Vice-presidential hopeful junior Neal Ketchum is looking to win in the upcoming ASB elections by beating out the other two candidates.

"I always have been interested in politics and this will be a good start for me," Ketchum said.

Although he has no former political experience, Ketchum believes he has what it takes to do the job.

"I work really hard and I don’t stop to give up," he said.

He also believes he can represent and get a feel for the general views of the school and effectively communicate those views to the ASB leaders and the members of the school board.

"I feel the students need more voice in government," Ketchum said.

Ketchum’s major change he wishes to make at the school is to have more students politically active.

"The school used to be a center for political activism," Ketchum said. "I want to bring that back."

Ketchum notes his support for the Action in Africa Club in which he is an active member as an example of ways students could be involved politically in the world.

In his free time, Ketchum has a full slate of extra curricular activities. He is involved with Paly athletics by being on the water polo and swim teams and golfing on his own. His favorite things to do are hanging out with his friends, watching movies, and he recently got his drivers license. He lists as his social skills the ability to speak Spanish and the fact that he is a good communicator and people person.

"Students can just talk to me if they have a concern or issue and I will try to do something about it," Ketchum said.

Ketchum aims to help make the ASB government a more effective unit that can make the school cater more to the wishes of the students. He explains that he realizes how hard the election will be and if elected, looks forward to working with students and the administration.

According to Ketchum, the ASB vice-president’s job is to step in when the president is unable to perform his or her duties and to assist the president and help out with the school government.

"I will deal with issues that arise," Ketchum said.