Editor’s Note: The following statements were submitted by candidates for the Minnesota Student Association Forum when they filed for the election. Students running for two positions will be allowed only one vote in Forum, but may sit on the University Senate and on the Forum as a representative if elected to both positions.
MSA At-Large Forum Representatives
Sabeen Altaf
No Statement
Robert Baker
“I seek re-election to the MSA because I am committed to advocating for my fellow students. I bring my open mind, my idealism and my optimism to the MSA. I am a self-endorsed liberal and a publicly endorsed Democrat.”
Susanna Beying
“This spring candidates will address student apathy as a campaign issue. You are not apathetic … the Minnesota Student Association has not focused on issues you care about! MSA has tried to legislate morality and further political careers. Vote for me. I will fight for things you care about.”
Mark Bonde
“If elected to the At-Large Forum position I would concentrate my efforts on creating an organization that reaches out to the student population and works for the students on this campus. This objective can be accomplished by focusing on real-life problems as determined by the student population.”
Jared Christiansen
“Every civilization must contend with an unconscious force which can block, betray or countermand almost any conscious intention of the collectivity.”
Brian Eddie Close
“There are many policies at the University which seem only to make things harder for the students. If elected, I will question whether annoyances we are subjected to can be changed, and help us remind the faculty and administration that students are the customers and should be treated as such.”
Shannon M. Daniels
No statement
Dave Deardurff
“I support a 5 percent reduction in student services fees and meaningful fees reform.”
Jennifer Domholt
No statement.
Bill Gilles
“Fees are rising, Macs are crashing and the regents take my money. Send help.”
Gabe Golden
“I have two years of MSA experience, I try to avoid partisanship and make choices in the best interest of students.”
Leslie Leistritz
“Leslie Leistritz is the candidate of choice. She has the experience to run the organization, knowing what works and what doesn’t, so students’ voices can be heard. Through being an At-Large Representative and the Diversity Event Fund Co-Chair, she has kept her commitment to working for affordable education and diversity.”
Matt Lenertz
No Statement.
Patrick Lobejko
No Statement.
Drina Marty
“Enthusiastic, Determined, Inquisitive! These are the words that not only represent me, but how I feel when representing you. I, alongside you, have been part of the diverse aspects of campus life. Classes, residence halls, student ambassador, buses are just a little part of my life here! Sound familiar?”
Adam Miller
“This year, I have worked on issues such as voter registration, presidential selection, regent selection and release of professor evaluations. Next year I hope to continue to represent all students by making sure that the student voice is heard both by the University administration and at the state capitol.”
Kevin Nadolny
“Kevin is a hard-working student who is always open to the opinions of others. He believes that MSA should serve all students of the University and will ensure that it does just that. So remember, a vote for Nadolny is not only a vote for him, but for all students.”
Abraham Nemitz
No Statement
Kevin Pomasl
“My name is Kevin Pomasl and I am running for At-Large Representatives. I have a plan and vision that includes the Brain, Cornholio and Boomhower. If the University is to move ahead, these people must be involved and utilized. World domination and TP for all.”
Kjersten Reich
“I’ve worked on student life issues this year and I’d like to be on Forum next year. Issues of busing, food services and MSA accountability to students are important to me. However, beyond these I will have the flexibility to work on things students tell me they’re concerned about.”
Andy Rotering
No Statement
Allison Serle
“I am a freshman in CLA. This past year I was the MSA Representative for the Disabled Student Cultural Center. As an underclassman, I add new perspectives to MSA and I have energy to get things done. My ambition is to familiarize students with MSA.”
Aaron Simom
“I am a junior majoring in biology in CLA. I am the current president of Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity. I have also served as the vice president, social chair and brotherhood chair. Politically, I am a liberal and was active in the Ray/Hacker campaign last year. Gopher basketball rocks.”
Brandon J. Small
“As an At-Large Forum Representative I intend to represent the values and beliefs of the ‘thoughtful’ University student. It is my opinion that I am adequately qualified to carry out the duties expected of the position I seek. Thank you.”
