Sachin Dawan '05: Albert Einstein once said, "Laws alone can not secure freedom of expression; in order that every man present his views without penalty there must be spirit of tolerance in the entire population." If re-elected to the JC, I will work to sustain this spirit of tolerance by listening to and engaging with student body and AAS concerns. I hope to reinforce free expression on campus by sustaining students' right to form clubs as per their diverse interests. I look forward to representing you on this important committee.
Erin Mariano '06: I have been a JC member for a year and helped keep it strong despite a shift in leadership. Dedicated to the integrity of the constitution, I am an impartial mediator between the student body and the AAS, solving issues objectively and in line with the constitution. I do not hesitate to take the steps necessary to modify the constitution and am committed to demystifying review and recognition. I have the sincere desire to serve the Amherst student body, so vote Erin Mariano, judiciary council member.
Jessica Rothschild '06: Efficiency can only be achieved by dedicated, persistent and honest individuals. I believe that I possess all of these characteristics and promise to do my best to continue to completely fulfill my duties as a member of the JC. I promise to bring continued insight and motivation to the council as I serve the student body to the best of my abilities. Re-elect Jessica Rothschild to the judiciary council.
N'zingah Tyehemba '06: A diligent, thoughtful and curious student, if elected as your judiciary council representative, I would look forward to becoming more knowledgeable of the AAS constitution, bylaws and procedures observed. In the continuous review and recognition of student groups and the constitution, I would consider carefully the opinions of the greater student body before proposing changes to the senate. I trust myself, as evidenced in previous experience on a judiciary council and personal intrigue for the "nitty gritty," to be a good analyzer, listener, and deliberator, to collectively make those decisions important to yourself and to our student body.
Class Council-2005
Rosalyn Foster: I hope to once again serve the class of 2005 as a class senator. My goal for last year was fairly simple: to get more students involved in meetings, but it turned out to be harder than I thought. Next year, I would still love to get more students to see the effort and energy that goes into AAS meetings. Amherst has so much potential that I feel students ignore when not involved in the process. I hope that students can participate more in the process and I will work to bring that about next year.
Elan Ghazal: In my past two years as a member of the AAS, I have served as a senator, class council chair, budgetary committee member, College Council member, space allocation committee member, vice president and more. I would like to continue working with the AAS as a senator to come up with a resolution to the club sports funding issue, Interterm, improving student and Campus Police relations, expanded meal plan options and purchasing more AAS vans for club use. I would appreciate your support in allowing me to continue working on your behalf as a member of the student government.
Steven Hollister: So who would have thought I'd be running for senator? Not me. I love this school too much to see the things I love most about it disappear. Club sports are in jeopardy and their fate lies in the hands of a minority that is out of touch with the student body. At this juncture, I feel compelled to take a stand. I'm not interested in being a senator for my resume or because I like to hear myself speak, but because I feel passionately that the student body is being lead poorly and aim to rectify the problem.
Esther Lim: Over the last three years, the senate has changed-I believe for the better. Despite its previous problems, the senate has the potential to become an active forum for all student issues and the representative of the student body, as it was meant to be. We need an active student body. As a senator I hope to facilitate this involvement. Although I have been away from the campus this year, I have long been active in the AAS. I was a freshman senator before the new constitution and a recording secretary.
Gabriel Mattera: My pledge is one of consistency and dependability. I aim to put representation at the forefront of my tenure. If elected, I will set up a weekly time slot in Valentine Dining Hall during which students can directly share issues or opinions they wish to see promoted in senate proceedings. Having served as class senator this past fall, I know the ins and outs of the AAS and am not afraid to voice your concerns. I am determined to continue my committee work to promote such issues as the Honor Code and a fair financial aid policy.
Ryan Park: Over the past year, I have dedicated a great part of my life towards serving the AAS as your president. I would like to build upon my experience in this position to increase the senate's role in the overall campus dialogue between the students and the administration. Additionally, I would like to continue my work on issues such as Interterm.
