Gianni DiCrosta/Roundup
David Follosco, vice president of Student Services, announced a reelection today for the position of Associated Students Organization vice president in response to recent controversy surrounding the ASO elections.
The decision was made to resolve an election dispute involving the campaign parties of Lauren Aardema and Daniel Axelrod, vice presidential candidates.
According to a written statement issued by Follosco, there were violations made by both candidates’ parties, which substantiated a reelection.
Aardema’s campaign representatives were seen within 50 foot boundaries set by ASO election by laws, and a student election worker was seen wearing a button with Axelrod’s name on it.
Follosco said later that all the evidence presented was reviewed, including the original Student Court decision.
According to Follosco, the decision of a time and dates to hold a reelection would be left to Brad Saenz, ASO Advisor.
Nick Naczinski, ASO’s newly elected president agrees with the idea of a reelection.
“I think that it’s pretty fair,” Naczinski said. “It’s more fair than taking away the position from either one of them.”
“It’ll be difficult going through [the process] again,” he added. “But they’ll be able to do it.”
Aardema is also satisfied with the decision.
“I’m really pleased with the decision and I look forward to campaigning for the students again,” said Aardema. “I do expect there to be a smaller turnout, but hopefully there will be the same outcome, with me as the winner.”
Axelrod was unavailable for comment.
Chris Suard, current ASO vice president, issued a statement directly following the announcement.
“The ASO has five days to appeal the decision and we will fight it,” Suard said. “We will make every effort to change the administration’s decision.
In response to a possible appeal, Follosco said district policies state that all further issues would be dealt with by Pierce College’s interim president, Joy McCaslin.
More information will be announced at tomorrow’s ASO meeting in the Great Hall at 1 p.m.
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