My name is Scott Fisher and I’m running for re-election as SGA president because I’ve seen what we can accomplish together when we advocate for issues of student rights and college affordability. We’ve made Emerson more welcoming and affordable and we must continue that journey.

In this year alone, we’ve worked on tuition affordability, optional gender neutral housing, an alcohol policy which keeps students safe and other important policies. It’s been an honor working with you on these issues and I’d be honored to have your vote.

Earlier this year, I secured second copies of the most in-demand and expensive textbooks at the reserve desk of the library.

Recently, I submitted a proposal to the Board of Trustees calling for tuition affordability and transparency. Close to 900 of you joined my Facebook group in support of the plan, and the board instituted the lowest tuition increase since 2001; after speaking with President Jacqueline Liebergott, I know our voice was a part of that.

I also started an “Emerson Students for Gender Neutral Housing” Facebook group and will continue working on the issue until it is approved and every student can feel comfortable in their living situation.

In October, I co-drafted the “Medical Amnesty Policy” so that no student would be punished for voluntarily seeking help in an alcohol or drug related emergency. I advocated for the policy until it was approved.

I’ll continue working on issues like these because I know that behind the Facebook photos, you’re adults, facing real concerns and seeking real solutions. You deserve a president who won’t be afraid to tackle controversial, important issues.

If re-elected, I will continue working for tuition affordability and transparency. I will also call for a raise in the hourly student wage using funds from the tuition increase. I’ll advocate for more foreign language classes, an improved student lounge, better policies for transfer students and a more efficient dorm sign-in policy. I’ll also continue to advocate for effective health and safety policies.

I may have helped draft the proposals or led the campaigns, but this year’s accomplishments are attributable to you-you who have joined the Facebook groups, sent e-mails and made your voices heard. We’ve proven that SGA isn’t a dance-planning committee and that students aren’t lazy.

My opponent has spent the last week saying that SGA has “taken steps backwards”; I’ve spent the last two years working with you to move Emerson into a better future. I’ve started Facebook groups advocating for positive changes at Emerson more than 2,000 of you have joined and I’ll never forget the personal stories you’ve shared with me.

Being your president has changed me and what I believe is possible. I could never thank you enough. But more importantly, we’ve changed the course of this school. Let’s continue that journey towards making Emerson the best it can be, not only for us but also for those yet to come.

iScott Fisher is a junior political communication major. He is running for a third term as SGA president./i