Name: Angela Johnson
School: College
Year: First
Major(s): Undecided
Hometown: Woodbridge, Va.
Housing: On Grounds, McCormick Road
Activities: Student Council
What makes you a competent and qualified candidate?
I was heavily involved with Student Council in high school, ending my senior year as Student Body President. Last semester, I attended a few U.Va. Student Council and committee meetings to gain a basic understanding of the establishment and its processes. More importantly, I am a spirited and dedicated individual that is willing and ready to devote the time and energy to fulfilling my position.
In your opinion, what are the most pressing issues facing the University and how would you use your office to deal with them?
Safety is one of the most pressing issues facing the University, and I intend to help bring about legislation to improve the Safe Ride system regarding who and how many students are picked up if they feel endangered. Another issue that I would like to see become more efficient is the course registration program. I would like to work with the administration to improve ISIS and the online course waitlists.
How will you maintain contact with your constituency and ensure transparency in your actions?
Since the mission of Student Council is to serve the student body and legislate accordingly, I will work to frequently gather students' opinions to prioritize issues and decide how to vote on them. In addition, I would like to encourage more students to participate in Student Council and reversely, encourage the Council to publicize more to students so everyone is aware of our activities.
Why did you decide to run for office?
I take great pride in attending a university that is built on the foundation of student self-governance. I believe that the system is most effective when students exercise their right and ability to influence the decision-making process. Not only is my involvement significant to the U.Va. community, but Student Council is a great opportunity for me to get involved with school programs and build leadership skills for the future.
Name: Anne Bautista
School: College
Year: First
Major: Undecided
Hometown: McLean, Va.
Housing: On Grounds, Page House
Activities: Sustained Dialogue, Organization of Young-Filipino Americans (OYFA), APALTI, Peer Advising and Family Network (PAFN), Tuttle Lounge Committee (UPC), Passport, being a U.Va. sports lover and super fan
What makes you a competent and qualified candidate?
I believe that student government should serve the students, so I am ready to speak up for those who want to be heard. My experience with a lot of different organizations allows me to bring a fresh viewpoint and new ideas to the table. Also, I love working with people and I feel like I would be able to work well with others on Council in order to get things done.
In your opinion, what are the most pressing issues facing the University and how would you use your office to deal with them?
In my opinion, the most pressing issues facing the University are the ones directly affecting the students everyday. How is a student supposed to focus on getting an education if he or she has to worry about being able to afford school and feeling safe on Grounds? A big problem is that students don't think they can change anything or are apathetic. I want to be the liaison between the students and the student government through increased contact and education. If we both want anything done, we have to work together. It's the only way to affect change.
How will you maintain contact with your constituency and ensure transparency in your actions?
U.Va. is amazing because there are so many chances to experience new things.I love going to different events, and I'd hope that people would feel comfortable enough to say hi or talk to me there. I'd always be willing to talk about what I'm working on or about other things. Students could reach me during my weekly office hours or arrange other times to meet as well.I'm pretty flexible.
Why did you decide to run for office?
"Be the change you want to see in the world." -- Ghandi
Name: Catherine Tobin
School: College
Year: First
Major: Future Politics major
Hometown: Richmond, Va.
Housing: On Grounds, Watson
Activities: Student Council --Legislative Affairs Committee, Gamma Phi Beta Sorority, University Democrats, Bioethics Society, Rotaract Club, Alderman Library (work), College Works Business Management Internship.
What makes you a competent and qualified candidate?
Since arriving at U.Va., I have been actively involved in many activities. One of the Committees that I joined was Student Council's Legislative affairs committee. Through my involvement in Legislative Affairs, I have learned so much about Student Council initiatives that will have a major impact on us as students, such as the Chartered Universities Act. I would love to continue my involvement in Student Council and believe that my past experience with Council, as well as my optimistic personality and great work ethic, make me qualified to be College representative to Student Council.
In your opinion, what are the most pressing issues facing the University and how would you use your office to deal with them?
I think that the most pressing issues that we face concern safety. SafeRide needs to be improved by allocating more vans and a GPS system so that students will receive timely pickup. In addition, there need to be more blue light safety phones and more lights in general. Also, it is unsafe that our social security numbers are our student ID numbers, which makes identity theft a concern. ISIS is also a major problem, and something must be done.
How will you maintain contact with your constituency and ensure transparency in your actions?
I think that it is very important to keep an informed constituency. Therefore, I would email my constituency after each Student Council meeting to keep them informed. Also, I would have office hours to listen to their ideas and answer their questions.
Why did you decide to run for office?
Like most of us at U.Va., I decided to come here because I thought that U.Va. was a great school. As great as U.Va. is, it can be better. I take pride in doing whatever it takes to make U.Va. the best that it can be, which is what I intend to do if I am elected.
Name: Diego Diaz
School: College
Year: First
Major(s): Government and Economics minor
Hometown: Upper Saddle River, NJ
Housing:On Grounds, Tuttle
Activities: Blueprint Leadership Program, Madison House Tutoring, Phi Gamma Delta Pledge
What makes you a competent and qualified candidate?
I believe I am a competent and qualified candidate for Student Council CLAS Representative because of my willingness to commit to Student Council.Rather than list irrelevant high school experience or make sweeping promises, what I can say is that I will devote the time and energy required to make improvements through this body.
In your opinion, what are the most pressing issues facing the University and how would you use your office to deal with them?
The most pressing issues facing the University are racial tensions and the revision of the University's Sexual Assault policies. I hope to work with the other members of Student Council to address the ongoing problems of racially-motivated crime and inadequate punishment for cases sexual assault here at the University.
