Amanda Viltrakis

Amanda Viltrakis, a junior who is a pursuing a bachelor's in undergraduate studies, wants to represent students.

Viltrakis said she is running for Senate because she did not know what ASUNM was until the end of her sophomore year.

"I thought it was ridiculous that I, a student who was involved, knew nothing about a very influential group on campus," she said. "I think ASUNM has done a lot of good things, but they can do more."

Viltrakis said it is a senator's job to serve as a liaison between administrators and students.

"I think of a senator's job as a program coordinator who does things that benefit students and the community, not just student groups," she said. "Senators also make sure people follow rules and money is handled in a fair and just way. But most importantly they talk to students find out what is important."

She said her lack of experience with ASUNM early at UNM makes her a stronger candidate.

"I wasn't getting anything from it, and I can relate to other students who are having the same problem," Viltrakis said. "Being involved in other student organizations opened my eyes to see what ASUNM can be, and now I can share that with others. I am also a good listener, which helps."

Viltrakis said her top priority as a senator would be getting the Senate to work together for students.

"I also want to get the campus involved," she said. "I think the engineering section of campus is not well represented, nor is north campus or the medical center. I'm not sure how to do that yet, but I will listen to them and make sure they are being heard."

When asked to name three members of the Board of Regents, the president of the University and three student groups, Viltrakis named Jack Fortner, Richard Toliver and Eric Anaya as regents; William Gordon as president; and Triota, Danza Azteca and College Republicans as student groups.