After more than an hour of awaiting results for the 2007-08 Associated Students Inc. election, current President Jesus Andrade announced Director of Arts and Letters Christina Romero as the new ASI president inside Sacramento State’s University Union.

With a voter turnout of 1,689 students – 6 percent of the student population – Andrade announced Tim Snyder as vice president of finance and Walter Wallace as vice president of University Affairs. He also announced the winners for the board of directors, all of who were running unopposed.

“I want to encourage students to come and be involved and to engage yourselves, because your vote counts, and not only that, but your opinion counts,” Romero said.

She said she intends to engage herself with students and urge them to be a part of ASI.

“I really believe that students all should work as a collective group to make imperative decisions throughout the year. Only together can we make an impact on this campus. I believe together we can make a difference,” she said.

One of the candidates for president, junior government major Robert Linch Jr., said he is sure Romero will do a good job as the new ASI president, due to her prior experience with ASI and her knowledge of student issues.

“She seems very well informed and she seems like a very intelligent individual,” he said.

Linch said what he expects from Romero as president is to fully represent the students.

“I hope she fights the 10 percent student fee increase at the Capitol, and hopefully raise awareness of ASI,” he said.

In the last 22 years, there have only been four women who served as ASI president, said ASI Executive Director Pat Worley. The first woman, Velma Hall, was president in 1985, but only served her term through Nov. 21, 1985. She did not fulfill her whole term, as Tina Young did from 1992 to 1993.

The duration of women’s presidency reached its highest peak when Sandra Schlemmer-served as president for two consecutive terms in 1995 to 1997.

After nearly a decade, Angela Arriola was elected spring 2006, but was forced to resign in January 2007 due to academic issues.

Elected over her three male opponents, Romero will be the fifth woman president to serve on ASI since 1985. Starting June 7, she will take over Andrade’s position and begin her administration.

Linch said he plans to get involved with ASI even though he did not win the election. Aside from concentrating on school and associating himself with clubs on campus, he hopes to sit on a committee and help build awareness of ASI.

Mirza said he will be doubling his efforts in school, and also plans to be involved with a committee, if Romero supports him. Already involved with five clubs on campus, he may pursue his interest in both the Yoga and Salsa club.

Jacqueline Tualla can be reached at [email protected]