10A= THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
OPINION
TUESDAY,APRIL8,2003
Student Senate Elections Voter's Guide 2003
TALKTOUS
Kristi Henderson
editor
864-4854 or khenderson@kansan.com
Leah Shaffer
readers' representative
864-4810 or lahaffer@kansan.com
Jenna Goopeft and Justin Henning
managing editors:
864-4854 or jgoopeft@kansan.com and
jhenneng@kansan.com
Amanda Sears and Lindsay Hanson opinion editors 864-4924 or opinion@kansan.com
Eric Kelting business manager 864-4358 or adsales@kansan.com
Sarah Jantz
retail sales manager
864-4358 or adsales@kansan.com
Makolm Gibson
general manager and news adviser
884-7687 or mgibson@kansan.com
Matt Fisher
sales and marketing adviser
864-7668 or mfisher@kansan.com
Editor's note:
The University Daily Kansan editorial board surveyed all candidates running for Student Senate. The candidates were asked to give their years in school, majors, positions sought, coalition affiliation, leadership experience and University involvement.
Candidates also responded to the following questions:
How would you best represent your question?
How would you change Student Senate?
Candidates who did not return surveys are listed by name only, and candidates who did not have a picture taken are not pictured.
The 8-member editorial board voted along with Kansan editor Kristi Henderson and Kansan opinion editor Amanda Sears. Kansan associate opinion editor Lindsay Hanson did not vote because she also works as a Kansan copy editor.
The board used the survey responses as a guide to endorse a candidate for each available seat.
KUnited Candidate
Delta Force Candidate
Lord Wads and the 12 Knights of the Crusade Candidate Independent Candidate
Independent Candidate
Endorsed by the editorial board
ARCHITECTURE AND URBAN DESIGN
2 SEATS
Clarisa Diaz ☑
Sophomore in architecture
■ KU chapter of the American Institute of Architecture Students, Architecture Student Council
I will work hard to
represent my constituents with dedication and professionalism. Two of the major issues I will work on are a student memorial in honor of students who have died during their years at KU and constant architecture student representation on the board reviewing campus improvements and buildings.
As a Lawrence native, I can provide some student perspective on University-related issues that affect the greater community of Lawrence.
Hannah Franko
Freshman in architecture
Resident Assistant in the coming academic year, Student Senate Committee member
In what is shaping up to be a close election, Delta Force candidates Drew Thomas and Fallon Farokhi have secured the endorsement of the Kansan editorial board. After meeting with candidates last week and hearing their presentations of the issues, the editorial board determined that the proven willingness to look for solutions beyond the typical constraints of student government place Thomas and Farokhi in the best position to serve the University of Kansas.
If elected I would represent the needs of my constituents by directly asking them what needed to be done to improve their program. I want to take their views and
Go with the Force for Senate
Along with concrete plans and a more realistic focus, Delta Force's platforms emphasized a more effective and less constrained approach to change on campus. In a strikingly non-confrontational debate among Delta Force, KUnited and Lord Wads and the 12 Knights of the Crusade, the board reached the conclusion that the differences among the coalitions were less about proposals and more about implementation.
The board was particularly intrigued by the possibility of a reorganization and revitalization of sexual assault prevention resources on campus with modifications to the existing infrastructure on campus. This was coupled with a push to improve lighting around campus on city as well as University property. The board thought Delta Force emphasized an approach that would cooperate with city and community entities and was substantially more brazen in tone than any attempted by KUnited. We thought that wider focus was necessary to make these proposals possible.
KUnited's platform, although similar in many ways to Delta Force, differed in key areas. KUnited's focus on the Multicultural Resource Center was used as the cornerstone of the coalition's push for diversity. The plans include relocating the MRC to the Kansas Union and spending almost $5 million on improvements. Beyond these simple outlines, the true purpose and process of this revitalization remained unclear.
