Daniel Hartzman
School: College
Year: First
Major: Political Science
Hometown: Santa Barbara, Calif.
Housing: On-Grounds (McCormick Road)
Activities: Honor Committee, University Democrats, Virginia Swing Jazz Orchestra, Hillel Jewish Student Union
Offices: Member of Student Council Legislative Affairs Committee, Echols House Council President
Why did you decide to run for office?
I got the feeling from many students that they feel alienated by student government, and they feel Student Council does not listen to their needs. I want to serve on Council to return students' trust in student self-governance.
What makes you a qualified candidate?
My experience as House Council President has taught me the importance of being able to not only work well with other board members but also to listen to the concerns of constituents. My work on legislative affairs has shown me the importance of Council's continual need to lobby Richmond on behalf of the University and the student body.
In your opinion, what are the most pressing issues facing the University and how would you use your office to deal with them?
One of the most important issues is the issue of domestic partner benefits. I believe that Student Council needs to pass a resolution in support of benefits and work with the administration to see it happen. Another issue is the way money is appropriated to student organizations. If elected I want to try to figure out ways to get more money available for clubs and also overhaul the way money is appropriated to make it fairer for all clubs.
What do you hope to accomplish with your position?
I hope to restore students' confidence in self-governance, address current and future student concerns and make Council a body that is not afraid to take a stand for the good of the University community on tough political and social issues.
Kelley Mulfinger
School: College
Year: First
Major: Undecided
Hometown: Tampa, Fla.
Housing: On-Grounds (Hereford)
Activities: Boys and Girls Club (with Madison House), Kappa Alpha Theta
Office: First-Year Council Vice President
Why did you decide to run for office?
I wanted to get more involved in the University and promote and improve the general welfare of our student body. I love the University and want to make it a better place for everyone.
What makes you a qualified candidate?
I think I would be a qualified candidate because I have a lot of leadership experience in my past. For example, this past year I served as First-Year Council vice president, overseeing seven committees, and tried to get as involved as I could throughout the University to understand what is in the best interest of all University students. Also, living in Hereford Residential College as a first year has made me aware of issues (dealing with transportation, safety, etc.) that affect upperclassmen which other first years are not able to experience.
In your opinion, what are the most pressing issues facing the University and how would you use your office to deal with them?
Housing, transportation and safety related issues affect everyone and need more improvement to better the lives of all students at the University. If elected, I would definitely get involved in the new off-Grounds housing office, petition for more buses, extended SafeRide hours, as well as better lighting and safety features.
What do you hope to accomplish with your position?
I hope to better the experience of all students at the University. Specifically, I hope to help make improvements in housing, transportation, safety and increase awareness of all students about issues going on at the University and how to get involved. I am a very open-minded person and hope to work on other issues students find pertinent to bettering their experience at the University.
Darius Nabors
School: College
Year: First
Majors: Biology and Politics
Hometown: Timberville, Va.
Housing: On-Grounds
Activities: First-Year Honor Association
Offices: Student Council College Representative, Member of Student Council Legislative Affairs Committee
Why did you decide to run for office?
I see Student Council as a conduit between students and the administration, where students actually have a say in what happens at the University.
What makes you a qualified candidate?
During my sophomore year in high school I participated in numerous mock legislative processes which have helped me in being able to create and debate policy issues.
In your opinion, what are the most pressing issues facing the University and how would you use your office to deal with them?
I believe the largest issue facing the University today is that of student involvement in self-governance. Student Council provides every student with the ability to have a say in the future of the University; I believe Student Council needs to hold more programs like I-N-vision to help students get involved in the process so that everyone has a part in making the decisions which will affect future classes.
What do you hope to accomplish with your position?
I hope to make students more aware of Student Council, thus getting them more involved in a process which affects their everyday life at the University.
Jequeatta Upton
School: College
Year: First
Major: Pre-Med
Hometown: Chester, Va.
Housing: On-Grounds (Alderman Road)
Activities: University Guide Service
Offices: Student Council College Representative, First-Year Judge, House Council Vice President
Why did you decide to run for office?
Positions of leadership should be reserved for the truly motivated and zealous individuals. Being one of those individuals, I feel it my duty and privilege to faithfully represent the opinions and concerns of my peers in the College. I realistically understand the dedication and time commitment required and am prepared to go the "extra mile." I am confident that I can effect positive change.
What makes you a qualified candidate?
I believe my ardor and leadership experience sets me apart from the other qualified candidates. Past leadership positions have helped me understand student self-governance as truly imperative. I assumed a vacated representative seat this semester and that is a testament to my dedication.
In your opinion, what are the most pressing issues facing the University and how would you use your office to deal with them?
Some of the most pressing issues are safety, emergency contraceptives, improving the transit system, same-sex benefits and the promotion of cultural awareness.
What do you hope to accomplish with your position?
I plan to listen to the comments of my peers and advocate legislation that will ameliorate the University. I will have an "open door" policy and establish a strong rapport with peers. My goal is to serve the College's interests.
Samuel White
School: College of Arts and Sciences
Year: First
Major: Undecided
Hometown: Castlewood, VA
Housing: On-Grounds (Alderman Road)
Activities: College Republicans
Office: Watson House Council President
Why did you decide to run for office?
I have thoroughly enjoyed my work with the Watson House Council as president, and I wanted to find ways to contribute to the University community on a larger scale. I believe that I can achieve this as an active member of Student Council.
What makes you a qualified candidate?
My work with the Watson House Council has taught me much about leadership, especially how to make quick decisions when necessary. The bulk of our work involves programming events for my building's residents. This year we have had a number of events, including a homecoming barbeque, a Halloween costume contest and a formal dinner in the Rotunda Dome Room. I am sure that any Watson resident will tell you they have had a great first year at the University and that I am qualified for a Student Council position.
In your opinion, what are the most pressing issues facing the University and how would you use your office to deal with them?
Many students I have spoken with are concerned about current and future construction projects. Students want a stronger voice in the matter, and they are generally more concerned about construction regarding classroom buildings and on-Grounds housing than what's being built now. As a member of the Student Council, I will do everything in my capacity to represent these opinions and to make sure our voice is heard by the administration.
What do you hope to accomplish with your position?
A personal goal of mine is to further promote student awareness of the Student Council's role at the University. While campaigning, I have found that many students know very little about what Council does. I hope to somehow improve public awareness of Council's latest accomplishments by making its actions more visible to the student body. Another course of action would be to somehow increase general student involvement in Council.
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