Editor’s note: Interviews have been edited for length and clarity.
In last year’s SGA election, the candidates for president and vice president were uncontested. However, this year’s election ballot will have two presidential tickets.
Axel Brown and Aidan Clark, who are both running for reelection, spoke with The Scribe about their platform, experience and why they believe they are the best choice for president and vice president.
Presidential candidate Axel Brown (he/him)
Brown is a senior majoring in social work with a minor in criminal justice and human services. He is currently the SGA student body president and has also served as the senator of military affairs. Additionally, Brown is the current chair of CU’s Intercampus Student Forum.
Tell us a little bit about you. What are your interests? How do you get involved on campus?
I am a veteran, a father and a brother. I am interested in an array of things, mostly the gym, video games and reading. I hold the current position of polemarch of the Omicron Pi chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi. I also get involved on campus by attending other clubs’ meetings and events to ensure that they know that SGA cares.
Why are you running for this position?
Aidan and I feel as if our job is not complete. As seen in the debate, we have a strong presence on campus and a plethora of relationships built with administration and the community. This position has so many ways to better the everyday lives of students, and that is what Aidan and I intend to do.
Why do you think you’re fit for this position?
I am fit for the position because I am a natural-born advocate. I am working towards spending the rest of my life being a lifeline for those in need. I understand what it takes to be told no, and still have found a way.
Being the student body president by way of the SGA constitution you have no actual power (except to veto a bill), but your voice is heard the most. This is why I love the position, because I can ensure students know that my title does not put me above them. We are equal, and that will never change.
What are your goals for this position?
My goal for this position is to ensure that no matter who holds this position, they are present. Do not hold this position just to buff your resume. Use your voice, listen to your colleagues and implement change!
Vice presidential candidate Aidan Clark (he/him)
Clark is a senior majoring in political science. He currently works with Brown as vice president and has also served as senator of LAS twice, the speaker pro tempore and the speaker of the senate. Additionally, Clark has held leadership roles in both the political and professional worlds, such as holding a position on the Bernie Sanders campaign.
Tell us a little bit about you. What are your interests? How do you get involved on campus?
I’ve been heavily involved with politics since I first volunteered for President Obama at age 11. This interest in politics has led to several opportunities, including a position on the Bernie Sanders campaign and an invitation from the Governor for Axel and me to be guests at several of his events.
Aside from politics, I am a huge film buff and collect autographs in my spare time. My position with the Sanders campaign is what originally led to my involvement on campus as a freshman, but I have remained involved through SGA since my sophomore year.
Why are you running for this position?
Axel and I feel that we still have work to do. As we highlighted in the debate, while we have accomplished a lot, there is still a lot to be done. We have built strong, meaningful relationships with students, faculty, staff, administrators and community leaders — all of which we hope to foster and strengthen further in the second term.
Why do you think you’re fit for this position?
I am fit for this position because I fight for all students, not just those who agree with me or are a part of the community I identify with.
As an advocate and someone who has already come to understand the challenges of this position, I know that a huge part of this position is upsetting people for the betterment of the community. However, as someone who has already held this position, I understand that this upset needs to be strategic and must always be done within the confines of your ability to make actual change.
What are your goals for this position?
My goal for this position is to continue the work that Axel and I have already started. We will continue to remain transparent, we will continue to be advocates for the students and we will continue to be inclusive towards all student voices and prospectives. Above all else, Axel and I will strive to always be fighters for the best interests of all students.
Photos courtesy of sga.uccs.edu.