Voting on the spring semester’s Student Government senators begins today, Oct. 31, and runs through Tuesday, Nov. 1. Cast your ballot by heading to The Reef from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Crow’s Nest reached out to the candidates to ask them why they think Bulls should vote for them and what they hope to accomplish if elected.
Jared Bolton, Senior
- “I want to join SG as a senator because I find myself unhappy with some things that happen in Student Life and Engagement and instead of complaining, I realized that I should join in order to make a difference.”
- “I just want to make sure that our A&S fees are used responsibly and that [organizations]that want to have events have money to provide the best events they can for students.”
Valerie Dieppa, Freshman
- “I hope to gain your vote because I would really like to make some positive changes around our campus.”
- Her goals as a senator include “installing a water fountain in USC that will be accessible 24/7 by the residents” and “extending the hours at the Reef.”
Loren Farmer, Junior
- “As a senator I will use my power and influence to help resolve the many issues that come about within the student body.”
- “If elected I hope to hear concerns or ideas on how to help improve our University and student life and hope to become a voice to be heard.”
Jozef Gherman, Senior
- “I was in SG previously, but I feel like I’m a new person with a lot of new experiences.”
- “I’m going into SG to help them decide what programs we need to keep and what we need to cut. My priority is going to be government spending.”
Samuel Goetz, Freshman
- “I want to figure out how we as a university can impact our local economy.”
- “I’d like to address green energy. A lot of the energy we use isn’t the greenest, but I think we can definitely make some changes and move around some funding to get it where it needs to be.”
Anthony Greggo, Senior
- “Most students know I’m super involved. My goal is to excel above anyone’s wildest dreams.”
- “I want to learn more about SG and how we can make change as a community.”
Ysatis Jordan, Freshman
- “I believe my peers should vote for me because I am hardworking and persistent in all that I do. I am unwavering in my goals and will see that the policies put forth are put into action and stay in action.”
- “I hope to get funding to the clubs that honestly need it, as well as provide payment to those positions who rightly deserve it. I also intend to voice student opinions since we are commonly overlooked.”
Kaeden Kelso, Freshman
- “I’ve come to find out that the most pivotal voice is the student body, but they have to be unified. When the student body is unified, things happen.”
- “I want to focus on recruitment and retention on campus. More students means more revenue and more money for improvement. I want to make this school a contender.”
Mariah McQueen, Sophomore
- “I have been looking for a way to get involved and give back to our beautiful school.”
- “My goal as your Senator will be to push green initiatives, relay the voice of our student body, and to address campus safety.”
Lina Montoya, Senior
- “I want to make sure that student’s concerns and ideas are heard and taken into action. I believe in the students here at USF St. Petersburg and it is my desire to support the student body in their passions.”
- “My goal is to bring my knowledge and the diversity of the student body in our campus to Student Government.”
Damon Morales, Freshman
- “I want to be put in a position to help those that can’t help themselves and/or be a role model for people to take responsibility for the damages that happen all around our campus.”
- “Being in a position such as a Senator will allow me to be the voice of those not heard and help make our campus more environmentally friendly.”
Bill O’Connor, Junior
- “As Senator, I will fight for all students in need and not just those that were transferred.”
- “I feel that the student government in its current form is lacking in presence at this campus. I intend to fix this as your Senator.”
Christine Pierre, Freshman
- “There seems to be a broken relationship there, and I want the student body to trust student government again.”
- “As a senator, I will do everything within my power to hear the needs of students and resolve their problems in any way possible.”
Kevin Castle, Junior
- N/A for comment
Jonah Goodman, Freshman
- N/A for comment
Dimitri Griffith, Senior
- N/A for comment
Madison Martinez, Freshman
- N/A for comment
The Crow’s Nest reached out to each senate candidate via email. Jared Bolton, Ysatis Jordan, Anthony Greggo, Kaeden Kelso, and Jozef Gherman were available for comment. Self-written candidate bios that were turned in along with senate applications were used for the other candidates.
Photo by Tamiracle Williams | The Crow’s Nest
