Editor’s note: The following statements were submitted by candidates for the Minnesota Student Association, the University Senate and the Minnesota Public Interest Research Group when they filed for the election. Students running for two positions will be allowed only one vote in the MSA Forum, but may sit on the University Senate and on the forum as a representative if elected to both positions.

University Senate and Minnesota Student Association Forum

Katie Dudley
College of Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Sciences Senator
Endorsed by University-DFL
“During this past year I have served as COAFES Senator on University Senate and MSA and I am seeking re-election because I feel I have the experience to continue to represent the best interest of the college of Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Sciences.”
Amy Mertl
College of Biological Sciences Senator
“I’m a senior, majoring in ecology and genetics. I’ve been in MSA for three years, and I’d like to continue to serve CBS as senator. I will take time to visit student organizations in CBS and be aware of all the issues and changes that affect our college.”

Aaron Simon
College of Biological Sciences Senator
“My main focus will be to promote how great CBS is to the rest of the University, and demand we get the resources we need. It’s time both the student and faculty in CBS start getting some real credit for the outstanding work we’re doing and will continue to do.”
Michelle (Shelley) Hon
University Senate and MSA Forum
No statement

Jesse Berglund
College of Liberal Arts Senator
Endorsed by University-DFL and Students Against Fees Excess
No statement

Todd Kimlinger
College of Liberal Arts Senator
Endorsed by Students Against Fees Excess
No statement

Mike Franklin
College of Liberal Arts Senator
Endorsed by Students Against Fees Excess
“‘Eagles may soar, but weasels aren’t sucked into jet engines.’ MSA needs to realize its true purpose on campus — serving and representing the undergraduate student population to the best of its ability. MSA should address the concerns of students and meet their needs.”

Joby Sebastian
College of Liberal Arts Senator
Endorsed by Students Against Fees Excess
No statement

Jay Cyril Mastrud
College of Liberal Arts Senator
Endorsed by Students Against Fees Excess and University-DFL
No statement

Hillary Walters
College of Liberal Arts Senator and MSA Forum
Endorsed by University-DFL
“‘Who dares nothing need hope for nothing.’ As a senate member for CLA, I hope to listen and learn from others on how to improve University life. I will then take this knowledge and input from the student body to wisely make decisions that will positively impact the campus.”

Britta Ylikopsa
College of Liberal Arts Senator
Endorsed by University-DFL
“I am currently a CLA Senator. I have served in MSA on the Academic and Legislative Affairs Committees and on the Constitutional Review Sub-Committee and the Senate on the Student Affairs and All-University Honors Committees and on the Constitutional Clarification Sub-Committee. I have headed efforts to improve advising for the students.”

Mindy Geiss
College of Liberal Arts Senator
Endorsed by Students Against Fees Excess
No statement

Shannon Ellis
College of Liberal Arts Senator
Endorsed by Students Against Fees Excess
No statement
Laura Beauchane
College of Liberal Arts Senator
Endorsed by Students Against Fees Excess
“Having been a commuter for three years to this campus, I am very concerned about transportation and parking on and near campus. I am also concerned there is not enough housing to satisfy the needs of the University community. These are my interests, along with semester transition and advising.”

Nathan Hunstad
College of Liberal Arts Senator
Endorsed by the University-DFL
“As each student is unique, so I believe that each student’s academic path should be unique, as well. I am against grades as objective measures of intelligence and the myth of the well-rounded’ student as propagated through required courses. To each his own, in school as in life.

Robert Baker
College of Liberal Arts Senator
Endorsed by University-DFL
“Yellow and blue make green.”

Kyra Salmon
University Senate
Endorsed by University-DFL
No statement.

Brett A. Rowlett
University Senate and College of Liberal Arts Senator
Endorsed by Students Against Fees Excess and University-DFL

“Have you seen anything on campus you’d like to change? I have, and I’ve tried hard to work for change. I’ve even been successful! I’m currently the chair of the Student Services Improvement Committee, trying to improve everyday services for all of us. I’d appreciate your support for University Senator!”

Fernando Xavier Tayo
University Senator
“Hello, I’m a freshman living in St. Paul’s Bailey Hall. I am a member of the Student Services Fees Committee and a former alternative state board member of MPIRG. I have volunteered for several campaigns and have served in the armed forces.”

Ryan A. Falk
College of Liberal Arts Senator
Endorsed by University-DFL
No statement

Brandon Lacy
College of Liberal Arts Senator
Endorsed by University-DFL
“I’m running for the Senate because I believe that no University employee knows more of what students need from their institution of higher education than the students themselves. Senators have a responsibility to interact and communicate directly with their constituents and to advocate the students’ perspective in University decision-making.”

Jennifer Watts
College of Liberal Arts Senator
No statement
Jason Grosz
Carlson School of Management Senator
No statement
Ben Bowman
Carlson School of Management Senator
“I’m dedicated to issues that affect students on a day-to-day basis. U Card, renter rights, late night busing, access to professor evaluations, and book buy-back are just a few of the issues I will work hard to reform. I have one year of MSA experience representing Territorial Hall.”

