STUDENT CANDIDATES SQUARE OFF\Simi elections offer lesson in government.Byline: Alicia Doyle Daily News Staff Writer Presidential nominee In United States politics and government, the phrase presidential nominee has two distinct meanings. The first is somebody chosen by the primary voters and caucus-goers of this party to be the party's nominee for President of the United States. Bryan Cubero isn't promising lower taxes, an improved economy or better health care. But with inborn inborn /in·born/ (in´born?) 1. genetically determined, and present at birth. 2. congenital. in·born adj. 1. Possessed by an organism at birth. 2. political savvy, the 11-year-old student council candidate at Santa Susana Santa Susana can refer to several places:
adj. stin·gi·er, stin·gi·est 1. Giving or spending reluctantly. 2. Scanty or meager: a stingy meal; stingy with details about the past. about giving his classmates Classmates can refer to either:
"I'll try my best to get more crazy hair days and backwards days," said the sixth-grader during a forum before his classmates Thursday. "I need your vote." Bryan was one of four students running for student body president, nervously giving speeches before their fifth- and sixth-grade peers in the school's cafeteria Thursday. Twenty-one additional students ran for the offices of vice president, secretary, treasurer, historian and safety commissioner. Their promises weren't much different from seasoned candidates running for high office. "I'll make the school ground a safe place to play," said Laura Bone, a fifth-grader running for safety commissioner. One of her opponents, Shannon Eder, believed she was the best candidate because of her personal traits. "I have perfect attendance," the youngster said. "My best friend, Nicole, was elected last time so I know how to get the job done." Fifth-grader Misty mist·y adj. mist·i·er, mist·i·est 1. Consisting of or marked by mist: a misty rain; a misty night. 2. Cox said she'd make the best historian because she "likes to do things for the school," and would try to wear her school T-shirt every Friday. Jessica Samarco thought she'd be the best choice for historian because she "likes to take pictures of cool things." Though tensions ran high, the candidates remained polite. Booing was prohibited, and no mudslinging mud·sling·er n. One who makes malicious charges and otherwise attempts to discredit an opponent, as in a political campaign. mud was allowed. "This is about citizenship and participating in our student government," said Principal Shari Wohlstattar. "These are students who have put themselves on the line to represent their peers." To run for office, each candidate had to have at least a C average and good citizenship grades. Nominees also had to present a petition signed by 20 of their schoolmates. Votes will be tallied and six winners will be elected sometime today, Wohlstattar said. "As citizens, it is important that you show your thoughts through your ballot," said Wohlstattar before the voting crowd of students. The event was the second time fifth-grader Rod Suarez ran for vice president. "Last semester se·mes·ter n. One of two divisions of 15 to 18 weeks each of an academic year. [German, from Latin (cursus) s I told you that if I'm unsuccessful, I'll run again," Suarez told his schoolmates. "If I'm elected, I'll try my best." The election was also the second for Bryan, who ran for vice president last year. The youngster decided to run for president this semester because "it looked like fun." If elected, the youngster plans to encourage school administrators to give special awards to straight-A students. Bryan said his efforts will be his way to give back to the school. "Also, it's a good way to get out of class," he said. CAPTION(S): PHOTO Photo Brian Steffen tells students why he'd make the best secretary for Santa Susana Elementary on Thursday. Andy Holzman/Special to the Daily News |
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