Their resumes are relatively thin. Their candidacies, unprecedented.
But that isn’t stopping several freshman from vying for seats in USM’s Student Senate before the ink has even dried on their student IDs.
It’s the result of several reforms made to the requirements and procedures of the student government over the past few months. Previously, all of these elections would have been held the preceding Spring, which had no bearing on first-year students – they were prohibited from holding office in the first place.
All that has changed thanks to the efforts of people like Emily Fitch, chair of the group’s Leadership Development Board. Tired of seeing student body participation lag over the years, she and others decided to spur interest in the senate by getting people involved as soon as possible. And that has included changing what is possible.
“It was about 600 students who voted last year,” Fitch says. “Considering that this is a school of what, 10,000? That’s pretty sad.”
Three senate seats were left open specifically for these first Fall elections – typical Summer drop-off has brought the total number of vacancies up to seven. Of the ten students running for those openings, five are in their first year of college.
The results of the changes will be felt next week as voting begins online at 12:01 a.m. Monday morning. Polls close at the stroke of midnight on Wednesday. Details on how to vote, along with profiles of all ten candidates, can be found on page 4.
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Student Government elections are being held Monday through Wednesday this week. Seven seats hang in the balance: Four will represent “commuter” students, those who live off-campus; one will represent resident students; and the remaining two are “at-large”, covering any and all members of the student body.
The following answers were provided by the candidates on their applications for nomination.
_________________________
Joshua D. Adams
Resident / Senior
Major/Minor: Theatre
Activities: President of IAJE, President of the 17th BSO, Co-Chair of SPA
What do you plan to accomplish during your term on the USM Student Senate?
I plan on being at the meetings and doing my part to make decisions. I hope to make a difference in any committee I am a part of, as well as be a voice and an advocate for the arts on campus.
What personal qualities will you bring to the USM Student Senate?
Responsibility, common sense, fairness, patience, knowledge of parliamentary procedure
Why should your fellow students vote in this fall’s student government election?
Because democratic processes depend on the involvement of the people that it represents. Otherwise, the process breaks down, and the senate might as well not exist.
_________________________
Troy J. Jellison
Resident / Sophomore
Minor: Political Science
Activities: My Junior year in high school I went to Boys State, which really got me interested in politics. However most of my activities have been sports- I played varsity soccer, basketball and baseball and last year I played on the USM Men’s basketball team, which I plan on playing again this year.
What do you plan to accomplish during your term on the USM Student Senate?
Since I’ve never been involved in school government at a college level, I want to gain an understanding as to just what USM student senate does and how it operates.
What personal qualities will you bring to the USM Student Senate?
I have good leadership skills, mostly from being the captain of the teams in my past. Also I consider myself very knowledgeable on current issues and politics.
Why should your fellow students vote in this fall’s student government election?
I’m a well rounded 19 year old student- athlete that lives on the Gorham campus. Therefore I believe I can relate to all USM students, much better than say an older, non-athlete that lives off campus.
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Jocelyn M. Reppucci
Resident / Freshman
Major/Minor: Elementary & Special Education
Activities: I was in chamber singers and music booster in high school and also in the 08 class committee.
What do you plan to accomplish during your term on the USM Student Senate?
I want to accomplish what the residents need to make there time here at USM at great time.
What personal qualities will you bring to the USM Student Senate?
I am an outgoing, funny, approachable, organized and intelligent young woman who can bring a lot to the table here at USM.
Why should your fellow students vote in this fall’s student government election?
I think that studenst are a big part of the upcoming election because we are the future and we are going to be living under this new President.
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Brendan S. Morse
Commuter / Freshman
Major/Minor: Political Science
Activities: 6 Month internship at U.S. Congressman’s Office; Four years of football; Four years of tennis; Activities for Democratic Party of the 4th District MA.
What do you plan to accomplish during your term on the USM Student Senate?
During my term as a student senator I plan to accomplish a whole multitude of tasks. I will first and foremost advocate for my constituents and their interests; each and every person. I will see that appropriated funds for activities are spent responsibly and according to the student body’s wishes.
What personal qualities will you bring to the USM Student Senate?
I will bring an unwavering sense of dedication to the Student Senate. I will not start something that I will not give my all and see through the completion. I have the ability to lead, but also have the more important ability to listen.
Why should your fellow students vote in this fall’s student government election?
I will bring an understanding of what students need on and off campus, what they really need from their student representatives. I have the experience to deal with constituents concerns’ and how to represent their interests despite university bureaucracy. Really, why you should vote for me is that I promise to carry out my job to the best of my ability for every task that I will take on as a Student senator.
