ASMSU Academic Assembly’s internal leadership position was elected Tuesday among six candidates after the election was postponed last week with only two candidates running.
After the secret ballot vote, Caleb Marker instantly took the internal vice chairperson’s seat for the 2002-03 year.
Last week, the undergraduate student government election was postponed because of a close vote between the two candidates - Steve Lovelace, former internal vice chairperson, and Jacqueline Sadowski, Academic Assembly College of Arts and Letters representative.
Marker has been involved with ASMSU since February as director of its Web site, www.asmsu.org.
Instead of continuing with the computer-based position, Marker said he wanted to be more involved in leading the organization.
“Until they reopened elections, it didn’t occur to me that this would be the perfect position for me,” the international relations and finance freshman said. “It’s a position that would give me an active leadership role.”
The position pays $1,620 during the fall and spring semesters for 16 hours per week, and $810 during the summer for eight hours per week.
Some of the position’s responsibilities include attending committee meetings, keeping track of attendance and updating the assembly’s codes and policies.
“I was running against the incumbent, and two other respected reps,” Marker said. “I wasn’t sure if I had a chance.”
The meeting closed to the public after an hour and a half of speeches while representatives debated about the candidates for about an hour.
Matt Clayson, Academic Assembly chairperson, said representatives told people about the elections to generate more candidates.
“Reps took a proactive approach,” he said.
Clayson and Jeanette Lantzy, Academic Assembly external vice chairperson, agreed Marker will perform his job well.
“He seems he will be able to go above and beyond of what’s asked of him,” Lantzy said.
Although greek representatives to the assembly do not have voting privileges, assembly members waived the assembly code to allow them to vote because they attended the election meeting.
Steve Schauer, Academic Assembly Interfraternity Council representative, said the election was a close race.
“It was a tough decision,” he said. “It was his overall qualities. He was very poised and candid when he talked.”
ASMSU Student Assembly elections will take place Thursday to elect four leadership positions within the assembly.
Officials said there are two candidates for Funding Board chairperson, three candidates for Programming Board chairperson, three candidates for Student Assembly external vice chairperson and two candidates for internal vice chairperson. Applications are no longer being accepted.
