Dear editor,

As Student Association elections begin, there are no better candidates to represent this University next session than Mackenzie Mertikas, Sameeha Saied and Stacy Omosa.

This slate of incredibly accomplished and extremely qualified women will be able to govern the Student Association with pragmatism, represent many viewpoints and backgrounds in serious discussions and elevate other student leaders on campus toward a shared direction of reform at Syracuse University.

Mertikas and Saied have developed a platform similar to ours just one year ago. We need to acknowledge their commitment to this work and putting students’ interest first. Mertikas and Saied also hold experiences that they can bring to their respective positions to better areas such as health and wellness, community engagement and financial accessibility. At the debate last week, Mertikas and Saied made a point that as leaders, they will make it a priority to listen to those whose backgrounds or identities they cannot identify with. Finally, we believe Mertikas and Saied both pioneer and demand transparency and accountability among the association and the university, respectively.

We consider Stacy Omosa a close friend, and we thank her for her contributions to our campaign last year. There is no one at this university with the knowledge of the financial codes, the experience with large sums of money and the passion to thrive in this position than Omosa. Her comprehensive platform is among one of the best seen this election season. We want to commend her for listening to students over the past few weeks and adding reform to her platform such as a 60/40 rollover policy and ensuring the Finance Board has a SUNY-ESF representative.

Mertikas, Saied and Omosa have the chemistry to effectively lead the Executive Branch of the Student Association together and with the best interest. We are proud to #StartTheWave and entrust our student fee to someone who #ChecksAndBalances. We look forward to casting our votes over the next few days and telling others to do the same.

Besides, who run the world? Girls.

Sincerely,

John Jankovic and Serena Fazal

Presidential and vice-presidential candidates, 61st Legislative session

Published on April 9, 2019 at 9:21 pm