also cited better communication within the student government as one of his top goals.

"In the end, you find out everyone has the same goals," he said. "It's easier to just work together."

Graff said he is optimistic about the goals senators have set for themselves.

Newly elected Sen. Dwight Maloney, who received the majority of votes during the March election, said the Senate's main goals are improving senators' accountability and creating more student outreach.

Maloney said his personal goals include creating more harmony among senators.

He cited recent disputes among former senators during the last 1998-1999 meeting, saying he hopes next year goes more smoothly.

"One thing I want to personally work on is making sure everyone in the Senate is happy and working as a team," Maloney said. "That way, we can get more done."