Senate candidate statements

Chris Anton

After a pretty crazy year as both a Student Senator and President of the Class of 2002, I think it's safe to say I know the IN's and OUT's of the Oberlin bureaucracy. My name is Chris Anton, and I'm seeking reelection to YOUR Student Senate. Reelection would enable me to carry on the work I started last semester.

I spent much of last year tackling Housing and Dining issues (icky food, immature guest policies, etc), the parking problem, retention, Student's Rights (college judicial proceedings, room searches, etc.), and most ambitiously, trying to facilitate some sort of summer private reading option to better assist students of great financial or academic need. I've always been a vocal proponent of students rights and have struggled to make myself available to student input, which many senators neglect. That, coupled with enthusiasm and motivation should make for another productive and exciting year.

Still not convinced? Check this out. I guarantee you at least a good laugh.

http://www.angelfire.com/oh3/oberlin/

John Byrne

As evidenced by The Grape, a political publication that I am starting, I am proactive. In the past, I've served as class representative and been an elected member of my school's Discipline Committee for two consecutive years.

I'm disappointed by the diversity of the incoming class and Oberlin's new need-blind policy. I support students on the fronts of diversity, community service, and rights of gays/lesbians and think the college could do more in recruiting students with minority backgrounds. I'd also work to extend weekend meal hours.

To these ends I intend to WORK.

I think senate is as important in passing proposals as they are in drafting them. What would the US Congress be if it was only a forum for lobbyists? I am planning to actively seek proposals, actively seek problems, and adamantly voice student concerns to the faculty and administration so that student voices do get heard.

Joe Chard

At Oberlin I am both a student and a freshman. I have a responsibility to the college community as each.

I feel that as a student senator, it will be my responsibility to maintain the atmosphere at Oberlin that is conducive to social service. It is important for the senate to make sure that we students have the full support of the administration and faculty in our social service undertakings. As senator, I will make sure that everyone here has the opportunity and the encouragement to involve themselves.

In the senate body it is important that first year students are represented. As a freshman, I am especially aware of the issues concerning freshman and other first year students. Making sure that freshmen are adequately represented on the senate is beneficial to all students, since the student body as a whole will function more equally.

David Jessop

I'm David Jessop, a first-year student from NYC and am supported by the Oberlin LGBTU. Although a first-year at Oberlin, I have a great deal of experience working towards change in my community. I served as the head of my high school's judicial system and was a member of the student life committee, environmental sustainability committee, and others. I also worked for change in the outside community, founding and leading an Amnesty International chapter and representing my school as the Social Justice Coordinator. If elected, I plan to work on improving some of the following issues among others: college/community relations, off-campus Internet access, LGBT concerns, flexibility of meal plans, and enrollment time.

Miesha McClure

I could tell you about my past accomplishments and the numerous leadership positions I held while in high school, but I won't. I'd rather take this opportunity to communicate my future objectives in the event that I am elected senator:

1. I will make every effort to extend weekend dining hours. At the very least, I promise to balance the intervals between breakfast, lunch and dinner.

2. I will work with the MRC and other student organizations to establish programs which will increase interaction between North and South campus.

3. I will investigate the possibility of having a Deaf Studies Program within the Oberlin curriculum.

4. I will not limit my representation to these objectives.

Vote Miesha McClure your senator.

"Equitable and Efficient Representation"

Daniel Morganstein

Have you ever wondered why a school that claims to be the icon of liberal thinking has an administration that is conservative in its policies and interactions with its students? I certainly have, and I think its time for a change. Oberlin's students meet up to their expectations as eccentric leftist-activists, but for an administration that is supposed to mirror its students, a slightly altered reflection is given. Hmm?

Micah Thorner

Why should you vote for me? I have experience. I have already served on Student Senate for two years. I stayed on senate through the wave of resignations, got stuff done, and realize I have a lot of stuff still to do. I won't give up, even when things get tough. I'm not going to give you a list of endorsements because I think people take you more seriously if you don't

represent special interests. I'd rather use a rational, logical process to arrive at decisions concerning the students here at Oberlin. I know the rules, the Constitution, even the faculty members and administrators to talk to when I need to get something done. I've worked on projects from getting more health coverage for club sport athletes to making sure money isn't taken out of the budget for student organizations that shouldn't be to pay for things like senate paychecks. I strongly believe in student rights, and feel like they are often taken advantage of. That's why I've chosen to remain on several important committees (Judicial Board, Housing and Dining, Student Life, and several others) ever since I was a freshman. I will continue to work hard and try to help you if elected.

Tonie Tyler

My name is Tonie D. Tyler; I am a junior double major in Religion/History. My platform for this election is holding the Administration Accountable. Being a student senator I intend to help the Administration hold up their end of the bargain. First, as students we need to make sure the Financial Aid Office, Residential Life and Services, and Campus Dining Services need to work for the students, not oppress them. Second we need to make sure the Academic Departments are offering a comprehensive course of study, not one from a single perspective. Additionally, I am the voice for the student body, but particularly the study body of color.