Keeley Sheehan
Managing Editor
The Crow’s Nest asked candidates in the upcoming Student Government elections to answer questions about their campus involvement and priorities if elected. Read their responses below. Voting begins April 4 at noon on Blackboard, and ends April 7 at midnight.
Presidential candidate:
Courtney Parish
Sophomore mass communications major
Campus involvement: Student Government
Qualifications: I have been active in Student Government for one year now during which I served as vice chair for University, Community and Government Committee, and chair of the Campus Media Committee.
The most pressing issue currently facing our campus: One of the most pressing issues on campus is communication. We need to increase communication between USFSP and USF Tampa, between administration and students, between Student Government and the students, and between the clubs and the students.
Top three priorities if elected: Organizing a meeting of the club presidents, reaching out to commuter students, supporting green initiatives.
Vice Presidential candidate:
Mark Lombardi-Nelson
Freshman pre-med/environmental science and policy major
Campus involvement: Founder of the Musician Society at USFSP and the Ultimate Frisbee Club at USFSP, Latin American Student Association treasurer and member, Black Student Association treasurer and member, Student Government senator, captain of intramural flag football, mentee of the Spectrum Mentor Program, mentor of Project 10 Stingray Program, member of numerous clubs and organizations on campus (some examples are the Pre-Med Club, Grappling Club and SEAS).
Qualifications: My biggest contribution to the USF St. Petersburg community is my time. I was meant to attend USF St. Petersburg because of the drive I have to unite students and engage people. These traits are perfect with the system our school currently has. We are a school that has been consistently growing, but now is spiking with higher numbers and more activity on campus. We are going through a shift in culture and I feel that I have been placed here to assist in the process or even lead the way. I actively participate in the majority of events on campus. I am one of the most informed students on campus and I use the knowledge I have been given to spread the word and raise attendance at campus events. I have experience working with clubs and I feel that this is a position that would fit me very well.
The most pressing issue currently facing our campus: The lack of communication.
Top three priorities if elected: We intend to establish multiple efficient ways to communicate to the student body. Starting a mass text system and a council of club presidents are two of the top priorities. The other top priority is reaching out to commuter students. We want commuter students to feel accepted and welcome as a part of the USF St. Petersburg family.
Senate candidates:
Steve Goodwin
Freshman international politics major
Campus involvement: Member of SEAS, GSA, InterVarsity, FWS student.
Qualifications: Extensive experience in leadership positions in both school and church; awareness of the campus through Florida Work Study position; involvement in campus leadership for over a semester.
The most pressing issue currently facing our campus: Student Life and Green Energy
Top three priorities if elected: I will find ways to improve the campus through green energy and student projects; help the Chick-Fil-A conflict come to resolution through calm and courteous compromise; and streamline the budget so that funds go to where they are needed (generally to where there are no funds).
Frank Mathis
Sophomore economics major
Campus involvement: BBQ Club, Fun N’ Games, Gardening Club, Outdoor Club
Qualifications: Former senator
The most pressing issue currently facing our campus: Equal representation among all USF campuses.
Top three priorities if elected: An event on campus everyday, art around the campus, green initiatives.
Danny McDonald
Junior media studies and journalism major
Campus involvement: Student Government, RHO front desk manager, Spectrum mentor, Rock Climbing Club, Omicron Delta Kappa.
Qualifications: Three years of Student Government experience, Judiciary and Ethics chair, leadership minor, passion for leadership and student outreach.
The most pressing issue currently facing our campus: Student involvement and safety.
Top three priorities if elected: Representing constituents accurately, finding new forms to make our campus safer and getting students involved.
April Parsons
Sophomore journalism major
Campus involvement: Current SG Senator
Qualifications: Northwest Florida State College SG vice-president, Florida Junior and Community College Student Government Association state secretary, USFSP SG senator 2010-2011
The most pressing issue currently facing our campus: The most pressing issue in my eyes is communication on our campus. I will dedicate my time as a senator to further improve communication not only between clubs, but between students as well.
Top three priorities if elected: Continuity, communication improvement, and making sure the new facilities will best reflect the students wants and needs.
Other senate candidates include: Eliana Aguilar, Brian Bauroth, Jonathon Ellington, Evan Garrett, Emily Gorman, Cory Hebert, Michelle Kerr, Jericka Knox, Irena Krasteva, Jeffrey Pincus, Lauren Reilly, James Scott and Walter Shelmet. They could not be reached for comment.
