Patrick Trautfield
Watch Melissa Lema talk about her platform in the Mustang Daily’s interviews with the candidates.
Long years of showing animals through Future Farmers of America and 4-H are not all that shaped Associated Student Inc. presidential candidate Melissa Lema’s work ethic and desire to be involved.
Lema, a dairy science junior with an agribusiness minor who plans to graduate in fall 2009, has a wealth of experience with ASI. She has been on the Board of Directors for two years, serving as vice chair this year after spending her first year as an alternate for a member studying abroad. She also serves as chair of the Budget Committee and vice chair of the Personnel Committee.
Additionally, Lema has been the chair of the College of Agriculture Student Council, which brings clubs under the college together, and has been involved in organizing activities since her freshman year. Lema is also active with Open House and is in training to be a WOW leader for the upcoming school year.
“I love Cal Poly and it has always been a hope of mine to be active on campus,” Lema said. “I think having a hand in the school is a big part of making your college experience.”
Lema said she’s “thought long and hard” about running for ASI president.
“I really want to work hard to know student wants and needs, and make ASI about the student,” she said.
“I love meeting students and hearing what they have to say.”
She added that being a part of the Budget Committee was a good opportunity to see how to “make money work for (students).”
Access to student services is an issue that Lema particularly wants to address as president.
“If you’ve been there recently, you’d know that the Health Center is a pretty rough place to be right now,” she said. She hopes to work with administrators to utilize student fees as efficiently as possible, as well as find other ways to subsidize alternative sources of funding.
Lema also thinks that getting students involved in legislation is a priority, mostly because of recent budget issues.
“I want a strong Lobby Corps up and running by September for students to voice their opinions and help alleviate problems in the student budget,” she said.
Also, Lema wants to improve transportation and safety in San Luis Obispo by working with the city to increase ridership in high-impact areas, especially in the mornings, which would be helpful for community members driving through town as well. She also wants to bring the Sober Ride program to its full potential.
Regarding her competition, Lema said she has worked with both Angela Kramer and Arvand Sabetian in ASI.
“They are both amazing people and are hard workers,” she said. “But I’ve worked really hard for this and I feel like I can do a really good job.”