ASPC Senate Elections -- Candidate Statements

ASPC President
ASPC Vice President
Academic Affairs Commissioner
Communications Commissioner
Senior Class President
Junior Class President
Residence Halls and Food Commissioner
Campus Events Commissioner
Sports Commissioner
Environmental Affairs Commissioner

ASPC President

Elizabeth Davis '04
So, here we are settled back into the routine after spring break, but itching for summer, yet already having to think about next year. I want next year to be the best and most memorable year of our college experiences as well as continue the tradition of Pomona having the "happiest students." Pomona is a great place, but we all know there are things that can be done to make it a better place. I am open to all of your ideas and suggestions to make the Pomona experience better for us all. I can not promise the moon, or make it easier for underclassmen to get beer at parties as was promised to me my freshman year, but I can promise to listen and work with you all to make next year the best ever.



Sam Glick '04
As student body president, I aim to bring a new tenor to ASPC. The term "student government" is frequently used to describe ASPC, but that term is inappropriate. ASPC is not a government but a union; it is an organization of students that exists solely to serve students. ASPC should efficiently and effectively provide services that benefit the student body, and provide resources that enable other groups of students to do the same.

With this vision in mind, I want to expand successful ASPC programs, such as this semester's speaker series, to improve those that are not as effective as they could be, such as the student course review, and to institute new programs, such as regular town hall meetings between students and members of the administration. Most importantly, however, I want to know what you think. Call me at x79754, or visit http://www.samglick.com. And on April 15, PICK GLICK!



Ari Greenberg '04
This is the year. It's a time when student input will have serious influence on the direction of Pomona now and in the immediate future. It is a time when someone who listens to the students needs to be in a position to change things. In addition to her/his regular responsibilities, next year's ASPC President will be charged with helping President Oxtoby understand the diverse interests of the student body. The ASPC President is also in a position to seriously influence the allocation of funds to clubs and organizations. I am devoted to addressing funding for new and emerging groups that deal with queerness, race, class, and power dynamics. Unfortunately there is often minimal outside involvement in the Senate. In order to remedy this I want to hold topic-specific forums that address the issues that matter most to you. I am the candidate that will best represent your interests.



Rishi Jindal '04
Hi, I am Rishi Jindal and I am running for President. I have held various positions at Pomona, such as dorm president, president of a 5C South Asian organization, and AAMP mentor/Head Mentor. Through these roles, I have worked with students, faculty, and administration to program large events (like Diwali!) and parties, and to build political/social awareness and community among different groups of Pomona students. As your President, I want to assure funding to student organizations represents students' desires. Additionally, those desires should be reflected equally in Senate decisions on speakers we bring and events we plan. I have seen diversity of thought through my roles, and using this experience, I hope to better represent the entire campus. Finally, I want to tackle problems like getting big events to last more than one hour, because after working hard we must play harder. Thanks!



Mike Thompson '04
As ASPC president I will bring leadership with accountability to the table. Currently, Senators have no obligation to act in the interest of those who have elected them. Be it through policy recommendations to the faculty and administration, funding allocations to student organizations, or how time is spent at Senate meetings, the ASPC Senate makes unpopular decisions. Whether the Senate is misled by the testimony of biased parties or is simply ignorant of the wishes of the entire Pomona student body, it does not always act in accordance with our interests. I seek to make all of your representatives more accountable by exploring the integration of clickable referenda for all important decisions. Letting student voices be heard on important Pomona and 5-C issues will be as simple as clicking yes or no on a digester message. Vote for accountability, vote for Mike Thompson.

ASPC Vice President

Jennifer Dasteel '05
I am not running for Vice President because I want to help the ASPC continue its traditional funding methods and approaches to solving student issues. I am running for Vice President to change the way the ASPC serves the students and the "educational mission of the college." Our student government has not failed us, but we can do better. I want to exceed the student body's expectations. I want to try new methods and different approaches to assure that student interests are taken into account concerning campus life issues. I want to improve the ASPC budgeting processes and uses of student facilities so that they are flexible enough to include a greater diversity of student organizations and events. As Vice President, I will make sure that the ASPC represents the interests of the entire student body in all its diversity.