Jenn Sorenson
“I am running for the position of At-Large Rep because I think it’s time that students have leadership that represents students, not Democrats or Republicans, but someone who is there to represent you! That’s what I plan to do!”
Sara Vinkermeier
No Statement
Heather Winter
“Currently I serve as the Territorial Hall Representative to MSA. I am heavily involved, being a strong voice for the students and firm believer in student government accountability. Currently I am lobbying the state Legislature on the U of M student issues.”
Institute of Technology Student Board University At-Large Representatives
Jared Christiansen
“Truth suffers from too much analysis.”
Dave Deardurff
“Bill Gates did not design my operating system!”
Bill Gilles
No Statement
Gabe Golden
No Statement
Kyle Kilbourn
No Statement
Senate Candidates
College of Agriculture
Katie Dudley
“As a student of the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences and a member of the University of Minnesota, I am confident that I am a qualified candidate for the College of Agriculture Senate position. I promise, if elected, to serve in the best interests of the College of Agriculture.”
Kristen Vatthauer
“I’m an experienced leader who has served on the executive committee of COAFES Student Board, Beta of Clovia Sorority, Minnesota Royal Committee and Ag Ambassadors. I have served on SPBOC. I would be honored to exercise my strong leadership and vision on the University Senate and MSA Forum.
College of Liberal Arts
Sabeem Altaf
No Statement
Shamez Babvani
No Statement
Jesse Berglund
“Making student government more responsible and committed to what it promises is a constant challenge and a necessary undertaking. Student governance needs communication within itself along with outreach to the student body, and Jesse Berglund will devote himself to succeeding with these ends.”
Brian Close
“There are many policies at the University, which seems only to make things harder for the students. If elected, I will question whether annoyances we are subjected to can be changed, and help us remind the faculty and administration that students are the customers, and should be treated as such.”
Ryan Falk
No Statement
Jon K. Hesley
“Efficient spending, not more spending.”
David Mortensen
“I support a campus pub in Coffman Union. Beer For All!”
Kevin Mortensen
“As the Treasurer of the U-DFL, a Student Services Fee Committee member and an individual who has campaigned and interned for two U.S. Senators, I guarantee that my leadership will yield substantial results. Chief amongst such results: a student voice so resounding that the University administration cannot help but listen.”
Jessie Jo Roos
“I believe the Minnesota Student Association should be the voice of the undergraduates at the University of Minnesota. It is my goal to see MSA held more accountable to students, create a greater sense of community on campus and to have a voice with the new administration.”
Ben Sanders
“Are you sick and tired of being ripped off by the U? We as students are being raped by the regents. Vote for me if you don’t want you money to be sucked away by a greedy bureaucracy!”
Jody Sebastian
No Statement
Aaron Simom
“I am a junior majoring in biology in CLA. I am the current president of Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity. I have also served as the vice president, social chair and brotherhood chair. Politically I am a liberal and was active in the Ray/Hacker campaign last year. Gopher basketball rocks.”
Shenoa Simpson
“I have had two years of experience with MSA, and I would like a voting Senate voice this year because I want to work with the students and faculty on issues such as tenure, professor evaluations and the quality of academics.”
Maryjane Sommerville
No Statement
Laura Taken
“MSA needs change! MSA needs to become an organization that truly represents the student body. As a freshman, I’ve learned a lot and have what’s necessary for positive change: current CLA Senator intern for the Student Legislative Coalition, focusing on the U’s budget request, Legislative Affairs Committee Campus Committee on Student Behavior.”
Jack Wheeler
No Statement
Carlson School of Management
Kristian Elverum
No Statement
Matt Lenertz
No Statement
Institute of Technology
Luke Papin
“Student Service Fees are too high already. It’s time we take a stand.”
Andy Rotering
No Statement
Joseph Skupniewitz
“I have a year’s experience in the position and will fight for lower fees, better academic advising and accountability for my work.”
Dana Waldvogel
“I am running to continue to represent the students in MSA and to also represent students in the Senate. I am always ready to listen when students have a problem.”
