Pi Sigma Alpha endorses Associated Students candidates after caucus

Josh Cozine|April 14, 2018

With a unanimous show of hands, the group endorses candidates for a position. Photo credit: Josh Cozine

With elections looming, members of Chico State’s Upsilon Delta chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society, met Saturday to decide which AS candidates they would endorse.

In the meeting which took place from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m. in Butte 104, the group voted on who to endorse after hours of caucus style meetings where candidates were each allowed five minutes to speak. In the time candidates who showed up introduced themselves, answered two prepared questions―asking the candidates their priorites― and then fielded questions for any remaining time.

Alisha Sharma, current interim President of the Associated Students, spoke with Pi Sigma Alpha, but was not able to receive a majority of votes and gain their endorsement. Photo credit: Josh Cozine

Nadine Salas is running for President of the Associated Students. Pi Sigma Alpha noted her passion, but ultimately she did not receive a majority of votes to receive endorsement. Photo credit: Josh Cozine

Some candidates were unable to show up, but wrote in prepared statements answering prepared questions. Eight members of Pi Sigma Alpha voted in total.

Endorsements required a majority of five votes, done by a show of hands. Not all positions were able to reach the five-vote majority, the candidates that did are as follows:

President of the Associated Students: Karla Camacho
Karla Camacho addressed Pi Sigma Alpha, eventually winning their endorsement. The group deliberated longer for president than any other position, but voted for Camacho as a majority. Photo credit: Josh Cozine
Vice President of Facilities and Services: Kelsey McCaffrey
Kelsey McCaffrey is running for Vice President of Facilities and Services. Pi Sigma Alpha eventually voted to endorse her with a majority Photo credit: Josh Cozine
Director of Legislative Affairs: Jasmine Cruz
Jasmine Cruz addresses the Pi Sigma Alpha, gaining their endorsement. Photo credit: Josh Cozine
Commissioner of Student Organizations and Programs: Maddalena Farinati (a write-in candidate)
Commissioner of Community Affairs: Alejandra Becerra Silva
Commissioner of Sustainability Affairs: Tania Ruiz
Senator for the College of Humanities and Fine Art: Naomi Ramirez
Senator for the College of Business: Chris Taverrite
Senator for the College of Behavioral & Social Sciences: Trevor Guthrie