Richard Martinez

Hi, my name is Andrew Martinez. I am in my first year at UCSB, where I am studying political science at the College of Letters and Sciences. Being from Los Angeles, I am used to hearing a diverse community of voices and needs. Going to a public high school, the demands for students were high, while funding was low. Similarly, at UCSB, I find myself running for a school with the same set of challenges. This level of diversity should be reflected not only in representation but in how we make decisions. If elected, I will advocate for structured spaces where students can engage in honest conversations about policy, student concerns, and campus life, regardless of their background or beliefs. We need leaders who listen carefully, consider all sides, and make decisions rooted in reason, not just popularity or pressure. As your delegate, I hope to focus on academic equity, financial transparency, and improving campus dialogue. That means more accountability for where your student fees go, better support for marginalized voices, and a culture that encourages reasoned disagreement, not silence or division. Fostering an atmosphere that benefits all students is paramount to a functioning representative government. At this moment, I, along with most of my peers, do not concur that there is an unbiased and welcoming space to have a discussion about our budget, policy, or dialogue. If you believe in a student government that debates openly, acts thoughtfully, and respects every student’s right to be heard, I’d be honored to have your vote.