The Youngstown State University student body has elected Michael Slavens and Jacob Schriner-Briggs as its 2014-2015 Student Government Association president and vice president.
The results of the election were announced on Monday. The pair won a close race by receiving 527 votes, while their opponents — Max Gocala and Paige Rassega — won 461 votes.
Slavens thanked the supporters who helped him throughout the election.
“We had a lot of support; a lot of people helping us out. Honestly, there was no way we could have done it without all of their help,” he said. “Looking forward to the next year.”
Slavens and Schriner-Briggs ran on a platform of communication with their constituents, and Slavens said he will remain dedicated to achieving that goal during his term.
“I hope to fulfill everything that they want and that they are hoping for. I hope to talk to as many people as possible — good communication and everything — in addition to continuing to work on the projects that we have been working on this year. I am hoping we see a lot of those through,” Slavens said.
Schriner-Briggs also reiterated his commitment to serving the student body.
“We owe so much to a lot of people,” he said. “I am very excited that we have the opportunity to take these positions because I think we can get a lot of good things accomplished. Basically, I am looking forward to doing everything in my power to benefit and assist the student body with anything they need. We are going to take this very serious.”
Gocala said he intends to remain active on campus, though he will likely not seek a seat on the SGA body.
“Life goes on. It is just on to the next race, if you will,” Gocala said. “As for next year, that is my senior year, so I am still going to do stuff around campus. I am going to try to help out as much as I can, but I don’t think I am going to run for a position on student government.”
Gocala also expressed pride toward the race he ran, adding he also wished Slavens and Schriner-Briggs well.
“I think that regardless, win or lose, we ran a fair race and that is the important part,” Gocala said. “I wish them the best of luck and I hope that they have a good successful year as executives.”
Slavens also echoed this sentiment about his opponents.
“They ran a great race. … We were both two tickets. We both worked very hard; we both campaigned very well, I think. And, I thought it was a great race,” Slavens said. “They did a good job. Congratulations on all that they have done.”
