Never-Before-Seen Special Election Assembly

On Tuesday, October 6, four Senator candidates and about a dozen students gathered in the Student Union for the Special Election Assembly. This Special Election is being held to fill one Senator term and the voting poll opened up on Wednesday, with a voting deadline of 11:59pm on Friday, October 16. 

Election Czar Robin-Clementine Herold ‘28 began the Assembly and instructed each of the assembled candidates to give their platforms before answering several questions.

Toby Hwang ‘30 was first to speak, setting the ball rolling with a campaign centered around his role as a founder of the Soup Club, which had recently been ranked in the Top 40. Hwang described himself as “invested in soup,” and made vague reference to the Soup Club powers that be, stating, “My team is campaigning on my behalf.” However, Hwang made it clear that he was not promising free soup to students outside of Soup Club. 

Beginning the question period, Herold asked how Hwang plans to represent the opinions of the student body. Hwang focused on Soup Club and its role as a group “for students by students.” Herold then asked how Hwang viewed the relationship between Senate and administration, to which he replied that he wanted to support Commons workers, since “they deserve more recognition.” Herold asked how Hwang plans to support minorities. Hwang responded, “The soup climate of Reed is predominantly Westernized soups,” and expressed an interest in incorporating more diverse soup. It remained unclear how the student body would benefit from soups that they would not be able to access outside of Soup Club participation, however diverse they may be. Finally, Herold asked if Hwang had plans “besides soup,” and he responded in the negative, clarifying his focus as “just soup.”

Senator Stella Greer ‘29 asked if Hwang plans to do anything regarding accessibility. “Soup is pretty accessible overall,” responded Hwang, but added that he would consider proper utensils and food allergies when providing soup to hypothetical and yet-undefined groups of people. Another audience member asked why Hwang is the best candidate. “I don’t know anyone else who makes soup,” said Hwang.

Next to present was Eddie Memmott ‘30. Memmott’s platform focused on his plan to create an open studio art space with free art supplies for students to use, regardless of whether they are taking art classes. He also expressed interest in accessibility. 

In the question period, Memmott established that he was interested in “talking to many different people” and “considering opinions.” He also expressed that he would work with the administration and staff to make his free art studio plan happen. Regarding support for minorities, Memmott reiterated his interest in talking to different people and adding to the “collective of free supplies” available to students. Herold asked if he had any plans other than the art studio, and Memmott replied that he wants to be part of “what makes Reed so great.” 

An audience member asked how Memmott plans to gather feedback from the student body. “I try to exist in all spaces around campus,” explained Memmott, mentioning various clubs and events as potential intel sources. Senator Greer asked Memmott about accessibility and he replied that he was concerned with “financial accessibility” and “keeping free resources.”

Rowan Servetar ‘29 was up next. They presented a platform that centered around “improving the Great Lawn” by providing “more functional and academically-accessible furniture.” They also responded to current discourse with the suggestion of creating “designated areas for students who smoke.” Finally, they announced their intention to restore the missing swing on the swing set in front of Anna Mann and to address the noise problems related to the Bragdon swings. In general, Servetar emphasized their “commitment, creativity, and attention to practical student needs.”

Responding to Herold’s questions, Servetar replied that they would represent students’ interests by holding office hours and talking to people in their dorm. They said that they saw the relationship between Senate and administration as one of “constant communication” and emphasized how both sides are “working for the same goals.” Servetar also said that they would support minorities by making sure that “the shorter side of the campus” are able to access swings. They plan to seek a “variety of voices to supplement the issues we face together.” When asked if there are other issues they plan to address, Servetar reiterated their strong interest in fixing the swings due to the death of a family member in a swing accident. 

Senator Greer asked Servetar how they would address accessibility. Servetar explained their plan to get more accessible furniture for the Great Lawn.

The last candidate to speak was Andrew Lin ‘30. He explained his “duty to learn more about Reed culture.” Lin shared that he had “no strong feelings” on issues, but that he “will enter with a growth mindset.” He also remarked that many students are not aware of various resources on campus, so he plans to “increase awareness” of these resources. 

During the question period, Lin said that he would represent students by “putting [himself] in student spaces.” Like others, he emphasized “clear communication” between Senate and the administration, but reiterated that he did not have any strong opinions. Lin also said that he would support minorities by making the campus more accessible, making reference to inaccessible entrances to buildings on campus. Herold asked if Lin had any specific plans, to which he responded that he would “observe and learn about the status of Reed.”

Senator Greer asked Lin how he would address accessibility, and he responded that he was willing to take action but that he needs “to get the opinions of the people.” Another audience member questioned whether there were any issues he felt deeply about, to which Lin reiterated his interest in raising awareness about resources. 

After all of the candidates had spoken, Senator Sima Fasihi ‘28 asked them all what they would do if they were not elected in this election. Hwang responded that he would continue to pursue his passion in Soup Club. Memmott, in turn, quipped, “You’ll see me again,” adding that he would run again in the next election at the end of the semester and continue to use his leadership. Servetar also announced their intention to run again and suggested that they would fill in the dirt patch under the Great Lawn swing themself with a bag of mulch from Ace. Lin was not certain that he would run again, but expressed interest in attending Senate Public.

Now that you know so much about the candidates in this election, you should make an educated vote for your next Senator. Check your email!