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Candidates were asked to rank 1-15 (1=most important) a list of campus issues. The chart of their responses appeared in the Feb. 27 “Voter Guide,” but the explanations for their picks are included here. Additionally, they were asked to respond to eight other questions about their platform and candidacy. The list of questions to which candidates were asked to respond is included below, and their responses correspond to the question numbers in the list. If a candidate has a blank number below his or her name, he or she did not respond to the question. The candidates’ answers were typed exactly as they wrote them.1. Why you feel your most important campus issue is so important?2. Why you feel your second most important campus issue is so important?3. Why do you feel your third most important campus issue is so important?4. Why you feel your fourth most important campus issue is so important?5. Why do you feel your fifth most important campus issue is so important?6. Why are you running for this position?7. Why should students vote for you?8. What strengths will you bring to this position?9. Any weaknesses? How will you deal with them?10. Are the any Web pages or other resources students can consult for more information about you and your platform?11. Is there anything you would add to the list of important issues you were asked to rank? Why?12. Is there anything you would not have included in the list? Why?13. Any other comments?
Executive candidate responses
Randy JohnsonSGA President 1. Tuition is a burden that a majority of students must carry. The leading cause for students dropping out of college is financial hardship. Stopping, or even decreasing, tuition hikes will benefit every student.2. This University has a low graduation rate, and SGA needs to take steps to counteract this. Our collective purpose in enrolling in college is to graduate. Allowing low graduation rates negatively impacts our entire community.3. Through increased student involvement we will be better equipped to fight the battles of students. These battles involve the student health fee, plus/minus grading system, food service, and parking.4. School is hard enough without you having to fear being on campus by yourself. Making this university safer will increase turnout at student events and make campus a more appealing place to be.5. Many students balance school and work at the same time, and this is difficult. What is even more difficult is being responsible for another life and attending school. We need to help our student-parents.6. I believe I can affect a positive change for students. I want to represent the entire student body and ensure our voice is heard. This leadership position needs a person who is in tune with the needs of the student, I am that person.7. My time at U of L has been spent in a variety of RSO’s and a diverse number of leadership roles. This diverse background is a key quality in representing such a diverse body. Students can be assured that my slate and I will be focusing SGA around increasing retention and graduation rates. Voting for me will be a vote to empower every student on campus with the ability to make a change.8. Objectivity is an essential strength that I will bring. One must be objective so as not to fight person battles but battles that the students want fought. I also bring communication, delegation, and visionary skills.9. My main weakness is that I am overly empathetic. I will make sure that whatever projects taken on by SGA are Senate approved, and in the best interest of the student body.10. My slate and I have our platform on Facebook. Look for any of our names: Randy Johnson, Chris Seals, Khala Granville, and Demetrius Simmons. We also have a Facebook group called the “Progressive Slate.” You can also contact me directly at rljohn03@louisville.edu11. I would add minority issues because campus diversity doesn’t completely allow for a discussion on certain issues.12. No, this seems to be an adequate list of top concerns for students.
Brain HoffmanSGA President
1. No matter the issue, SGA can never maximize its potential until we involve and mobilize more students. Many students may not see this as the #1 issue, but for SGA to address student concerns, it cannot go alone.2. Tuition is an issue that affects a great number of students, some very seriously. However, it is a very complicated issue that requires a depth of knowledge for one to effectively address it, which makes it a beast of a problem.3. The reason one enters college is to be educated and earn a degree. Therefore, U of L’s dismal graduation rates are an obvious problem. The two biggest reasons students fail is because of financial constraints and a lack of engagement.4. Food services, but in general student services, become a more intense issue in light of the rapid increases in tuition. Theses issues should be reflected in an enhancement of the college experience, both in and out of the classroom.5. The health fee/services is an issue we have worked on a great deal this year. We have been successful in refocusing the Administration of fixing the problems with the fee/services, as well as pushing for the new building to be on the Central-Belknap campus. This issue, similar to parking, food services, and athletic tickets are issues SGA must address because they are those concerns students most easily identify with.6. SGA is a serious organization that has a very real impact on our campus, which necessitates serious experienced leadership from the president. I am confident I possess such qualities. SGA has made many great strides this year, but our work is not done, that is why I am running.7. I will be able to hit the ground running without facing the steep learning curve any SGA top four officer must climb first. I have a focused agenda that will be able to address the most pressing campus issues as well a building an SGA capable of tackling a plethora of concerns.8. My greatest strength is my experience. I know how SGA and the University work, and where and how to push for change. I have been a part of a unique SGA administration, one that changed the way SGA does its business, and accomplished a great deal. Experience alone is not a qualifier, but an experience in effective change coupled with a focused, informed agenda certainly is.9. The major weakness is inherent in the position of SGA president. It is one short year, and you have to remain a full time student. Therefore, you have to stay very focused on those major issues, which I identify on our website. Furthermore, you have to be able to balance school and the demands of SGA. I have proven myself capable through my SGA involvement while maintaining a 4.0 throughout college.10. Visit our informative and interactive website at www.thegoldenticket2007.com. Also Facebook.11. Strategic planning for U of L. After the success of the Challenge for Excellence, U of L is moving forward in creating its next plan that will carry us through 2026. It is crucial that students and SGA are engaged in this project as it will guide the University for 12 years.12. Absolutely not! Every one those issues are important to a number of students. Therefore, SGA must be involved in the solutions. Still, it is important for the SGA president to remain focused on higher top priorities or else nothing will be accomplished. For those issues outside the president’s top priorities, he/she should surround him/herself with leaders who are focused on those issues.13. First, thank you for making this survey much shorter than last year’s. Likewise, thank you for being engaged in the election process. I look forward to speaking with you so we can get into the specifics of my campaign. Take care!
