Tell us about yourself.

I'm Jonah Gildea (he/him), and I'm a junior from Woodburn, Oregon, studying political science.

What are the three key issues that you've noticed on campus that you hope to improve for students as an elected official?

In my time working with student organizations, I've noticed some clubs have difficulties getting support from the ASUO, especially clubs representing marginalized groups or political causes. If elected, I will actively seek out input from leaders of these clubs in order to fairly allocate budgets. An issue I experienced while working with the UO Student Workers union is the ASUO's policy of viewpoint neutrality. The student government is a political body, and I will advocate for our ability to make political decisions. A broader issue I want to help address is the cost of living for students. If elected, I would support worker and tenants rights organizations. I am also interested in starting a campaign for student owned co-op housing.

Why are you running?

I am running to empower student voices, especially those who need the most support. I see the ASUO as a political body that has the potential to materially support students on campus, and to be a force against issues like university privatization. In the past the ASUO funded the construction of Mac Court. I believe we can take on just as ambitious projects oriented towards student needs.