A.S. Election for Student Trustee: Polls Close Soon, Make Your Mark!
On Sept. 27, Daniel Martinez Garcia was elected Student Trustee on the Associated Students (A.S.) Board of Directors. A special election for the position of student trustee was held from Sept. 23 through Sept. 26, following the former trustee’s removal from office.
The student trustee serves as the representative of all SMC students at monthly Board of Trustee meetings, and reports all relevant information back to A.S. They act as the liaison between the Board of Trustees and the Board of Associated Students. This position is essential for ensuring the financial provisions of SMC are properly allotted in accordance with the demands and necessities of the student community.
Coming from South Central, Los Angeles, Daniel Martinez Garcia has experience in various leadership positions on campus, including Student Ambassador at the Welcome Center in the Student Services Center and Primary Commissioner for the Inter-Club Council (ICC) Vice Chair. These roles led Martinez Garcia to assist, collaborate, and connect with a variety of students. Martinez Garcia is a first-generation student who recognizes “the impact of socioeconomic challenges on access to higher education”.
Martinez Garcia said, “My main priorities include supporting basic needs, advocating for first-generation students, undocumented students, international students, and low-income students,” such as “housing, food security, and mental health services.” In his leadership roles, Martinez Garcia also found that most students require more financial support, and plans to effect change. “I will work tirelessly to represent all of us as students and fight for better programs, more resources, and greater equality.”
Thomas Bui, Associate Dean of Student Life, said, “Student voice plays a big part in the decisions process for our college and it is important to elect students that you as students believe represent your experiences,” He added on, “A great example of this a few years back when student government had a crucial role and voice in advocating for parking fees not to be increased.” Participating in student government as a voter is critical for optimizing one’s educational experience.
Statistically, the importance of student government elections isn’t reflected in turnout. The regular A.S. election for the 2024-25 school year, in which the now-removed student trustee was elected, attracted a total of 281 voters, a small fraction of the student body. This special election, however, found the invigorating participation of 819 student voters. A proud 264 students voted for Martinez Garcia, eclipsing the runner-up with a margin of 18 votes.
Martinez Garcia’s role begins next week at the Board of Trustees meeting on Oct. 1.