Tiffanie Petrin: In the Army, I learned that you have to stand up for what you believe in. In the field, the meals contained small pieces of chocolate to wash down the horrible entrees. We weren't supposed to eat chocolate, but the drill instructors also couldn't deny us the government-supplied food. Instead, our drill instructors claimed the chocolate was contaminated, and we shouldn't eat it. I had to make a decision, and fast. It was a life-defining moment; I ate the chocolate, damnit. I'll stand up for what my classmates want as well. Shouldn't we all be able to have our chocolate?
Arpan Podduturi: My first taste of the AAS confirmed my interest in improving the College. In my time with the senate, I've voted responsibly and objectively and I've worked to improve communication with the student body. I made an impact when I joined the affirmative action committee and when I worked with my fellow junior class senators to bring John Glenn to our campus. I will work to bring additional, engaging speakers to Amherst. I also hope to work with the dining services committee to augment our meal plan options. I can assure you that my contribution will be enthusiastic and meaningful.
Daniel Reiss: I believe I am a capable candidate because of my efficiency as senator in the last year and my commitment to both the student body and moral service in student government. Also-go Browns!
Christian Sanchez: Ever since I was elected president of the class of 2005, I've aimed to make myself accessible to you and your clubs. I have done my part to make your voice heard before the AAS, the administration, and the trustees. Along the way, I have gained the experience needed to continue to effectively represent you. Nonetheless, there is always more to be done, so I ask that you continue trusting and supporting me to address your concerns. Thank you.
Justin Sharaf: I can't solve all or even most of Amherst's or the AAS's problems. Despite what they may claim, most of my peers are in the same position. What I can do, unlike my competitors, is promise to deal with the problems and issues that most directly affect the student body in a manner that most accurately reflects what the student body wants and needs. I have no personal agenda, no self-righteous attitude and no favorites. A vote for me is a vote for a sensible, reasonable, honest senator with the experience necessary to represent you.
Class Council-2006
Rania Arja: In my two years as senator, I have initiated and coordinated the Bradley shuttle trips, and headed the sophomore class council committee that bought the top 52 DVD's now cataloged in Frost Library, and the soon to come personalized 2006 glasses. My plans for the upcoming year include providing return trips from Bradley Airport and expanding the program to include transportation to other airports. I would also like to explore a solution for the funding for club sports, that are often too expensive for the AAS to maintain alone, but nonetheless have merit and should not be eradicated with an allocation of $0.
Rob Cobbs: As senator, I will: speak, act and vote reasonably; listen to constituents; stand up for free speech and student rights; oppose rhetoric, posturing and blatant attempts to manipulate the students and the College; institute at least one day each semester for students to mingle with professors' pets. I'm basically a reasonable, honest, principled guy. I'm liberal, but not knee-jerk. I'm tired of having a self-involved student government composed of people who want to add something to their resumes. Vote for me and vote for common sense.
Viet Do: As an active member of this campus, I feel there is always room for improvement when it comes to campus life. Being on the senate would allow me to address the issues that have lately been brought up, for example the possible improvement of the advising system as well as pressing funding issues. I will work especially hard at the issues which will truly have a deep impact on the quality of our education and our institution. I feel certain of my competence, and, as you know, my commitment is unwavering so please entrust me with your vote.
Techo Kim: For those of you who don't know me, I'm just a regular guy who wants to try to make a difference in the school. I'm not an aspiring politician or anything but I see a definite need for change at this school and am willing to take the time to listen to all your concerns and do whatever it takes to make sure they are addressed. I'd be honored if you'd vote for me in this upcoming election. Thanks, peace out.
John Lian: To live in a close community like a college campus, nothing is too trivial to claim my attention. As a representative for our class, I will continue to voice your opinions and turn your ideas and values into action. After two years on the AAS, I know what it takes to be an effective senator. I will work hard to bring about the changes you want-even if I may not agree with them-share in your beliefs, have confidence in you and work enthusiastically with you to achieve a common goal: to make our College experience the best that it can be.
Stephen Scriber: Two months ago, I was elected senator for the class of 2006. Since then, I have worked to be a serious and competent senator putting the interest of Amherst above the infighting AAS. I did not miss a single meeting and there was not a week where I did not know exactly what was going on and voted according to what my class and my conscience wanted me to do. The chance to serve my fellow students has been invaluable and I would like to continue. I need your support to keep working for you.