Rachel Sandel '04
The ASPC Vice President chairs the Senate Budget Committee which allocates over $350,000 annually. The extensive financial responsibilities of this position require an experienced and qualified Vice President. As I approach my senior year, my preparation for this weighty responsibility includes organizing ten campus-wide events, budgeting those events, completing over a dozen politics and economics courses, and managing an Australian firm's American office. I have also acted as a consultant, in advising company owners how to reduce transportation costs and improve office efficiency. In addition to demonstrating financial and organizational proficiency, the ASPC Vice President must listen to and understand all the diverse interests of Pomona's student groups. I am both a consensus-builder and decision-maker two roles crucial to conducting meetings fairly yet swiftly. A listening leader. Vote for Rachel Sandel.



Julia Stiglitz '04
Every year we Pomona students pay fees which, combined with a small amount of revenue from ASPC owned facilities, forms an annual budget of about $360,000. This is your money. As Vice President I want to see this money allocated in a manner that is true to student interests. Communication between the budget committee and student organizations needs to be increased so that we can maximize the funds each organization receives while ensuring that the events, programming and activities really engage the student body. As Vice President I would commit myself to making sure that the student voice is heard. I want to hold two topic-specific town meetings each semester and monthly lunches where students can raise concerns and discuss current senate issues. I am interested in continuing the effort that this year's senate has made to bring in high-profile, relevant speakers. I'll work hard, I'm dedicated and I'll listen.

Academic Affairs Commissioner

Emily George '04
In my opinion, the Academic Affairs Commissioner position seems to center around communication and, more specifically, the ability to transmit student concerns about College academics to the faculty, the Ciriculum Committee, Deans, and the President. To that end, it is important to be both representative and diplomatic: I promise to offer accessiblity and open-mindedness to various student concerns as well as a strong ability to make articulate presentations to the College higher-ups that will be both non-adversarial and effective. As Chair of the Judicial Council this year, I feel that I've been able to build upon my ability to reason through issues and understand various viewpoints. I am deeply committed to and excited about this important role in the College's present and future; I would greatly appreciate your support.

Questions?

x76363.



Matt Lubman '05
Dear Fellow Students,

My name is Matt Lubman and I am running for the office of Academic Affairs Commissioner. If you elect me to this position, I will push the administration to listen to the student body more when making decisions about academics. Specifically, I will urge the administration to give students a stronger voice in tenure and hiring decisions. I will also try to strengthen the course review system, providing the universal, easily available course reviews that many other schools have. Finally, I will encourage more student-faculty interaction in the form of discussions and lectures instead of watching movies at a faculty residence. The academic system at Pomona is very rigid and sometimes doesn't want to listen to students, but I promise that I will do my best to make sure that our voices are heard. If you want to be heard, vote Matt Lubman for Academic Affairs Commissioner.



Kyle Warneck '05
Pomona is filled with students who care about what they learn and professors who care about teaching. In my opinion, the role of the college is to put these two groups together, give them the resources they need and then get out of the way. Informal relationships between students and faculty should replace strict rules and paperwork. Pomona should place its faith in our amazing students and professors.

Next year, the Academic Affairs Commissioner may lay the ground work for a mandatory course review system. I see these reviews as an opportunity to reward professors who care about students and are involved members of our academic community. I also believe that an institutional commitment to diversity should be a fundamental element of general education and not an additional burden on students. These are important issues. Share your opinion and call me- x79724. Vote for Kyle Warneck for Academic Affairs Commissioner.