Mark GlickmanSGA President
1. Ever rising tuition rates burden students with tremendous debt and force many to either work two jobs or drop out. To a degree, most students cannot afford to get involved with the University.2. Parking is the single greatest complaint of the majority of U of L students. This causes many students to arrive late or miss classes. I have personally spent roughly $150 on parking in the pay lot.3. More students need to be involved in the decision making process. Most students have no idea what SGA does. This needs to be changed. Every student needs to be aware of SGA initiatives.4. The athletic fee was never intended to be a permanent fee, but weak leadership allowed the University to force this additional burden upon the student body. If we actually received a product or service for this fee, it might be different, but we don’t.5. Many strides have been made to increase graduate and retention rates, but more must be done if we are to consider ourselves a progressive academic institution.6. Having observed a complete lack of drive, determination, and tenacity in SGA, the only choice was to run. The student body deserves an SGA president who will make substantive change to improve students’ lives and academic careers.7. I have worked tirelessly for the student body since my first week at U of L, first as a volunteer, and then as a SAB chair. My primary concern as a student is student rights and wellbeing. All I can promise is that I will give the student body 150% everyday. 8. My strengths are my organizational skills, negotiating skills, drive, determination, maturity and professionalism. More to the point, I bring real-world leadership experience.9. My main weakness is my habit of micro-managing. I need to surround myself with people who do what they say; delegate responsibilities based on abilities and let people do their jobs.10. We have a new website called students-first.org.11. Student athletic ticket prices. Students currently subsidize athletics and should not be burdened with increasing ticket prices.12. Recycling, though important, doesn’t make or relieve pressure on struggling students. We have much more urgent needs that must be addressed. 13. The University has benefited from weak or ineffective student leadership. Student apathy is at an all time high due in large part to their belief that they cannot make a difference, so SGA must work to empower students and reach out to bring more student into the process. Students pay a premium to attend U of L and yet their tuition dollar buys less and less every year. Resources need to be allocated to benefit all students, not a select few. With strong leadership, drive, and determination I will fiercely protect the interests of the students body.
Christopher SealsExec. VP
1. Tuition is most important because we live in a society that requires people to pay for higher education and live day by day at the same time. Tuition increase prohibits so many capable students with various conditions from being successful because they can’t afford it. Higher tuition limits unfortunate people from future success.2. SGA has done effective work in the past but has been shallow in representing the entire student body. Much of SGA represents one type of student and has not been most effective in speaking for and with students all over campus. By representing a diverse campus and keeping the student body informed, we can have a more effective leadership.3. Campus diversity is important and it should be important to all people, not just minorities in a particular demographic. This campus prides itself in diversity and by having a multicultural environment, we are building an inclusive and welcoming campus which could/would attract students from all over.4. Retention is a serious problem which effects all students. An increased retention rate would increase the chance that students will advance from class to class and graduate in a timely manner. A university with a high retention rate for all students builds credibility and strength of a university.5. Recycling is an underestimated problem on this campus and on this planet. So many people do not consider this important because it does not give them instant gratification, but in order to make great change we would have to sacrifice time now and recycle so that our futures will benefit. That concept can be applied to more than just recycling.6. I am running for EVP because I am a very strong and experienced leader on campus that would like to see our student government make some progressive steps that can increase retention, develop leaders, and most importantly establish lines of communication from students to SGA. I want to be a part of an initiative that makes U of L students feel included and at home, starting with orientation all the way to graduation. Strong communication is the first step in doing so.7. Students should vote for me because I have a deep background of leadership, here on campus, to Unitas coach of girls flag football, to e-board member in to organizations and more. I have an inclusive personality and I try to reach out to all people and try to understand the problems they face as students. 8. I will bring a large amount of leadership experience, along with a strong sense of focus and determination, a high level of consistency and dependability and the ability to learn form mistakes. As a gold leader I am very tactful and I like to get work done efficiently. When faced with adversity, I feel challenged to work harder and accomplish more.9. My greatest weakness may be that I aim to please everyone, yet I must say that I am not always successful. When I do fail to please everyone I am bothered yet I don’t allow myself to lose sleep over it. When I face this problem I do speak to my colleagues and try to help them understand why a situation is the way it is and I encourage them to work to achieve what is rightfully theres and what is morally correct.10. My slate and I have formed a commercial that can be accessed through our informative facebook groups. We each have a facebook group which talks about a lot of the different issues we are concerned about. Our facebook groups are also sources through which you can contact us and ask questions about us and our opinions, therefore giving students a chance to know us. 11. Leadership development is an important element that could be added to Part I. This probably wouldn’t be in my top 5, but it still is important. College is the time in a person’s life when they mold and find themselves and become an adult. I’ve had so many leadership positions in college that have helped me develop into a more mature, open minded, understanding and confident young man. Leadership is not just ordering others but it is learning yourself so you can better understand and learn how to work with others.12. I sincerely believe there are ups and downs to stadium expansion but I would have to say that that is not a necessity to student life. This could indirectly help U of L bring money in the distant future but this most likely will not decrease tuition or increase retention, not even for athletes.13. As a candidate for SGA, I am sincerely dedicated to all the people of this campus. I have no alternate intentions of revolutionizing this campus, but I do want to make progress with SGA, and in doing so this school will become more and as competitive as any. I’m not running for the title or resume builder, or even for the practice to one day run for government office. I’m running because I want to help and be part of making this student government as strong and as effective as possible.
