Editor’s note: The State Hornet endorsement panel was headed by Editor in Chief Nate Miller, News Assistant Editor Josh Staab and Co-Opinion Editor Jordan Guinn. The panel endorsed one candidate from each executive position. ASI beat writer Jacqueline Tualla was not involved in the endorsement process.

The three editors interviewed 14 of the 17 candidates. The State Hornet budgeted 20 to 25 minutes for candidates for president, 15 to 20 minutes executive candidates and 10 minutes for director candidates. Each candidate was also e-mailed a questionnaire.

The State Hornet endorsed candidates in all positions, including those where only one candidate was running. Additionally, we redflagged some candidates.

The following are answers to a questionnaire sent out to all candidates running for positions within Associated Students Inc.

Joseph Ross (Feel The Change)Full name: Joseph Raymond RossYear: Junior becoming 4th year seniorMajor: Business: marketing, International business, and some concentration on Finance. Possible second degree in GovernmentSlate: Feel The Change

Do you have any current leadership positions with Associated Students Inc.? If so, what is that position?

No

Why did you decide to run for this position?

The student body is facing fee increases over the next few years. I am running for this position to do the best that I can to keep fees at an affordable level. I believe I have the motivation to help the students with these fee increases. I have read books and articles about financial analysis and what considerations could be taken when making important decisions.

I have also decided to run for this position to help the student body’s voice. I would like the student body to be more aware of ASI and what it could do for the student body. I would put forth energy to reach out to the students so that they feel closer to the school and have a chance to have questions readily answered.

What makes you qualified for this position?

I am qualified for this position because I have always been good with money, analyzing financial conditions, and considering the effects of decisions. I have no official experience in a focused financial position but I have read and discussed many financial conditions and the type of options available and potential turnouts. I also believe I am qualified because I enjoy getting feedback from people and reaching out. I would do my best to get more students informed and involved with current activities.

What relevant experience do you have that makes you qualified for this position?

As a college student it is difficult to have such experience directly related to a financial officer because it is a career and not just an easy part time job to pick up. The only direct experience I can provide is handling the money for a club in high school. I, however, have learned a lot by watching, reading, and discussing financial decisions. I believe this shows my motivation to learn as much as I can, especially in an ever changing world.

What is your platform for the 2007-08 year if you become ASI vice president of finance?

My platform for the 2007-2008 year would be to try and keep student fees as low as possible. I would look for outside sources to try and fund internal ASI programs and to help start future programs. I would also provide a voice for students to the university and provide any assistance I can to help keep fees low.

A second part of my platform would be to try and get more students involved with the various activities the school has to offer. I would offer my assistance and knowledge to help the students find what options best fits them.

What will be your top priority (one thing) if you are elected?

My top priority would be to find means to keep students fees low. I would try my best to talk with university and represent the student’s voice and help find other options the university can take to keep fees low. Ultimately, the student’s will would be my top priority.

Specifically, what legislation will you pursue, once elected, and how will this directly impact students?

Legislation that I would pursue, from ASI, would be the marketing department. I find this type of legislation significant to the student body by keeping the students informed and helping them get involved.

Legislation in the state that I would pursue would be to help funding for the California college system, in which there are currently a few bills out right now. There are also a couple of bills out right now that would require textbook manufacturers to provide information such as the wholesale price of the textbook, what other products they offer, and what changes were made between editions. This information would help the faculty and students become more aware of price changes and reasons for newer editions. I believe this may open options for some students to buy older books or be informed that there are cheaper options out there. This is one way that students could save money throughout the year.