Drew Thomas Delta Force Presidential candidate
Andy Knopp KUnited Presidential candidate
Andy Foertsch
Lord Wads
Presidential candidate
Catherine Bell KUInsted Vice Presidential candidate
Brett Wadsworth Lord Wads Vice Presidential candidate
Similarly, the newest KUinited initiative, a free, on-campus bus route, appeared to be plagued by problems ranging from the possibility of increased student fees to the use of money previously secured for
Fallon Farokhi Delta Force Vice Presidential candidate
negotiating transportation contracts. These fears were not availed by the promise of a free ride between the Kansas Union and Budig Hall.
Perhaps what is lost in the daily campaigning for Senate elections is the understanding that Student Senate has more than $13 million at its discretion. The editorial board echoes Lord Wads when he decries the recent pitiful voter turnout in student elections. With that in mind, it's crucial that, regardless of where you stand on the issues, you take a stand and get out to vote.
Other KUnited platforms, however, found a warmer reception. The have a "say before you pay" initiative, which would force a campus-wide referendum on any student fee increases, was applauded. Points of stasis between the two coalitions however, remain difficult to find, making the decision of the editorial board premised, perhaps disproportionately, on methods rather than platforms.
The board's selection seemed to be underwritten by a Delta Force commitment to campus that surpasses that of KUnited. The board was particularly impressed by Delta Force's year-round meetings, contrasted with KUnited's coalition meetings, which reconvened in January. Furthermore, despite a success rate of only one presidential victory in seven years of existence, the coalition has achieved considerable success. The board was impressed by the level of dedication and achievement that Delta Force had achieved despite not having the visibility of the presidential office.
As for the third party, Lord Wads, the board, while aware of the group's intent to attract attention to the elections to increase voter participation, was unable to find any workable platforms to support.
opinions to Student Senate and not just assume what they would like.
I want to enforce the concept of discussing bills based on logic, fact and the wishes of those represented, not personal opinion.
NicholasLawler ✔
Sophiomore im
architecture
Incumbent
Student Senate member for two years. Architecture Student Council
vice president, American Institute of Architecture Students member, Board of Class Officers sophomore class secretary, KU Ambassador, Interfraternity Council blood drive chairman.
Delta Chi president, Interfraternity Council judicial board, Architecture senator 2001 to 2002, University Affairs Committee member, Campus Safety Advisory Board member, Architecture Student Council member, AIAS member.
By taking the architecture students concerns to the school and University administration, I wish to accomplish goals that benefit the daily lives of students. I hope to achieve better educational access to computer-based design programs, student representation on a campus building advisory committee and funding for lecture series with the School of Architecture.
By seeking cooperative funding for lectures, sitting on school advisory boards and consistent communication with students and faculty.
I would hope to encourage bipartisan legislation and I will promote and provide information about Student Senate via e-mail and face-to-face contact to hear the views of the students.
Tony Treu
Through active participation, some things are not always done, in my experiences with it.
Junior in architecture
Mike Warner
BUSINESS
Josh Kaplan ✔
2 SEATS
Junior in business administration.
Incumbent
I would act as a liaison between student groups in the B-school and Senate by visiting their meetings and helping them get funding. I would also meet regularly with administrators.
Deltu Sigma Pi Business Fraternity, fund-raising chairman and president; Senate University Affairs Committee, vice chair; off-campus senator; Off-Campus Living Resource Center Board Member
I would make an effort to provide different viewpoints, but would try really hard to bridge the gaps currently in place.
Katie Crnkovich ✩
■ Vice president of risk management for Panhellenic. Risk Management officer, KUJH-TV and KJHK radio.
Leadership is my passion, so I have always stepped up to leadership opportunities.
Junior in business
Not only am I enthusiastic, entertaining and energetic. I am also serious about the well-being aspects of KU. I have a strong desire to serve as a business senator and set a positive example to other students at KU.
I will have to admit I am definitely an overachiever. I will spend endless hours on a project until I know it has value or is complete to my satisfaction.
