Elliot Haspel
School: College
Year: Second
Major: History
Hometown: Annandale, Va.
Housing: On-Grounds (Dillard)
Activities: Cultural Programming Board, University Democrats, Cavalier Daily (opinion columnist)
Office: Student Council Religious Affairs Committee Chair
Web site: www.student-revolution.com
Why did you decide to run for office?
I saw that Student Council as an institution was broken. Council is no longer capable of discovering student needs and seeing them through from inception to completion. I want to reform Council and make it a viable advocate for the students, one that is responsible, capable and accountable.
What makes you a qualified candidate?
I have served on Student Council for two years on the Religious Affairs Committee and this fall on the Appropriations Committee. I understand the intricacies and personality of Council, and I understand how to fix it. Reform has to come from the inside.
In your opinion, what are the most pressing issues facing the University and how would you use your office to deal with them?
Aside from the need for a strong Student Council, I feel that safety (e.g. blue lights), course registration (e.g. replacing ISIS, electronic waiting lists), domestic partner benefits and later lease signing dates are all pressing issues. Under my reforms, Council would be able to come out with concrete, tangible results the students want to see.
What do you hope to accomplish with your position?
I hope to restore Council to the point that when students have an issue, the first place they think about taking it is to their Student Council representative. Council can be and should be an incredible resource for the student body.
Curtis Ofori
School: Commerce
Year: Third
Major: Accounting
Hometown: Woodbridge, Va.
Housing: Off-Grounds (Virginia Avenue)
Activities: Student Council (former representative), Off the Lawn, Future Business Leaders of America