by Bill Shaner, News Staff
The Resident Student Association (RSA) elected Chucker Berds, the current vice president for finance, as its president for next year at last night’s RSA meeting.
He defeated Julie Rizzolo, the current vice president for collaboration in the only contested election of the five-and-a-half-hour meeting. The vote tally was not released. Elections for three of RSA’s six vice presidents were also held.
“Chuck will be able to use his experience as vice president of finance very well and I think he has a very good understanding of the organization so I think he’ll be very helpful,” Sean Naegeli, the current president, said in an interview with The News. “I think he will definitely be successful next year.”
Berds cited his experience on both the RSA and the Northeastern chapter of the National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) executive boards as reasons for why he would make a successful president.
He also cited his time management skills, communication skills and his “passion and devotion.” As far as what he plans to do, Berds will take it one step at a time.
“I’m hoping to set a goal-setting meeting with the executive board elect. We’re still waiting until next weeks elections to finalize that but I guess that’s my first plan of attack,” he said.
Rizzolo, the losing party, ran on a platform based on attempting to “refresh, reinvigorate and re-establish” RSA, particularly in its relationship with other student organizations and the administration.
Rizzolo could not be reached for comment.
“I think it was a really close call,” sophomore RSA member Jordan Reichardt said. “I think both candidates were well qualified. It came down to the pro-con, what we did in the room. There were more pro points for Chuck.”
The pro-con debate is part of an effort to improve RSA’s election process, Naegeli said. Both running parties leave the room while the entire organization discuss the candidates, exchanging pro and con remarks.
“I think this is an ever progressing thing to make our elections more sound and more respectful and I think I’m very happy with the way tonight went in terms of that,” he said. “The discussion, even when we had a contested election was very healthy and it was very good debate back and forth.”
Stephen Mcbride, the current assistant vice president for administration and Student Government Association (SGA) senator, ran uncontested for vice president of housing services.
He said he plans to build make sure there is a representative in every residence hall and will work toward building a better relationship with SGA.
“I’m really excited,” he said. “I’m excited to get to work in an executive board position, do a little more with this organization and try to get us started at the start of the summer; get us going in the right direction and really start good things with RSA.”
Tina Sherman, the current assistant vice president for administration, was the only candidate for the vice president for administration. The current vice president for administration, Savannah Rose, is graduating in May.
Ian Burns, the current assistant vice president for finance, ran uncontested for vice president of finance. However, RSA voted no confidence, meaning more RSA members voted that they do not have faith in the candidate than voted for the candidate.
An election for the position will be held at next Wednesday’s meeting.
“Next year we’re looking at a younger executive board than we’re familiar with but they’ve all put their time into the organization even though they’re young,” Naegeli said. “They’re all well qualified. They’re going to do a good job. As long as they continue to have the same passion they all displayed tonight we’ll be in a good position next year as well.”
