Why are you running in the ASUO Elections?

My name is Benicio Lumbreras (he/him) and I'm a second year student from Portland, Oregon studying accounting and political science. I am running for office in order to help reform ASUO into a body that listens to students' needs and actively improves student life both on and off campus. I hope to achieve this through the continued funding and expansion of essential organizations and services like subsidized healthcare rides and Peacehealth bikes. Through the budgeting and financial management skills I have acquired through my position as Treasurer of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity at UO along with the social insights I have gained through my political science education and experience canvassing for Democratic candidates, I will work to create an efficiently functioning and equitable student government that serves the needs of all students.

Is there a particular ASUO funded service or organization (or multiple) that you are passionate about and hope to work with? Why?

I hope to work with organizations that place a focus on lobbying and advocating for student and public interests. Groups like OSPIRG have made significant achievements towards climate action, right to repair, and much more. Further, I would like to see how ASUO can potentially encourage the revival of the Oregon Student Association. OSA advocated for student interests for nearly 50 years, and in that time made many important strides. Organizations like OSPIRG and OSA have proven essential to ensuring student voices are heard by those in power, and supporting them through ASUO allows them to continue such work and further improve our community. I am also interested in working with organizations that increase accessibility to affordable transportation, such as the Lane Transit District, Peacehealth bikes, and Uber healthcare transportation and night rides. Access to affordable transportation is a right we all have, and it is the responsibility of ASUO to make it a reality for all students.