Communications Commissioner

Tunji Balogun '04
It's obvious that communication lies at the heart of the college experience; the exchange of ideas and concepts in and out of the classroom, on both an academic and a social level, forms the core of what we are all here for, and is one of Pomona's greatest strengths. This said, it's important to create an open atmosphere of discourse and discussion on campus. Unfortunately, organizations such as TSL and KSPC, useful platforms for the very communication we strive for, are under-appreciated and often an afterthought for the average Pomona student. As a third year media studies major who has worked in different realms of media such as television, the music business, radio, and newspaper (including stints at our very own TSL and KSPC), I have experience in varied forms of media and am committed to fostering an environment that is open to ideas and uses the resources at hand.



Juan Matute '04
Being without internet for most of the past week, I only recently learned about the elections. As Communications Commissioner, I will work with ITS to improve customer service.

I would also like to explore the possibility of creating a closed circuit TV system in the dorms. This would either be connected to pre-existing antennas or a satellite.

Did you know that there's a public access channel called Claremont Colleges Television available to cable subscribers in Claremont? Since Pomona and the other colleges participate in this station, I feel that we should have access to it.

I believe that TSL and KSPC are essential to our experience at a residential liberal arts college and that they should be adequately funded. I have two years of newspaper experience from high school and many more years experience listening to the radio, so I have some idea of how these groups work.

Senior Class President

Amanda Fein '04
About this time next year, the Senior class will be attending graduation surrounded by our friends and family. Though a few of us may somehow strategically manage to fail a few classes and stay in school an extra semester or two, most of us will be in our last year this coming fall. As a senior, I know I don't want to have any regrets about leaving. The best way to avoid that as I see it is to make our last year the most memorable of them all. What should be important at this point, as trite as it sounds, is that our last year should be unforgettable. Make the most of it, whatever that means to you. As Senior Class President, I want to help make that possible for us.

And remember, Amanda Fein 2003: If you were running, she'd vote for you.



Jackie Mark '04
I'm Jackie Mark and I would love to serve as Senior Class President because I want to help our class enjoy the most fun and fulfilling experience possible. I think I am an excellent leader because of my easy-going personality, leadership style, and responsible yet fun-loving nature. I will work hard to unify our class, communicate with student, faculty and staff, and welcome your ideas, making our last year unforgettable. If we've gotten to know each other, I hope you agree that my positive personality and initiative qualifies me for this position. If we haven't yet met, I hope to meet and work with you soon. This is our time to unify! I hope you'll attend the Candidate Forums, and remember me at elections. Here are some ideas: 1) Senior Sundays - BBQ, Frisbee, thesis procrastination…! 2) An outdoor graduation ceremony, a system for assigning/trading graduation tickets. 3) OA/Sponsor Group reunions



Stefanie McDougall '04
Members of the Senior Class,

As an involved member of the Pomona community, I would love the opportunity to represent you as Senior Class President. I have the experience of working on Senate committees and the desire to make next year exciting and memorable. If elected as your representative, I will: 1) Start working with the Commencement Speaker Selection Committee right now, to guarantee we have an interesting and relevant speaker at graduation. 2) Organize a variety of social events throughout the year. I will maintain the excellence of Jr/Sr Socials, plan Friday afternoon Senior BBQs featuring live music, and arrange off campus outings to Magic Mountain and Angels' games. 3) Be your representative in the Senate. I am approachable and easy to reach: email me anytime, and I will bring your concerns to ASPC meetings!

Please vote for me on Tuesday. Questions? Email or call: sam02000@ pomona.edu, x 76346.



Jacqueline Wong-Hernandez '04
When I transferred to Pomona as a sophomore, I immediately fell in love with the college and with our class. I felt an amazing sense of community, and eagerly involved myself in campus life. As Editor-in-Chief of TSL, I have gotten to know many of you (some I have never officially met) through your interests - every time I edit an article covering athletics, plays, a cappella, protests, committees, etc.

I am running for Senior Class President because I would like to be more directly involved in planning class events and activities. Senior year is the last time we'll all be together - a last chance for crazy fun and bonding as a class. I will work to bring the graduation speaker you want, put on events you are excited about, and plan class get-togethers during senior week.

