SG hopefuls file for legislative office, prepare for campaign
Though one South Carolina election has ended, another is quickly getting underway.
USC Student Government announced the candidates who have filed to run for executive and legislative office for the February SG elections on its website Monday. Each candidate was given 100 words and a picture to introduce themselves and their campaigns to the student body. The following students are filed to run as executive candidates:
Filed to run for Student Body President:
Emily Saleeby
When I joined Student Government, I knew that I had found something I was passionate about. I have sincerely enjoyed my time as Student Body Vice President and I feel that the experiences and initiatives I have had during my term have prepared me for the office of President. My goal to Advance Carolina is focused on accomplishing current initiatives and starting long term goals that will have a progressive effect on the University’s future. Through this goal I hope to increase the value of the USC degree for current and future Gamecocks! Join me as we Advance Carolina!
Kenny Tracy
My name is Kenny Tracy and I am a junior Sport and Entertainment Management major from Marietta, GA. Aside from in-class obligations, I have been involved in Dance Marathon for two years, University 101 Peer Leader, numerous intramural sports, Newman Club, Sport and Entertainment Management Club, Student Board of Directors for Carolina Dining and Student Government. I was a member of Freshman Council and have held Cabinet positions as Secretary of Safety and Transportation, as well as Secretary of Student Services. Please reach out to me; I would love sit down and get to know all of my fellow Gamecocks.
John Cuenin
Giving Students a Voice Again — If elected Student Body President I will work tirelessly to make the Student Body heard and represented. I do not feel that Student Government currently listens to the Student Body as much as it should, and during my campaign I will strive to make the students heard instead of just making myself heard. During this campaign I will always make myself accessible to the average student and I will do the same once I am elected.
Filed to run for Student Body Vice President:
Chase Mizzell
As Vice President I will strive to positively impact the culture surrounding Student Government so that all students, whether they seek to be heavily involved or simply share an idea, feel confident and comfortable approaching our leaders. As the leader of the Senate I will facilitate relationships with campus leaders as well as relevant administrators so that senators may effectively pursue goals and initiatives. As Vice President of the student body I plan to diligently work on projects including Student Legal Services, a bike checkout program and an on campus food bank among others. Be a part of something great!
Filed to run for Student Body Treasurer:
Coy Gibson
Coy Gibson comes from Lugoff, South Carolina and is a second year Political Science student. He has served as Chairman of the Student Senate Finance Committee for the past year at Carolina. In this role, Coy has successfully led the committee in passing a finance bill allocating over $96,000 — funding 70 student organizations and hundreds of their events. He also serves the campus as a Resident Mentor at Capstone House to thirty-eight freshman students. Coy’s candidacy is all about bridging the gaps between student organizations and Student Government as he seeks to streamline the allocation process.
Yousef Ibreak
My name is Yousef Ibreak and I am running for Treasurer to advocate for my fellow Gamecocks. I aim to:
1) Increase the accountability in Student Government. I plan on doing so by creating a website that tells each student at Carolina where each dollar of their student activity fee is going.
2) Ensure that more organizations on campus start receiving funding and increase funding for underfunded organizations.
3) Collaborate with the President and Vice President to increase transparency in Student Government. I would be honored to have your support in the upcoming election.
Fifty-two students have filed to run for Student Senate, according to SG’s website. The senate, which has always struggled with membership numbers, will have several holes this year as well. At least 17 empty chairs will result from several districts having fewer candidates filed to run than seats available. Among them: the colleges of social work, law, pharmacy and music, all of which had no constituents apply for office.
Filing for office is now closed; students can vote on VIP on Feb. 14 and 15.