Carlos Smith, junior in exercise science whose platform boasted a connected and available Student Senate, clinched the SGA vice presidential election with 63 percent of the vote.
“I’m really appreciative of everybody that’s helped me out so far,” Smith said. “I can’t do this by myself at all.”
Smith cheered and celebrated with supporters dressed in pale yellow shirts bearing his campaign slogan, “Call on Carlos.”
“I’m really excited to get this started,” Smith said. “I know it’s just the beginning, and there’s really a lot more we have to do. I’m just ready to get it going. I’m ready to start tomorrow if I could.”
Smith, who has been involved with Beat Bama Food Drive and the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs during his time at Auburn, will preside over the weekly Senate meetings and aid senators in drafting legislation among other duties within the Senate.
“I really want to thank the students for participating,” Smith said. “It’s easy to not participate and just be in the background. They’ve done a lot for me, and I want to do a lot for them.”
Student participation was key for Smith during his campaign.
One of his top priorities in his platform was including more liaisons into the legislative process. He wants to add liaisons mainly from under-represented campus organizations so their interests can be better represented in the Student Senate.
Once he gets more liaisons involved in the Senate, Smith plans to form a liaison committee within the Senate in order to keep those organizations informed.
Students surrounded Smith to congratulate him on his victory and pose for photos after his name was called out from the back steps of Cater Hall.
“I think it’s awesome,” said Reid Haughton, sophomore in marketing. “I think Carlos is definitely a well-deserving candidate. I think he’s going to do a great job for Auburn. He’s going to have the students’ interests in mind for sure.”
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
Elizabeth, senior in journalism and political science, is the community editor for The Plainsman
