

Question: This forum was probably unlike your typical political science or public affairs class. His minor is in public service and public policy in School of Public Affairs. Both are in the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts. Zak Gutzwiler is pursuing concurrent Bachelor of Arts degrees in theater (design and production) from the School of Music, Dance and Theatre and in film and media production from the Sidney Poitier New American Film School. Justin Kent will earn a Bachelor of Science degree in public service and public policy from the School of Public Affairs with a focus on emergency management and homeland security in May 2022. Halle Aquino is a senior who will earn two bachelor’s degrees: one in political science from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and one in public service and public policy from the School of Public Affairs, both in May 2022, as well as an accelerated Master of Public Administration degree in May 2023.

Here, three of the students discuss what they learned from the forum and its effects on what their futures in politics and public policy might be like. Steve Huffman of Marana, and Kevin Kirchmeier, who managed Kate Gallego’s successful campaign for Phoenix mayor. Participants heard from John Winston, National Association of Realtors campaign services manager who is a veteran of several national and local campaigns, and Justin Allen, a political strategist and former Colorado legislator.Ī panel titled “I’ve Been Elected, What’s Next?” featured former Phoenix Mayor Paul Johnson, former Mesa City Manager Mike Hutchinson, former Arizona state Rep. 20 event was sponsored by the National Association of Realtors and several Arizona Realtors’ organizations, and it was held at SkySong, the ASU Scottsdale Innovation Center. “The information may energize students to run for elected office, decide to work for an elected official or take on responsible management positions within public agencies at all levels of government,” he said. Gonsher said the opportunity was invaluable for students to also learn how community and business people prepare for, contribute to and participate in the electoral process.

The forum is “a learning opportunity not only for those who want to run for public office but for others who desire to get into campaign management, budgeting, fundraising, communications and get-out-the-vote activities,” said Geoffrey Gonsher, a School of Public Affairs professor of practice who arranged for the students to attend.
#Metaz ballroom full
Photo by Element5/Unsplash Download Full Image Successful campaigners gave elections advice to the nine students, who are interested in political careers, and others at the Community Candidate Orientation and Development Forum. They may not be listening to the strains of “Hail to the Chief” just yet, but several Arizona State University School of Public Affairs students recently heard expert vote-getters describe what it takes to work on and win a political race.
