By Joshua Landa

By Joshua Landa

Candidates running to be the next student trustee met in the Riverside City College cafeteria on April 5. There were two candidates vying for the position: Jorge Flores and Carlos Narango.

As the meeting started, both candidates presented themselves to the crowd, addressing what they stand for, as well as what they’re going to bring to the position. The first question presented to the candidates dealt with low voter turnout and how they can encourage students to vote.

“It’s best to communicate with students and tell them what’s really going on around campus,” Flores said.

Narango agreed that there was a need for getting the word out.

“To publicize voting, get ads (on campus) with voting times which will bring more awareness to campus,” he said.

Another question addressed the candidates’ qualifications as student trustee. Both had an array of active service in and outside of school. Narango was voted Volunteer of the Year 2005, been in the student senate and is the student body president at Norco campus.

Flores has a lot people skills, actively participates at the Riverside campus, and also works at a local elementary school.

After many questions the audience members were given a sheet a paper in which they can write a question that will then be ask to both candidates. Some questions did not pertain to the election at all, such as “Do you know how to beat box and if so, can you show us?”

That question wasn’t given a response.

The residing student trustee, Yajaira Tiscareno, attended the forum. She pointed out that, although there was a low turnout at the forum, seeing people actually running for the position is a good start.

“Although just two (candidates), it’s a start in what hopefully becomes a more active student community,” she said.

At the end of the meeting, both candidates took time to answer more personal questions, such as what pushed them to run for student trustee.

“(I wanted to) actively participate in change for the community,” Narango said.

“Involvement,” Flores said. “I like to help out where ever I can. I really get a thrill from seeing change occur for the better and knowing that I am part of it.”

“First, getting across to the students and making them realize that they play the biggest role when it comes to change in a school,” Flores said. “That’s where the change will begin.”

Narango stated that he will enroll in all three campuses in order to keep up to date with all things occurring and to be able to hear the students’ needs.