This week Cynic is running bios of candidates for the posts of President and Vice-President of the Student Government Association. Next week the Cynic will officially endorse one candidate for president and one for Vice-president. All candidates were asked the same question: WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE CURRENTLY FACING UVM? Here are their responses.

VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES:

NAME: Dave Laman YEAR: Sophomore
COLLEGE: Arts and Science
MAJOR: Political Science

: The biggest problem facing our university is the lack of community. I believe that by improving student’s experience at UVM, we can create a happier student body, which will pull our university together. Little, everyday things need to be changed, whether it’s parking, security, food, club space, or going downtown, our students need to experience all UVM has to offer without having to worry about all of these things, that should never have been a problem in the first place. Happy students re good students and I will strive toward that goal as SGA Vice President.

NAME: Bryce James
YEAR: Junior
COLLEGE: Arts and Science
MAJOR: Political Science

: The development of a new commission on diversity which still leaves a hierarchy of oppression firmly in place at UVM.

NAME: Lena Darnall
YEAR: Junior
COLLEGE: Arts and Sciences
MAJOR: Political Science

: While I think there are many important issues currently facing UVM, I believe they are all linked to a general lack of communication and understanding. The majority of our problems would be greatly diminished, or altogether disappear if students rights and needs were listened to. The most important areas where communication should be increased are: between students and police services, groups like LGBTA Free to Be, ALANA and students/administration, UVM and downtown, and finally students and the administration.

NAME: Bob Fulton
YEAR: Junior
COLLEGE: Arts and Sciences
MAJOR: Political Science and History

: Relations with the city of Burlington.

NAME: Wes Tank-Day
YEAR: Sophomore
COLLEGE: Business Administration
MAJOR: Business

: The biggest problem facing UVM is a lack of communication between students, administration and the Student Government. If we increase communication, we will increase active club participation and in turn decrease student apathy. This will allow the campus as a whole to become more involved, therefore making everyone’s tenure here at UVM the best it could be.

PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES:

NAME: Joseph Thibault
YEAR: Junior
COLLEGE: Arts and Science
MAJOR: Political Science

: The most important issue facing UVM is how disconnected from the university the students feel. Many students have expressed to me that they do not feel as if their voices are listened to on campus. The student body is a valuable resource that is most in tune with the problems here at UVM. The most important issues at UVM are those expressed by the individual students I have talked with. I will continue to work closely with UVM clubs and students to make the overall college experience better.

NAME: Tim Allen
YEAR: Junior
COLLEGE: Arts and Science
MAJOR: Economics, Sociology

: We must close the communication gap in order for students to be empowered through having their concerns effectively addressed. SGA needs to be far more accessible to honor its commitment to working for the students.

NAME: Jon Mruz
YEAR: Junior
COLLEGE: Arts and Sciences
MAJOR: Political Science

: The University of Vermont is currently going through a number of significant changes. We must stand up to the administration and be sure that the student perspective is heard and considered in all matters that pertain directly to the student body. Issues concerning diversity, a university wide Honors College, relations with the city of Burlington, campus safety, and a new student center will be at the forefront of this battle.

NAME: Sanjeev P. Yadav
YEAR: Junior
COLLEGE: Arts and SciencesMAJOR: Psychology

: Increasing fun on campus through large events and a pub. Also, taking action to defend the interests of the student body vis a vis the City of Burlington.