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You choose 2009: Student Fed Elections
Two juniors vie for presidency; campus improvements on table
Jessica Kneller
Issue date: 11/5/09 Section: News
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Student Federation, the group responsible for bestowing club status and funding to campus organizations, decides how student funds will be spent. The group also handles various campus events and serves as an ambassador to the administration by addressing student issues.
Both campaigning juniors have previous Federation experience and clear visions for their potential terms as president.
LAURA GOLDEN
Characterized as "the visionary" by fellow representative Elliot Gaiser, a sophomore, Golden is currently the Campus Improvements Committee chairwoman. She is also responsible for the new quarter machine outside the Knorr Family Dining Hall, pencil sharpeners in Lane Hall and the removal of a tree on the quad that hindered a group of ultimate Frisbee players.
"When I joined, I thought a student government should be more about addressing student is-sues," Golden said.
Last semester, Golden proposed that a comment box be placed on campus to allow students to more easily and directly communicate their suggestions. While the box has been successful thus far, she would like more student feedback.
"We've been getting comments, but we want more," she said. "There are things we need to improve."
If she is elected, Golden said she plans to continue giving attention to student concerns, but on a larger scale. She also wants to inspire her fellow representatives and run things in an organized way.
"They have to set the tone for what happens," she said.
Senior Sarah Howard, friend of Golden and G.O.A.L. program coordinator, said she feels that Golden would achieve such goals.
"She is a great organizer of people and gets things done in an organized way," Howard said. "She's been giving a voice to students in a very tangible way."
Victoria Bergen, a junior and member of the Federation, called Golden "very dedicated" and noted her efforts to take student suggestions seriously.
WILLIAM CLAYTON
Described by Gaiser as the "realist," Clayton has served as vice president of Student Federation for the past two semesters.
In addition to getting a hand sanitizer dispensers outside the dining hall, Clayton has also worked with Saga, Inc., and organized homecoming this year. Among other projects, he is currently working to simplify the shuttle service.
"It's amazing to see what you can do with initiative and someone else's idea," Clayton said.
While outlining the different responsibilities of his potential position, Clayton explained that the president's role is to represent the student body to the administration, adding that his experience will help him.
"I know what it takes to run this organization," he said.
Clayton's approach to campaigning is, however, slightly different than Golden's.
"A lot of politicians outline this and this that they want to do. I'm not making any promises," he said. "The goal is not to do things all the time, but we need to promote ourselves so students know we're here to help them."
While other candidates specifically name things they have accomplished or hope to achieve, Clayton says he intends to continue as the force behind campus changes.
"I want to continue the excellent job we've been doing," he said.
"He has a lot of experience," said Bergen, explaining that Clayton has been successful in his time as vice president.
Senior Matt Stone also said he sees characteristics that promise wise leadership.
"He is a great listener," Stone said. "He tries to see other people's perspectives and realizes that there are different points of view."
OTHER OFFICES
Bergen and Blake Sherman, both juniors, will be running for vice president while sophomore Kyle Forti, sophomore James Manion and junior Sam Sparks contend for treasurer.
Since this election's would-be incumbent secretary Kahryn Rombach's seat will be open as she plans to spend the spring semester in Washington, D.C., Gaiser expects to fill it. He runs unopposed.
Last year, then-freshman Gaiser gained notoriety as he campaigned for representative by publishing a pamphlet stating his platform and tacking campaign posters across campus.
"Coming in bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, I wanted to make things better," Gaiser said. "I guess I didn't see how arrogant that looked."
Gaiser's platform was, he says, vastly misunderstood, confirming that he faced accusations of promoting censorship of The Collegian.
"The idea was that I wanted to see the Student Fed take an active role in improving publica-tions," Gaiser said. "I think it was misinterpreted."
This year, the sophomore plans to make no such mistakes. Gaiser is not making posters or pamphlets, choosing instead to campaign in person. He has a very clear vision for his term as secretary.
"I want to really work on making sure there's very good open documentation. It's the secretary's job to keep track of where money goes and put it online," said Gaiser. Student Federation minutes are kept in the TA drive.
As the election draws near, the candidates plan to talk personally with their potential voters. In order to accomplish this, they held a Meet and Greet Wednesday evening in the formal lounge of the Grewcock Student Union. The candidates invited students to pick up an informational packet, watch a slide show outlining the Student Federation's goals, and enjoy apple cider and cookies.
Gaiser hopes for a good voter turnout.
"Student Fed does deal with a lot of money. It is a big responsibility and students should be aware," he said.
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