David Deardurff
Carlson School of Management Senator
Endorsed by Students Against Fees Excess
“I can count backwards from 47 to 33 and walk a straight line under pressure.”

Garrett Taylor Daun
University Senate and MSA Forum
“Fellow students, as we all know the U has become a corporate sponsor. This is disrespectful to the students and the environment. What I will do in the U Senate is propose fresh ideas that will make the U less of a corporate prostitute and more respectful to the earth.”

Sheraz Malik
Institute of Technology Senator
Endorsed by Students Against Fees Excess and University-DFL
No statement

MSA Forum At-Large Representatives

Joe Gustafson
Endorsed by Students Against Fees Excess
“It would have been helpful if there was some idea of what I was supposed to write about for this but since I wasn’t given such advice I’ll have to assume that it should have something to do with why I think I should be elected.”

Louie Abramowski
Endorsed by Students Against Fees Excess
“If you must choose between two evils, choose the one you’ve never tried before.”

Paula Faber
Endorsed by University-DFL
“As a freshman, I am especially concerned that new students receive adequate representation. I have previous leadership experience and currently I am the treasurer of Territorial Hall and a New Student Weekend counselor.”

Samantha Tuttle
Endorsed by University-DFL
“As an at-large representative, I am committed to making well informed and practical decisions for the betterment of the academic and community life of students. I will work to improve campus transportation, support liberal arts programs, which are losing funding, and encourage interaction between the students and the regents.”

Patrick Peterson
Endorsed by University-DFL
“It’s crucial that MSA acts responsibly as a voice for positive student development, and fosters the diverse community on campus. Enough playing politics! Let’s get some work done!”

Muhammad Elrashidi
Endorsed by Students Against Fees Excess and University-DFL
“Goals are achieved with group effort. Muhammad Elrashidi should be elected because he supports programs that bring together the collective efforts of different University groups to make a better University. Muhammad Elrashidi believes that by getting many students involved, our goals can become more than campaign promises.”

Jon Bjorum
Endorsed by University-DFL
No statement

Adam Tillotson
Endorsed by University-DFL
“My name is Adam Tillotson. I am a freshman currently attending General College, with plans to transfer to CLA in the fall of 1998. I’m running for at-large forum representative. Throughout the past year I have served as senator from General College, and participated in different organizations on campus.”

David Deardurff
Endorsed by Students Against Fees Excess
“No one else cares about MSA so why would I?”

Jared Christiansen
Endorsed by Students Against Fees Excess
“Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past me I will turn to see fear’s path.”

Julien Kubesh
Endorsed by Students Against Fees Excess
“Rah! Rah! Rah! I cheered for the Gophers at the NIT and now want to cheer for students’ needs through MSA. This is our University, and our voices must be heard at all levels. Let me be your voice, the one that is heard!”

Bill Gilles
Endorsed by Students Against Fees Excess
“I was gambling in Havana, and I took a little risk, send lawyers, guns, and money. … To get me out of this.”

Peter Lesperance
Endorsed by University-DFL
“I am a junior in CLA Honors with previous MSA experience through working on an MSA presidential campaign.”

Ben Blair
No statement
Shumaila Anwer
Endorsed by Students Against Fees Excess and University-DFL
“I’m a first-year student and have been involved in MSA as a hall representative. I believe that it is best to open-mindedly listen to and respect both sides of the argument. A representative should support decisions that will best benefit the students and not his or her political group.”
Jason Grosz
No statement

Scott Roethle
“Scott Roethle is a junior in (the Carlson School), majoring in management and pre-medicine. He is very involved on campus, and is completing his first term in MSA. He served as Pioneer Hall Representative to MSA, and was recently selected as the first alternate student representative to the Board of Regents.”

Chris Lund
Endorsed by Students Against Fees Excess
No statement

Minnesota Public Research Interest Group University Local Board-Minneapolis

Julien Kubesh
Endorsed by Students Against Fees Excess
No statement

Jesse Berglund
Endorsed by Students Against Fees Excess
No statement

Shannon Ellis
Endorsed by Students Against Fees Excess
No statement

Stuart O. Sajdak
Endorsed by Students Against Fees Excess and Interfraternity and Panhellenic councils
No statement

Rachel Boeke
Endorsed by Ecology Club
“I love MPIRG and want to help it grow throughout my career at the University of Minnesota.”

Hilda Kurtz
Endorsed by Ecology Club
“I think students should be addressing the use of natural resources, and I believe that MPIRG is a terrific way for us to make an impact on these and other issues. I support the refusable-refundable MPIRG fee.”

Carrie Erickson
Endorsed by Ecology Club
“If elected, I plan to work diligently on environmental issues.”

Tina Brevig
Endorsed by Ecology Club
“MPIRG is a wonderful organization that I feel I can contribute my skill to and learn from.”