Please feel free to contact me with questions or concerns, anytime: 76984 or Jacqueline.WongHernandez@pomona.edu

Cieran Rockwell '05
Dear Juniors,

I have never served in student government nor run for any office, and thus in terms of experience, am completely unqualified for the office of Junior Class President. I am, however, very dedicated to the Junior class and am genuinely excited about the possibility of being its President. I am sure my enthusiasm will carry me through the potential challenges of next year, and I though I have little idea what they may be, I am confident I will be able to handle them with the best interests of the Junior Class in mind. Please feel free to contact me through e-mail or by phone with any questions or concerns, and thank you in advance for your support.

Yours,

Cieran Rockwell



Michelle Vijverberg '05
Each year, it seems as if the junior class becomes rather disconnected as a whole, whether because of the routine feeling of a third year at school or simply because so many study abroad. I plan to change this. As Class President, my priority would be the concerns of my fellow juniors; my goals would lie in making our interests known where it matters most and maintaining a strong cohesive class, even if a large percentage of our peers will be located all over the world. Instead of lack of interest on campus, we will garner an enthusiasm about the opportunities that only junior year holds. This would be accomplished through a greater level of communication for those on campus and abroad, more class specific activities, and more widely appealing (read: fun!) social events. I hope you will allow me the pleasure of working as your Junior Class President.

Residence Halls and Food Commissioner

Ashley Berry '06
Are you sick of your clothes being stolen from the laundry room? How about we get a swipe card entry system for Lyon's laundry room. Do you feel like killing your roommate when the ice cream is soft and mushy in the dinning hall? How about we get a better system for keeping it cold. Have trouble keeping awake at night while toiling over your homework? How about we look into getting espresso machines for the dinning halls. Are there days when you just don't feel like greasy cheese sticks at the COOP fountain? Let's have more salad options and let's start selling fruit. Do you leave the dinning hall famished because food was put away too quickly when the dinning hall was closing? Let's leave it out at least 10 minutes after it closes. The sky's the limit. Ashley Berry for Residence Hall and Food Commissioner.

Karanda Bowman '05
Dear Pomona,

On behalf of the Senate ['03-'04] I wish to thank you for electing Karanda Bowman as Commissioner of Residence Halls and Food.As you already know, she is more than damn fit for this position! [HELL YEAH!] We have known her to be one to take your interests into serious consideration when making recommendations to those who can actually fix the problems, instead of paying mere lip service.Already she has served you well as Food Committee Representative for MB ['01-'02]. Among her qualifications are her strong organizational skills, accessibility, willingness to listen to your concerns, tremendous energy for serving you [and on the dance floor "Go Shorty!"] and her multifaceted involvement in on-campus organizations. So, if your friends probably have an irrational misunderstanding of her personage for not knowing her well, and worse, have colored your innocent view of her, then SHAME ON THEM! Sincerely,[The Man]



Joseph Nguyen '05
Without a doubt, I am by far the most qualified candidate for this position. I have experience with Dorm Council, including room draw procedures, event programming, and other relevant issues. I hope to restructure the room draw number distribution system, and provide a voice for all students in the ASPC.

Holla at a pimp!

-Joseph Nguyen



Robin Starr '04
Hi, I'm Robin Starr and I'm running for Residence Halls and Food Commissioner. Having worked with the dining halls before, I have experience in coming up with variety and alternatives. I have also served on two committees to look at housing issues, and have worked with the Office of Campus life through the Sponsor program. Everyone has their own opinions and desires about the dining halls and residence life, and I would welcome your feedback and ideas. I have the experience and leadership skills to be an effective voice for you, I also have the desire to listen and make sure that the administration best serving the needs of the student body. Vote Robin for Residence Halls and Food. I have the background and capabilities and am willing to put in the hard work necessary to get your voice heard.

Running Unopposed

Campus Events Commissioner

Danielle Ticoulat-Bowers '04

Sports Commissioner

Ashley Hovey '06

Environmental Affairs Commissioner

Bowen Patterson '06