Mira Serrill-Robins: In my year as class of 2006 senator I have worked on a variety of projects, including last semester's DVD purchase and TYPO for upperclassmen (which I am still working on, and hope to make permanent in the future). I have served on several committees, including the disciplinary, budgetary and library committees. I have done my best to make myself accessible to you, to initiate and encourage discussion about the AAS and to represent your interests, especially in trying to help with projects that actually do something positive. Please vote to let me continue to serve as your senator.
Mike Simmons: You all have two solid reasons to elect me to this body. I come to this race having never held office at Amherst and so I have a degree of vigor, stamina and idealism that is always effective in student government. As well, I will always see myself as a student before an officeholder and so I have the mindset of putting my fellow '06s and their needs and interests first. I put people first, no matter what.
Class Council-2007
Joey Ally: I am running for senator because I am frustrated with the way the AAS is functioning and I believe that complaining is both hypocritical and pointless unless I am willing to take steps to advocate improvement. I cannot promise that I will be better than the current leadership, but I can promise this: vote for the same people as you did in the fall, and next year will be no different than this one. Vote for me and at least there is a chance for change.
Richa Bhala: Ski team funding and honor code debate, two-ply toilet paper and campus parking, spring formal referendum and campus center arcade machines-as a senator, these are the issues I have vigorously advocated, from the weighty to the slightly ridiculous, the minutia to the grander vision. But with all, I have tirelessly conveyed our class' opinions and persuaded other senators to endorse that perspective. Why this eclectic bunch of topics? Because these are the matters our peers focus on, the buzz topics you have shown interest in. So, what are my issues, my concerns? Who cares? Let's talk about yours.
Andrew Bruns: This past year I have heard students say nothing but negative things about the AAS, its abilities and its usefulness. Speaking to current and former members of the senate, I have come to believe that these problems are not unalterable. In high school, I was vice president of a productive student government that, even in a public school, made things happen. I think the problems students have with the AAS are not an integral part of the organization. If elected, I will work to make the AAS more influential, effective and responsive to the student body.
Boris Bulayev: Through a proactive approach in the senate, I feel I can create positive change at the College. I am outgoing, friendly and approachable, which is why I feel I will communicate well with my constituents. In addition, I am ambitious, responsible and hard working, and I will make sure your concerns are heard. I have several ideas on how to improve the school, including increasing the winternship program to include different and warmer locations and hope to be able to implement those ideas through the senate.
Loren Crary: Our student government needs to refocus on the specific needs of the student body and on the ideals our College stands for. Too many decisions are made without an understanding of the students' perspective. If elected, I will encourage increased student involvement in the decisions that change our school. I will also push for our school to live up to its potential; we are lucky to have a student body diverse in every sense of the word, but we need to work more to bring all our diverse groups together. Thanks for considering me, and I can't wait to represent my class!
Avi Das: A vote for Avi is a vote for dynamic leadership, solid fiscal (mis)management and an attempt to get themed senate meetings (pirate, toga, ninja, etc.). I'm one of your senators this year and with the rest of the current freshman class council we've enacted a lot of positive change, middling reforms and random havoc in the AAS. Vote Avi Das because they be all up ons.
Will Havemann: The last time I heard from my senators was when they sent me an e-mail asking me to elect them. The AAS is constantly accused of elitism and inefficiency, but this lack of communication, I think, is its largest problem. Members of AAS do not communicate with the student body, making accountability and dialogue almost impossible. How can they represent our class if they do not talk with us? Amherst is a great place, but it is certainly not perfect.
Noah Isserman: Six months ago, I told you I got off on teamwork. I still do. As both a senator and chair of the freshman council, I've had the pleasure of working with a very talented group of people on behalf of the student body. I've also learned the proper channels through which action is taken here. I've made contacts-pals even-throughout the administration. Through serving on committees on admission, financial aid, dining services and educational policy, I've gained valuable experience and perspectives on the College. I've learned the ropes, and started projects-I'd appreciate the chance to keep working on them.
