Student Association Senator Amanda Galonek announced her bid for the SA’s second highest office Monday morning.

Galonek, who serves as chair of the SA Senate Rules Committee, is the first candidate to publicly announce a campaign for executive vice president.

“My experience makes me the candidate that can enforce action,” Galonek, CCAS-U, said. “My platform is based of advocacy, availability, and action.”

The sophomore hopes to craft a campaign centering on her “approachable” nature.

“GW students need someone who can represent the average student who may be overwhelmed by the level of intensity GW occasionally wraps itself up in,” Galonek said.  “I’m the approachable candidate working to make the SA more manageable for the average student.”

Galonek said she has witnessed the Senate focus on too many internal reforms since her time as a freshman senator. Adding that while internal reforms can strength the institution of the SA, students are looking for policy change first, especially on areas like Gelman Library and improving GWireless connections – two areas Galonek said she will focus on if elected.

“I have made advocacy for student policy change my top priority these past two years and I believe that it’s now time to step up and administer the senate to promote legislation that will improve the climate at GW,” Galonek said.

Galonek noted that with the SA turnover every year, initiatives tend to be forgotten.  If she took office, Galonek would be a third-year veteran of the SA, an asset, she believes, because she could tackle issues from past administrations and push them forward.

“I’m confident in my abilities to work with the administration, the Senate, and the student body to tackle the problems we face every day,” Galonek said. “It’s simple, yet important changes that can drastically alter everyday life on campus.”

Galonek is a sister in Alpha Phi and is in the Newman Catholic Center. She plays goalie for the GW women’s club soccer team.

Galonek is the second candidate to announce their intention to run for the SA. Jason Kaplan said in January he would run for the SA’s top spot – president.

Candidate registration opened at 12 p.m. Monday, and interested students have until Feb. 20. Elections will be held March 9 and 10.