Gernerd to lead class of 2001, Moscona wins 2003 race
By JASON McFARLEY
News Writer
Although the 2001 and 2003 tickets of Rachel Gernerd and Brian Moscona both earned wins with 57 percent of the vote in Thursday's class council run-off elections, voter turnout from each class varied significantly.
In the 2001 election, Gernerd defeated the Elliot Nelson ticket 57.5 to 41.2 percent. Gernerd will serve as president for the 2000-01 term, while running mates vice president Jen Caswell, secretary Judson Penton and treasurer B.J. Kloska complete the elected council.
Earning 57.2 percent of the class of 2003 vote, Moscona emerged the victor over the Trip Foley ticket, which garnered 42.0 percent of the vote. Completing the Moscona ticket are vice president Libby Bishop, secretary Alison Troy and treasurer Nick Mastronardi.
But while both races featured similar winning percentages, nearly twice as many freshman as juniors voted.
According to official run-off results, 59.5 percent of all freshmen voted in the 2003 election Thursday, representing a total turnout of 1155 first-year students. Just 38.4 percent of the class of 2001 voted, a total of 718 juniors.
Amanda Dovidio, election committee member, was pleased with Thursday's turnout.
"Overall, turnout was good, especially for the freshman class. The juniors were a little behind, but their numbers are pretty comparable to those from earlier in the week," Dovidio said.
Moscona, however, was discouraged by his class' turnout.
"I think it was disappointing. The scheduling and location of the vote make it very difficult to turn out," Moscona said.
In a week that saw the voiding of Monday's 2003 primary vote and a subsequent revote on Tuesday, both Dovidio and Moscona are glad to see the elections end. The elections were a long, frustrating process, Dovidio said.
"I think a lot of students are disheartened with student government and tired of elections, but I hope they see that this election ended fairly and by the rules," he said.
With the elections finished, the winning tickets are primed to set to work on their platforms.
Gernerd's ticket plans to increase class unity through a charity golf tournament, a senior week and a senior talent show. Among the ticket's other goals are to develop a class webpage and a post-graduation webpage.
"Our ticket features a lot of experience, which we will need in coordinating all of next year's events. The class of 2001 can count on a very fun year to come," Gernerd said.
Moscona's ticket also has fun in mind.
"We want to increase the number of social events. We'd like to plan a class trip to an amusement park," Moscona said.
His other ideas include developing a class webpage and providing more service opportunities for his classmates.
All News Stories for Friday, March 3, 2000