Marco LoCascio: With a year in the AAS under my belt, I look forward to representing the class of 2007 for our sophomore year. Using the experiences of this first year, I will pursue several goals to pursue in the fall. First, I will continue to push for budgeting that uses each student's student activities fee in a sensible and just manner. Second, through my position on the trustees advisory committee on student life, I will propose improvements in our Interterm and student advising policies. Continue to support me and I will use my experience and talents on your behalf.
Anoop Menon: A year ago, as a student in India, Amherst to me was but a distant dream on the other side of the world. But, over the past year, helping organize International Students Association dinner and parties, founding and running Amherst Cricket, being immersed in the warmth and the life of Amherst, the College has become a cherished part of my life. Please let me represent you and stand up for you; allow me to spice up your life!
Gloria Monfrini: I am currently freshman senator. I sit on the College Council, which recently held a referendum seeking your opinion on an Honor Code. I was also elected to be a member of the budgetary committee. I was a strong supporter of the effort to eliminate the ski team from the AAS budget, which has freed approximately $20,000 to better fund other clubs. If re-elected to serve the class of 2007, I promise to continue my efforts both on the BC and the College Council. If re-elected, I will sit on the ad hoc Interterm committee appointed by President Marx, to invent a comprehensive Interterm program.
Levan Moulton: During my two semester term on the AAS, I have been a strong voice in the senate. I have consistently fought against motions that adversely affected my constituents. I was one of the major voices that caused the failure of the motion to de-fund the Haiti awareness. I spoke out against giving $27,000 of my fellow student's activity fee so that a 23-member ski team can travel to Vermont and ski over Interterm. I have been consistent. If you want consistency, leadership and an outspoken proponent as your class senator, re-elect Levan Moulton.
Andre Perez: I am running for student senate for the following reasons. To address the issue of teams laundering money to finance their drinking money and address how this money gets concealed in budgets; I would like to see first hand the debilitating effects of bureaucracy and see how it can be changed; I would like to be a positive force in addressing issues important to the school and somehow be able to give back to the school in a positive way. I hope, if elected, I can somehow contribute to the community.
Ashley Rose: Like everyone else who got into Amherst, I was a member of student council. I was editor of the literary magazine, a thespian, a peer counselor and on the Dean's List. Unlike everyone else, I had to fight to get to the place that I am now. It is true that I have many responsibilities, but I make sure that the job is done. I'm outgoing and easy to talk to and I will bring a new perspective to student government and will make sure that everyone's voice is heard.
Cristina Ryu: I'm running for a second term as senator. I'm asking for your vote again to represent your views. I have dedicated many hours and great effort to the senate. I enjoyed serving on the budgetary committee and addressing issues that were raised by constituents. Many people have approached me with questions and ideas that I have rapidly responded to. If elected again, I will continue answering your concerns and working for your interests. You will always be welcome to speak to me about any innovative ideas or problems that you think the AAS should tackle.
Michael Silverman: I am running for senate because I want to play a greater role in campus life. Senators do not simply determine club recognition and funding. They also are the student representatives on College councils and in dealings with the administration. What is most important for me is to make sure that every one of my classmates' voices are heard, not simply those of senators or their close friends. As a senator, it will be my goal to listen to as many ideas and opinions as possible and to keep my classmates informed.
Kenny Sparling: If you elect me, I will work hard towards raising the happiness of Amherst students. To do this, my first project will be to hold a school-wide spaghetti fight (think Patch Adams). I will also work towards more traditional goals, like extending recess and increasing the number of snow days. In working towards these seemingly outrageous goals, your student government will begin to take its role on campus more seriously and really work for you. I hope we can be friends, please vote for me. I love Amherst, vote for Kenny.
Jennifer Sung: I am running for class senator because I want to make our college experience here the best that it can possibly be. I want to represent YOU and make sure that your opinions are voiced in important school decisions. I hope to bring the students, AAS and school administration closer together so that everyone can be involved in all decision-making processes. I will focus on improving important issues including student parking, club funding, and dining services. I am a hardworking and serious individual who is willing to hear what you have to say and committed to improving the quality of life here for you.
Jacob Thomas: Jacob Thomas is short and to the point.