Who They Are
Junior Eras Noel lives in Siegfried Hall and is majoring in Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Design. Noel's vice presidential candidate, Julian Corona, is a junior Electrical and Mechanical Engineering major. He lives in St. Edwards Hall.
In Their Words:
Top Priority: A series called "Perspectives," where a professor will lead a discussion with students in his area of expertise about a topic of the week, or topic of the month.
"We'll talk about gay marriage, abortion, the death penalty," Noel said. "It helps us to grow as a student community and as individuals."
First Priority: The ticket wants to get the Flex Points system instated at Eddy Street Commons. They have already spoken with the owner of Five Guys and have meetings scheduled with Food Services.
In Our Words:
Best Idea: Hot Grab-and-Go options. Noel wants students to be able to go into the dining hall and fill a box with food. "Two sides, and then main platter," Noel said. "And that would cost maybe five of your seven Grab and Go points and then you'd have two left over for water or a snack or food."
Worst Idea: While allowing flex points to be used in Eddy Street would appeal to students, it is not feasible. But the ticket has cited this platform as a main focus of the campaign.
Most Feasible: The idea for the "Perspectives" series would be most feasible because increasing intellectual debate on campus is already a concern of some administrators and faculty. "Perspectives" would need minimal help from the University to get accomplished, and they shouldn't have a problem getting the support they need.
Least Feasible: Installing the Flex Points system at Eddy Street Commons is a great idea in theory but coordinating the monetary transfer between the University and the businesses in Eddy Street Commons would be difficult. Past student government administrations have tried this without success.
Fun Facts: Noel was a member of the football team when they won the Hawaii Bowl in 2008.
Notable Quote: "If you see something that needs to be changed and you have the opportunity to change it, then you should take advantage of the opportunity," Noel said, on why he wants to run for student body president.
Bottom Line
Noel and Corona have a grasp of what the student body wants, and what it needs. Flex points at Eddy Street Commons and Hot Grab n' Go options would be immensely popular if accomplished. Noel and Corona seem to have clear goals and the drive to accomplish these goals, but the lack of experience in student government may hinder them. Also, the duo only has three platforms listed on their site, something they should work to expand.
