Despite widespread student support for REVOLT’s policy initiative, voters this year soundly elected FUEL’s representatives.
Adam Roddy, junior in political science, won the presidential election with just over 8 percent of student body support.
The FUEL campaign carried the day, but REVOLT’s referendum received widespread student support with 4,287 votes.
“We are so estatic that the referendum has passed with overwhelming majority,” Eric Dixon, vice presidential candidate for REVOLT, said. “SGA next year will carry that and see it through and the administration will really view this as something that’s a madate from the students and something that they will be amendable to.”
Roddy was relieved that the tedious campaign process was over.
“It was a big weight off of our shoulders,” Roddy said. “This week was very hectic and it was very stressful in a lot of ways, but it’s really rewarding to see all of these people here who just won senate seats and are really passionate.”
Terry Nowell, junior in BCMB, won as FUEL’s vice presidential candidate with 2,515 votes and Taelor Olive, junior in BCMB, won as FUEL’s student services director with 2,416.
Nowell said despite not having all of FUEL’s senatorial candidates in office, he beleives senatorial relations should run smoothly.
“I think (senatorial work) is something that’s really easy and once you get in senate, it’s a great equalizer,” Nowell said.
Nowell served as a senator for the REACH campaign last year and this year found himself working with SPARK senators, the opposing campaign.
“In all reality, it ended up being one of the greatest working relationships because it brought us in touch with different ideas and a passion for changing the university,” Nowell said.
Daniel Aycock, REVOLT’s presidential candidate, was proud that some Revolt senators will serve in office, but was also pleased to make a strong connection with students during campaign week.
“I think we started a structural and cultural conversation on campus,” Aycock said. “One of our main goals was to start a movement, and to let students know they can be engaged stake holders in their experiences.” Nowell said FUEL plans to carry out their promise of increasing transparency with students by spending about 40 hours in the office each week.
Roddy said he plans to engage with other organizations. He hopes the increased communication will help him develop a more personable image.
“I hope to make them see, from day one, that I’m not just some figure in the distance,” Roddy said. “I’m not just in office — I’m a person. I really want to work through changes in person.”
Roddy plans to address tuition as his first order of business.
“That’s something we have to jump on — something we have to immediately tackle,” Roddy said. “SGA has to be able and ready to do everything they can to tackle that problem.”