How will you maintain contact with your constituency and ensure transparency in your actions?
I will be aware of their concerns and the issues that matter to them.To do so, I will keep an open mind and listen to their views and opinions, especially if they differ from my own. On a more personal level, to maintain direct contact, I will be available anytime by phone (434)-297-6286 or email dad3b.
Why did you decide to run for office?
A love for the University and a desire to serve my fellow students made me decide to run for office.If given the opportunity, I would be honored to voice their concerns and work with the other members of the Council to make any improvements, large or small, to life at U.Va.
Name: Jeffrey Claiborne
School: College
Year: Third
Major(s): Echols Interdisciplinary
Hometown: New Orleans
Housing: Off Grounds, Delta Kappa Epsilon
Activities:Current:Third Year Council, UJC Educator, Co-Founder and Vice-President of Students for Organ Donation, Founder/Director of "Pint for a Pint" Semi-annual Blood Drive, IFCJC Judge, Madison House Medical Services volunteer, Virginia Society, Echols Peer Advisor, Philanthropy Chair and Alumni Relations Chair of DKE, and an Intramural Athlete Prior Activities: Madison House Big Sibling, volunteer at Virginia Discovery Museum, Treasurer of DKE
What makes you a competent and qualified candidate?
I have immersed myself into both student programming and community organizations, providing me with both the breadth and depth of experience to represent our diverse student population and to efficiently resolve their concerns.In contrast to the first-year candidates, I have developed a firm grasp on the most pressing issues facing our community through my experience over five semesters, as well as an understanding of the policies and procedures of our University.
In your opinion, what are the most pressing issues facing the University and how would you use your office to deal with them?
Safety is a primary concern for the community, and I have specific proposals to aggressively tackle this issue. Many sidewalks around grounds, especially those on Emmet Street, lack sufficient lighting at the crosswalks, and at night vehicles have extreme difficulty seeing pedestrians at these unlit areas. Crosswalks are not the only areas in need of more lighting. I will work hard to ensure that students will be safe at night walking around our community.
I also want to work on more student and faculty interaction, and build upon the programs previously established. A strong relationship between the students and faculty fosters communal respect and harmony, and these strong community bonds are paramount for scholastic and personal development.
How will you maintain contact with your constituency and ensure transparency in your actions?
My goals will remain lucid and direct, and my ambitions will be founded by my constituency. I will aggressively ensure open lines of communication by reaching out to student organizations and the community at their meetings and programs.
Why did you decide to run for office?
I want to apply my passion for progress to the growth of U.Va.Council Rep would be an amazing vehicle for me to help U.Va. progress through a cooperative, yet aggressive tackling of your concerns.
Name: Jeff Farber
School: College
Year: First
Major: Economics and Computer Science
Hometown: Fair Lawn, NJ
Housing: On Grounds, Dobie
What makes you a competent and qualified candidate?
Working with peers, debating with opponents or brainstorming the latest obstacle all require one to be interactive and progressive. Stepping up to the plate in the eyes of a challenge have taught me leadership and perseverance, and urge me to seek a position in this election.
In your opinion, what are the most pressing issues facing the University and how would you use your office to deal with them?
U.Va. faces charter status, ISIS registration issues, and racial tension, not to mention constant construction. Students pay tuition --whether it be in or out-of-state-- and we deserve information and influence in the University's plans to conquer these issues. Isn't it frustrating seeing "users exceeded" errors when trying to enroll in classes? Matters like these are most pressing to students. There are solutions -- it is my intention to achieve them.
How will you maintain contact with your constituency and ensure transparency in your actions?
As a College representative, one must represent every student to the greatest extent in the Student Council. Active contact with students is essential. Most students will not actively seek a representative, and therefore it is our duty to find the concerns of our peers. Simply asking fellow students how their year at U.Va. is going can be a highly effective tool in finding areas to improve the University. Representing every student and taking action is a pinnacle aim of my candidacy.
Why did you decide to run for office?
Running for office means looking forward to what you will accomplish.The students of U.Va. deserve a representative who can speak on their behalf regarding any and all issues -- a representative who is accessible at all times, and able to speak to students of all views, backgrounds and opinions. Finally, students deserve a representative who will accomplish and provide results.This is why I ask for your vote.
Name: Jeff McLaughlin
School: College
Year: First
Major: Undecided
Hometown: Virginia Beach, VA
Housing: On Grounds, Humphreys
Activities: Orchestra, First Year Council
What makes you a competent and qualified candidate?
I have two priorities: to execute the desires of my constituency and to improve the experience for the U.Va. community. I have great hair.
In your opinion, what are the most pressing issues facing the University and how would you use your office to deal with them?
Student Council and Student Body relations: StudCo is an organization with huge potential for good, but also many enemies. I'll demand accountability by seeking publicity for StudentVoice.org, and through my personal actions I'll attempt to dispel Council's sometimes accurate appearance as a group of self-serving politicos.
To achieve this paradigm shift, StudCo must make students more aware of its successes and genuinely seek more ways of getting input from the student body. Student Council should not lead students, it should serve them. This alone is the most pressing issue of the election, and the above will be my goals.
How will you maintain contact with your constituency and ensure transparency in your actions?
Whiteboards on my door, my AIM profile. Seriously, by being open and talking to anyone interested.The simplest, most effective methods.
Why did you decide to run for office?
I will be unsatisfied if I leave U.Va. without having caused a positive change that mirrors the positive change U.Va. will have inspired in me. Plus, I have great hair.
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