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Alexander M. Sargent
Commuter / Senior
Major/Minor: Economics
Activities: Veteran’s Student Organization
What do you plan to accomplish during your term on the USM Student Senate?
I plan to expand involvement to the student body. USM faces a challenge having a split commuter/resident student body. Most students work part or full time while attending. Student leadership needs to be key in inviting these busier students without interfering with their lives.
What personal qualities will you bring to the USM Student Senate?
Leadership and professionalism are vital qualities for student government. My experience as a former Marine and my dedication to tasks at hand will serve the students of USM well.
Why should your fellow students vote in this fall’s student government election?
Dedication and experience are qualities that distinguish myself from my peers. I believe it to be a valuable asset for USM to possess responsible and committed members to the Senate.
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Brian K. Brooks
At-Large / Freshman
Major/Minor: History/ Pre-Law
Activities: I have helped organize and run community activities in Canton, which benefited all ages, including the annual Homecoming and July 4th celebrations. I also coached youth football and basketball and assisted in a local political campaign. This was all supplemental to my participation in sport during high school.
What do you plan to accomplish during your term on the USM Student Senate?
I will enhance existing activities for the student population, seek to develop new activities for our diverse student population and call for more busses between campuses. To accomplish these goals, we will hold creative fundraisers along with proper presentation of our ideas to USM’s administration.
What personal qualities will you bring to the USM Student Senate?
I am a well-rounded person who is easy to work with, but will express my ideas, comments, and thoughts diplomatically. I can see both sides of a situation and determine what side is best for the particular issue. I will give a “voice” to our student population.
Why should your fellow students vote in this fall’s student government election?
The Student Senate will help to shape the events at USM and choose which programs to provide aid. These are very important pieces of student life. While election results are important, knowing that most students voted is equally important and must be take seriously. Voice your choice.vote!
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Ryan T. Daly
At-Large / Junior
Major/Minor: Communications
Activities: I was Vice President at York County Community Colleges Student Senate. I ran a giving tree for the poor.
What do you plan to accomplish during your term on the USM Student Senate?
I plan to get things done that have been put off to the side.
What personal qualities will you bring to the USM Student Senate?
I am professional, courteous, respectful, leader.
Why should your fellow students vote in this fall’s student government election?
They should vote because if they don’t vote then people can’t complain.
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Chelsea L. Quaglia
At-Large / Freshman
Major/Minor: Undecided (transferring into Nursing)
Activities: Student Council, Class Council, NHS, Key Club, Interact Leaders Club, Varsity Soccer, Indoor/outdoor Track, AFS Exchange Program, Church Youth Group Leader, EMMC Student Volunteer, Volunteer Soccer Coach.
What do you plan to accomplish during your term on the USM Student Senate?
During my term on the USM Student Senate I will listen to the ideas and thoughts of others and will do my best to turn those plans into action.
What personal qualities will you bring to the USM Student Senate?
I am outgoing and I love to meet new people. I have worked a lot with student government (in H.S.) and I know the amount of hard work and dedication it requires to be successful.
Why should your fellow students vote in this fall’s student government election?
It is important for students to vote in this fall’s election not only to have their voices heard but to also be involved in the changes that will take place within our University in the upcoming year.
_________________________
Chelsea L. Schlossberg
At-Large / Freshman
Major/Minor: Athletic Training
Activities: Soccer coaching, soccer for kids 7 & younger, played soccer in high school, foreign language club, peer leaders, softball.
What do you plan to accomplish during your term on the USM Student Senate?
I plan to accomplish many things. I hope to get more students involved in what’s going on at USM, and to get them to care about what happens.
What personal qualities will you bring to the USM Student Senate?
I’m an extremely outgoing person, and can make friends with just about anyone. I also love getting people excited about things that they normally wouldn’t enjoy.
Why should your fellow students vote in this fall’s student government election?
The more people that vote, the more people will know about their community, which is important.
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Rose M. Winegarden
At-Large / Junior
Major/Minor: Communication
Activities: Gorham Events Board, Kappa Delta Phi National Affiliated Sorority- Kappa Iota Chapter, Leadership Development Board, Student Involvement & Activities Center.
What do you plan to accomplish during your term on the USM Student Senate?
A smooth line of communication between the Student Body and the University.
What personal qualities will you bring to the USM Student Senate?
Outspoken, leadership experience, I tend to play on an equal playing field and stay neutral. Diversity of Student involvement helps reach multiple voices.
Why should your fellow students vote in this fall’s student government election?
I keep it real.
For more details and to vote online, visit usm.maine.edu/studentlife/vote08