The race for a place in ASG

Stephen Floyd and Brandon Van Bibber are running on the same ticket.

Stephen Floyd, presidential candidate

By Nick Ngo

A person who can represent the school to the state, make sure they keep the interests of students in mind, someone who is willing to tackle the big problems: that’s what a leader is in the eyes of Stephen Floyd, and he says that’s the type of leader he will be if elected Associated Student Government president.

Floyd started attending Mt. Hood Community College in fall 2003. He started out majoring in physics to become a high school teacher. It didn’t work out, however, because he hated doing math. In the same year, Floyd began to work on The Advocate.

He said he liked to run around campus interviewing people and becoming familiar with the building and staff members. Floyd worked on The Advocate for two years, the first year as a staff reporter and the second year as an associate editor. He described himself as the “wild card” because if there was ever a last minute job to do, he would volunteer and do it.

“I’ve always been an adaptable type of person as far as tasks go,” Floyd said. “I don’t really care what it is I have to do, I’m a big picture type of guy. I do stuff for the good of the order.”

During his third year at MHCC, Floyd got involved with the student government and became the director of communications.

Floyd thinks the biggest issues for next year are what to do with the extra money from the student fee increase and getting students to vote for the bond measure. The voting for the bond measure is in November it will address updating the school’s facilities, fixing things such as the roofs and water-damaged ceilings, structural updates and improvements.

“Right now the student government is looking to rally the support of students and voters,” Floyd said.

As a leader, Floyd wants to portray a more active role. He said if the students see a member of the student government running around campus and taking part in things such as voter registration, it would show them there’s more to do on campus than learn learn and go home.

Flloyd plans to visit the different clubs on campus and get their input as to what they want from a student government president.

“I just want to know the people I would be leading,” Floyd said. “Clubs are the most politically active people on campus, as far as student government goes.”

 

Brandon Van Bibber, vice presidential candidate

By Rachel Kramer

Brandon Van Bibber, Mt. Hood Community College English major, is living his dream.
“I always wanted to live in a cramped, empty apartment,” Van Bibber said. “Cramped because it is too small and empty because it is too small to put anything in. It is perfect for a writer.”

This treasurer of the Writer’s Club and self-proclaimed fountain of knowledge is also a candidate for ASG vice president, running on a ticket with Stephen Floyd, ASG presidential candidate.

Van Bibber, age 24, graduated from Sam Barlow High School in 2000, where he had been a member of the debate team. He has been a student at MHCC for the past two years.

“I am a lifer,” Van Bibber said. “I won’t stop till I have taken [all the classes.]”
During the past two years, Van Bibber has come to appreciate and take heart in MHCC.
“When I started [at MHCC], I just came for my classes,” he said. “Since then, I have come to realize how great Mt. Hood is.”

According to Van Bibber, students should follow his example and take pride in their school. “This is a good place, helping a lot of people,” he said.

Van Bibber has also been involved in various leadership positions. In 2002, Van Bibber organized the Gresham Grange, a cross-cultural event, at Sam Barlow High School. The event featured DJs and rappers.

While gathering signatures for this year’s elecction, Van Bibber asked students what they want done. According to Van Bibber, a large number inquired about dances. “I have no problem working on that. I would like to see it be a community thing, and possibly a fundraiser by charging a couple dollars at the door.”

Community involvement is also an issue important to him. “Mt. Hood doesn’t bring in the community,” Van Bibber said.

Van Bibber would also like to see more student involvement on campus. “For me to get anything done, I need student support,” he said.

With the up coming bond measure initiative in the November elections, Van Bibber sees informing students as his top priority.

“We need to get students informed, so they can vote in November,” he said.
According to Van Bibber, since he has no current job, he’s is free to perform the duties of vice president.

“It matters to me, but the important thing is not who wins,” he said. “The most important thing is that students get inspired and involved in their school.”

 

Click here to read on.