Melissa Menke
Junior in accounting
Rowing team member for two years
I would encourage students to pay attention to the issues that are being considered
by the Senate and make myself available for them to voice their opinion. I also want them to feel free to bring new ideas to me about how to improve KU.
I would try to make the issues that are being discussed more publicized and make it easier for students to bring their ideas to us.
EDUCATION
2 SEATS
David Hagan ✔
Senior in chemistry and education incumbent
Member of University Student Senate, University Affairs Committee, Hilltop Child Development Center board member, instructor in the department of chemistry
Understanding the unique demands on the students in the School of Education. I will work to address key issues such as limited parking at JRP Hall, continuing the bus route servicing JRP, as well as working with the School of Education administration to offer alternatives for required undergraduate classes offered at the Edwards Campus.
I would mandate that the elected senators keep their constituents updated of the various committees and events associated with Student Senate.
Christine McEchron
Junior in sports science
Alpha Chi Omega philanthropy chair, crimson crew, two years; Initiative for minority student development
on-campus research assistant
If elected to Student Senate, I am prepared to cut back my other involvements on campus and devote myself to this position. I would represent my constituents by becoming active in the School of Education and by taking the time to hear and understand every opinion voiced to me.
As a first year candidate, I have the ability to bring a fresh perspective and new ideas to the table.
ENGINEERING
Jason Boots ★
3 SEATS
Freshman in mechanical engineering
Newly elected ASHC vice president; Engineering Student Council freshman secretary ('02-'03)
K. K. Amini co-social chairman (2003); member of ASHC social roundtable (2003); ASCH Leadership Development program (2002); K.K. Amini community service chairman (2003); Student Senate University Affairs Committee member ('02-'03); Committee member of the year nominee (2003)
Student Senate committees are open to all students, yet some committees only have eight or nine members. It is important that we increase awareness of this opportunity for student input.
We already have a lot of great ideas for the engineering school, including: a new project building, working for labs that are open longer and accountability for engineering tuition increases. It is also important to continually seek input from our constituency. This can be done by continuing organization visits after election and taking personal surveys.
Sophomore in chemical engineering Incumbent
Marci Deuth ✩
American Institute of chemical engineers member (Community Service chairwoman); Engineering Student Council member; KU engineering ambassador; Project Discovery camp counselor (KU's summer engineering camp for high school girls); the chancellor's student awards selection committee member; Blueprints Leadership Conference attendee; Student Heath Advisory Board Member; University Affairs Committee member; KU media dinner student representative; Mentors in the Lives of Kids weekly volunteer; E-Club volunteer; engineering expo volunteer; Student Legislative Awareness Board volunteer; Lambda Sigma sophomore honor society member; KU summer band member; Chi Omega sorority member, philanthropy co-chairwoman
I am involved in a variety on engineering organizations, and as a senator this year. I have developed a working relationship with engineering students and the dean, allowing me to establish the engineering platform for this year, such as working for the construction of a student projects building and differential engineering tuition accountability.
I will continue to work hard on projects that are important to KU students and will try to ensure that Senate is both approachable and accountable.
Alexandra N. Gibson
I would make sure to get actual feedback from the engineering students. If my job is to voice the opinion of the students, what better way to do it than to hear their voices? My door is always open, my cell phone's always on.
Watkins Hall All Scholarship Hall Council (ASHC) representative; ASHC Homecoming coordinator
I would like to get more people involved;
I believe this would better represent the student body.
Kyle Johnson ★
Junior in chemical engineering
Incumbent
Parking Commission; attended Engineering Student Council meetings, informed constituents on a regular basis of University events, news, etc.; University Council (2002-2003); Engineering Student Council (2000-2003); president of Your Elected Leaders Lending out Wheels; Student Senate finance committee member (2000-2002), chairman (2002-2003); American Institute of Chemical Engineers (2000-2003); founder of Student Book Exchange; tuition advisory committee
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