Point Park’s United Student Government is holding elections for all of its positions April 3 to 7. For the next two weeks, the Globe will profile the candidates for President and Vice President. We begin the series this week with profiles of the candidates for USG Vice President: Davion Heron and Kristopher Chandler.

Student government Vice Presidential candidate Kris Chandler would compel United Student Government (USG) to be forthright and clear when discussing clubs’ funds if he were to obtain the position after the USG elections April 3 to 7.

“[If elected] I want to make it a point to clear that up,” Chandler said in an interview on the second floor of Lawrence Hall this past Friday. “I want to create a community of transparency and a relationship of trust, because with those two things established, we can be united as a school.”

Chandler is aware of several instances in which clubs claimed they did not receive a definitive answer from USG as to why their budgets were cut, and he believes that the clubs’ worries have to be addressed.

Chandler views the lack of clear communication between USG and university clubs as the “core” of many issues. And if that problem is solved, clubs would be more willing to trust USG.

“In order for USG to have a better relationship with the clubs, that has to be improved upon,” Chandler said.

As of now, Chandler does not possess a detailed plan for fixing the communication breakdowns. But if he is elected vice president, his first action would be to discuss the issue with USG’s president and its members.

“Just sitting down and talking openly, not holding anything back, with everyone involved is one of the best things you can do,” Chandler said.

As a sophomore political science and screenwriting double major, Chandler has been naturally interested in politics for a large portion of his life.

“Even when I was in high school, I said I wanted to be a political science major.”

Thus, Chandler became a senator in USG during the spring 2016 semester, and he was also involved in his high school’s student government.

Chandler referred to his time as a USG senator as a “learning experience,” and it made him feel as though he was a part of a community.

“It made me feel a part of something,” Chandler said.

Therefore, Chandler thought running for USG vice president was the next logical step.

“I figured I should be in a position where I could really help the school the way I want to,” Chandler said. “I realized there were some problems here and there that weren’t necessarily dealt with in the best way. I want take it upon myself to jump in the middle of it and take it on.”

When Chandler told his friend Taylor Eriksen, sophomore dance major, that he was thinking about running for vice president of USG, she thought it was a great idea, as she views him as qualified for the position.

“I told him to go for it,” Eriksen said during a phone interview Sunday. “He takes his responsibilities seriously; he dedicates his full effort in everything he does.”

Emily Yount, who is a senior and USG’s graphic designer, was Chandler’s resident educator during his freshman year, and they since have become friends.

Yount was not surprised when she learned Chandler had decided to run in the USG elections, as she sees him as a natural fit for vice president.

“[Chandler] is able to do what needs to be done for the student body,” Yount said in a phone interview Sunday. “He is willing to put his personal beliefs aside in order to do what is right.”

Chandler’s sole opponent in the vice presidential race is Davion Heron, who has been a member of USG for three years. Chandler did not hold a USG position this school year, but he sees that as an advantage – his outsider perspective could provide a fresh viewpoint.

“I would instill something new in USG,” Chandler said.

Moreover, the two candidates for USG president, Charles Murria and Bobby Bertha, have both been a part of USG for a while, so Chandler believes his input would create a good balance.

“So, I think a mixture of new and old would make for a better future,” Chandler said.

As the election approaches, Chandler does not intend to implement a full-fledged advertising strategy. In fact, he likely will not even hang up “Vote for Kris Chandler” posters. He wants to be a “word of mouth” candidate; he physically wants to go straight to the students.

“I want to get involved with the Point Park community, and I think that will be best for me to spread my campaign,” Chandler said. “I don’t want to be a face you see on a poster. I want to be personal.”

Ultimately, Chandler desires to use the vice president position to help students with any problems that may arise.

“I want to help instill a great environment within Point Park, USG and the student body,” Chandler said. “So I want to make it a point to be a right-hand man for USG and the student body. I just want to be there for them.”