ASUA senators encourage minority students involvement

Anthony J. Hill, ASUA elections commissioner, said the tentative number minority candidates running for office is "almost none."

ASUA President Tara Taylor called the number of minority applications "frightening."

"It is unjust for people who represent the student body to not represent the diversity of this student body," Taylor said.

Fewer than 20 senators and two vice presidential candidates submitted applications for office by the Monday, forcing ASUA officials to push the deadline for nominations to noon Feb. 10.

While concrete numbers will not be available until late today, ASUA Senator Josue Limon estimated yesterday that five minority students would run for leadership positions.

Limon and Senator Mai Luc have visited minority resource centers and clubs for the past two weeks to "let people know about the positions and opportunities available in ASUA."

He said yesterday, however, that he doesn't think their efforts were as successful as he had hoped.

Limon said that the lack of central authorities in some of the UA minority resource centers has affected minority leadership.

The loss of Saloman R. Baldenegro from the Chicano/ Hispano Student Affairs and Resource Center created a "lack of stable structure" present last year, Limon said. Baldenegro was transferred this summer to a position as a Senior Research Analyst in the Department of Multicultural Programs and Services.

"I don't think there is necessarily a drought of minority leadership, but it has been put into different areas," Limon said.

Luc and Limon both got their starts in leadership after involvement in campus minority organizations.

"When I first ran (for ASUA Senate) I wanted to encourage other minority students to get involved," Limon said.

Saundra Taylor, vice president for Campus Life said she would like to challenge new ASUA officials to get more minority students involved.

"I hope minorities see student government as an opportunity to voice their opinions," Saundra Taylor said.

Erwin Wong of the Center for Asian American Student Affairs praised the two student senators for their advocacy.

"Josue Limon and Mai Luc have been doing a lot to get minority students interested in leadership opportunities" Wong said.

Kate Vesely, a political science freshman, said minority representation is crucial.

"I think it is incredibly vital, especially in this day and age, not only that minorities feel like they are represented, but that they have strong leadership. Minority leaders provide strong role models and encourage further advancement of a very worthy cause," she said.