The Lumberjack

Issue date: 5/2/07 Section: Campus

Media Credit: John C. Osborn Kyle Taylor votes on The Quad during the AS Elections last Thursday

In the highest voter turnout in 10 years and possibly Humboldt State's history, the Associated Students elections results showed that students did not approve of fee increases for the fall.

There was a 31 percent voter turnout, about 2,200 votes cast of the 7,100 students eligible to vote.

Last years' turnout was 842 students in comparison.

Mike Kittredge, AS elections advisor and coordinator, said that students are paying attention and are concerned about the campus, he was proud of the high turnout.

"When there are issues that people feel passionate about, they will come out and get their voice heard," Kittredge said.

The ballots had a section of non-binding referendums, not requested by HSU President Richmond, to get student opinion about the $202 increase on the instructionally related activities fee for the fall. The fee will fund the Jackpass, athletics, and the Humboldt Energy Independence Fund.

Students did not support the consultative process that administrators used to propose a $202 Instructionally Related Activities fee increase. Students previously asked the administration to have a say in the fee, but President Rollin Richmond refused citing low voter turnout in the past.

Students supported the Jack pass and the Humboldt Energy Independence Fund fees and wanted them separated from the IRA fees. Students did not support the fees being attached to a higher education price index, which fluctuates with the stock market.

Terra Rentz, a wildlife and political science senior, will be the next AS President. She defeated candidate Kintay Johnson by a narrow margin of 1,052 votes over his 934.

"It took a whole campus to get our voices heard," Rentz said. "If students want change, they need to step up and advocate for the student voice."

Rentz said that although the IRA fee will go through for next semester, this student vote will be helpful in for the future.

"It won't change what [Richmond is] going to do, but we can use it to get some of the things we want." Rentz said. "We have the ability to take this to the table in the fall so this fee is changed in the long run."

Johnson wrote the referendum questions for the ballot because he wanted students to have an opportunity to have their opinions on the IRA fee increase.

"I'm happy that 31 percent of the campus voted," said Johnson. "They claim that students don't vote. I hope they listen to the student voice."

The only other position that was opposed was Legislative Vice President to which Jason Robo was elected over Alan Chesbro.

Currently, Rentz is reviewing applications for many open positions in the AS council. She said that one of the reasons for the empty seats in AS has been lack of advertisement. She said the last election was not well advertised and many people did not know to run for positions.

Rentz will transition into the position of President at the May 7 AS meeting. She has worked outside AS for and a half years as a CFA intern and this is her first time being part of the AS council.

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