Why are you running in the ASUO Election?
Hello, my name is Brendan Randall, and I use he, they, or she pronouns without any preference. I am a second-year law student and undergraduate alumni here at the UO (shout out to the double-ducks!). I have my B.S. in Political Science and Global Studies with minors in legal studies, global health, and German. Over at the law school, I've focused my studies on international law, constitutional law, and criminal law. I also have some experience in local government thanks to work I've done for Lane County. I also participated in RHA and mock trial and gained valuable experience with the day-to-day of campus activities and student clubs. I am also an associate member of GTFF, a full member of UOSW, and a proud Duck Rides worker! My time at the UO has given me a wide perspective on student issues here, ranging from safety concerns in and around campus to how the university could better set its student body up for success here and beyond. I want to be a voice for the student body wherever student concerns show up, be it here on campus, in Eugene's city hall, or even in the Oregon State Capitol in Salem.
What are three key student-focused priorities that you would work on if elected?
1. Attending the Oregon State Legislature while it is in session and advocating for the advancement of bills which would further the interests of the student body. Examples of such bills would be those which improve funding to Oregon's public universities; assist in funding student aid programs such as Pathway Oregon or the Oregon Opportunity Grant; or otherwise would have a direct or indirect positive effect on UO students. This would also involve advocating against bills which would harm the student body. This would involve monitoring the legislature for incoming bills, evaluating each bill for its possible impact on the student body, and physically going to Salem to ensure that student voices are heard loud and clear. Relatedly, I intend to remain in regular communication with the Board of Trustees, especially our student representatives, to ensure our voices remain heard. 2. I want to work as closely as possible with the City of Eugene to ensure that the city is doing all it can to make itself as safe and friendly for students as possible. This would include advocating for better pedestrian signage at major pedestrian crossings. To accomplish this, I would compile an agenda to present to the Eugene City Council during their public comment and seek out members of the council that are willing to push for student interests and safety. This would involve extensive fact-finding on major livability concerns in the City of Eugene that impact students, including asking you all about your own personal concerns. 3. Next, I acknowledge that I am but one person, and even when assisted by a full staff, I will never be able to identify every student issue on my own. In recognition of this, I also want to prioritize student communication. It is one thing for someone to make extensive promises about issues that they perceive, but the solution is moot if those issues are not shared by the rest of the student body. I intend to resolve this by establishing a group tasked with ensuring that current ASUO programs, updates, and events are fully conveyed to the student body, on top of the current regular emails that go out. That may also involve a regular working relationship with local news organizations, such as the Daily Emerald.