FUSA election season begins

The Fairfield University Student Association kicked off the spring election season on Tuesday night as potential candidates gathered for a mandatory meeting in the campus center.

More than 40 students from the freshman, sophomore, and junior classes registered their campaigns for senate, class council, Vice President of Programming, VP of Senate, and FUSA President with the Student Activities office.

Now there is just the matter of obtaining 50 signatures from members of the student body in support of their campaigns.

Four juniors will challenge the first incumbent president of FUSA running for re-election in the history of the organization.

The incumbent, Kevin Neubauer ’05, is seeking a second term because “FUSA has had undeniable success under the direction of Vice-President Geoffrey Cook, Vice-President Jillian Grant, Chairman Aaron Baker, Chief Frank Jurczak and myself. There is no substitute for experience.”

Presidential candidate Paul Duffy ’05, who was distinctly dressed for the occasion in jacket and tie, says he is running for the office of president because “Simply, I want to make FUSA fun again.”

Rory Butterly ’05 wants to take over the reigns of the student body because he feels he has a lot to contribute to the school from his own personal experiences.

Frank Arrigo ’05 outlined his goals for his campaign when he summarized, “As potential FUSA president, I look forward to the possible opportunity to make a positive impact leaving a lasting impression on the superb faculty and student body.”

Ben Manchak ’05 stated his mission when he said, “I’ve made the decision to run for FUSA President because I would like to see FUSA become far more approachable and more reactive with respect to the wishes and concerns of the student body of Fairfield.”

With so many candidates in the running for FUSA’s most coveted office, a primary election will be held Feb. 17 in order to determine the two leading candidates.

The general election, determining the official leader of the Fairfield student body and the legislative body supporting him, will be conducted Feb. 24.

Election time is one of the more interesting times of year on campus. “I believe this year’s election is going to be a really interesting one, especially in the race for the president,” said Class of ’07 senate candidate Jerry Pittman.