Sandra Paddock
Endorsed by Ecology Club
“I support MPIRG’s mission of student empowerment and involvement in campus-state policy issues. I also strongly endorse the refusable-refundable fee.”

Carl Nelson
Endorsed by Ecology Club
“I feel strongly about our society’s need to involve people in civic affairs. MPIRG is a leasing organization at the University for doing this, and I strongly support MPIRG and the MPIRG fee.”

Jared Christiansen
Endorsed by Students Against Fees Excess
“MPIRG should stop stealing your money. Support a yes-no checkoff and vote for me.”

Monica Meyer
Endorsed by Ecology Club
“I am very committed to issues of economic justice situations, through MPIRG, are provided a powerful vehicle of social change. I support the refusable-refundable fee.”

Jane Raudenbush
Endorsed by Ecology Club
“I can do a fantastic job working on the MPIRG local board. I have been involved with MPIRG at UMD and UMTC and have worked with MPIRG’s community outreach for over a year. I have a passion for MPIRG’s work and believe in the strength of student organizing.”

Erika Sass
Endorsed by Ecology Club
“I am running for an MPIRG local board position because I have a vested interest in MPIRG’s issues and want to continue working for environmental, social justice and corporate accountability improvements. I have served on MPIRG’s local board this year.”

Kjersten Nelson
Endorsed by Ecology Club
“Coming to the University of Minnesota, I was interested in becoming involved in social and environmental issues. MPIRG allows me to do this. I hope to continue my involvement in this organization by serving on the local board.”

Erin Collins
Endorsed by Ecology Club
“I’ve been very involved with MPIRG this year, and have been working on organizing the Urban Sprawl Conference this spring. I believe MPIRG is an excellent forum for students to work on social and environmental issues. I am writing a proposal for next year’s issues, and plan to stay involved.”

Scott Likely
Endorsed by Ecology Club
“I enjoy the volunteer work I’ve done with MPIRG for the past year, I admire the social and environmental work MPIRG does, and I would like to help MPIRG by being a board member.”

Unny Nambudiripad
Endorsed by Ecology Club
“I have worked with the Environmental Task Force. I believe in students working for social change. I support the refusable-refundable fee.”

Damian J. Johansson
Endorsed by Ecology Club
“I would like to be involved with the preservation and conservation of natural resources and the environment.”

Sanja Petrovich
Endorsed by Ecology Club
No statement

Bill Gilles
Endorsed by Students Against Fees Excess
“Stop the oppressors!!”

Mindy Geiss
Endorsed by Students Against Fees Excess
No statement

David Deardurff
Endorsed by Students Against Fees Excess
“You can spend your money better than MPIRG. Support yes-no checkoff for MPIRG.”

Joby Sebastian
Endorsed by Students Against Fees Excess
No statement

Jay Cyril Mastrud
Endorsed by Students Against Fees Excess
No statement

Emily Irwin
Endorsed by Ecology Club
“I’ve been involved in MPIRG throughout my undergraduate career working on environmental and social justice issues. This year, I served as the chair of MPIRG’s State Board. Next year, as a first-year medical student, I feel that I will offer a unique perspective to the board.”

Julie Cidell
Endorsed by Ecology Club
“As a graduate student on the local board of MPIRG, I would offer a special perspective. Having spent four years at a university, which did not have an equivalent organization, I appreciate the opportunities, which this group offers students, to influence issues within the university and on a larger scale.”

Anthony Bell
Endorsed by Ecology Club
“I feel that I would do a great job on the MPIRG U of M Local Board because I am committed to MPIRG. This year I have served on the Local and State Boards. I have also just begun facilitating the Environmental Task Force.”

Keledy Kenkel
Endorsed by Ecology Club
“I have worked with MPIRG on the environmental task force since winter 98, and I wish to continue my involvement and help with the changing of the world.”

Jill Davis
Endorsed by Ecology Club
“I feel I am qualified for this position because of my past experiences with MPIRG. This year I have served as the local chair, and lead the urban sprawl task force. I have served on the local board for two years and would like to continue into the future.”

MPIRG University Local Board-St. Paul

Leila Midelfort
Endorsed by Ecology Club
“MPIRG is a great way for students to get involved in environmental and social justice issues.”

Sarah MacRunnels
Endorsed by Ecology Club
“I like MPIRG, and if I am elected to the local board, I will support the continued efforts that MPIRG makes to make life better for everyone at the U of M and beyond. I find fulfillment in working for a cause that I believe in, and MPIRG is fighting.”

Jessica Robach
Endorsed by Ecology Club
“When elected, I will work with MPIRG on environmental and social justice issues here at the University of Minnesota and our state.”

Norman Rupp
Endorsed by Ecology Club
“I have become very interested in MPIRG since the beginning of winter quarter 1998. It seems to me that MPIRG could benefit greatly from the continued efforts of its leaders. As a student at the University, I know that fresh students are always called upon to aid the organization.”

Brian Matson
Endorsed by Ecology Club
“I believe in environment and social justice. I believe in MPIRG.”