Kate BrueggemannExecutive Vice President 1. Tuition is the main issue facing U of L students, because education needs to remain affordable for students to continue their time here. The rapid increase in tuition over the years is cause for alarm and calls for action.2. Safety is so important because students deserve to be able to live and work in an environment where they are safe. This is essential to making Louisville a vibrant and active campus.3. The point of going to college is to earn a degree, so graduation and retention rates are important issues for students. The University of Louisville is a wonderful school, but it is necessary to produce results and improve retention and graduation rates.4. After the first year trial of the Student Health fee, I don’t think students are satisfied with the service they are getting from the fee. Student health care and the health fee need to be re-evaluated and made to better suit student want and need.5. I have ranked student-SGA relations in the top five not because I think that it is this dire concern of students on an everyday basis, but because it is an issue that SGA can really fix. I think that by solving the issue of the disconnect between SGA and students the other issues on campus are more likely to be solved, because students will gain a strong and unified voice.6. I am running for EVP because being involved at U of L at this level is important for me. U of L has been my home the past three years and I am committed to making it a better place to live and go to school. EVP is the perfect position for me because it is the position that allows me to do what I am best at.7. Students should vote for me because it will make SGA more effective and productive in its advocacy for students. I have ambitious, but tangible goals that I will reach if elected, and these goals will greatly benefit students. Also, I have great pride and love for this University that will motivate me as EVP to do what it takes to make this campus better for every one.8. The greatest strength I will bring to EVP is my passion about doing the job and doing it well. The passion to do this work will keep me driven and focused. Another strength I bring is my experience. I have the RSO and SGA experience to effectively fulfill the constitutional duties of the job, while also moving beyond those duties and taking on new projects that will move campus forward.9. My biggest weakness is being overly emotional. I am often overly caring. I will deal with this my trying to look at situations logically and rationally.10. For more info, you can look on the web at www.thegoldenticket2007.com, or check out the Golden Ticket 2007 Facebook group. Also if anyone has questions for me, they can send me an email: kabrue01@louisville.edu11. I would add campus beautification to the list. It would not be in my top ten issues, but I think U of L students would really benefit from a campus that is physically inviting.12. 13. I have wanted to do this job since my freshman year. I have worked hard to ensure that I am qualified for the position. I am proud of the work I have done on campus, and if elected I believe I can move forward and make a big difference on campus.
Matt PulleyEVP
1. Tuition is being raised higher and higher each year and if something is not done soon, students won’t be able to afford college.2. I would like to see more students (not senators) involved with SGA. I want to make students get involved with SGA and SGA involved with students.3. Currently U of L reports the five year graduation rates because the four year rates for a four year institution are really bad.4. I don’t think students should be paying money to an organization that isn’t giving back to U of L.5. Four to one, parking green passes to parking spots is crazy!6. Because I feel like I can make a difference in the way SGA interacts with students7. Because I generally care for the student population I don’t need this as a resume` builder. I want this to help make a difference.8. Follow through- I was named “Co-op of the Year” by the KACECE because of projects I worked on, and my dedication to follow through.9. Being in Speed School. I’ve attempted to branch out and get “outside” the walls of Speed. But on occasion have found that I’m not as familiar with U of L officials as Speed officials.10. www.students-first.org11. House. There are many plans for housing that I thing should involve students more.12. I would take out campus child care. This issue has already been past and funded.13. I feel I am very qualified for this position with various leadership skills. Most importantly I’m not just a politician, I’m a student first and engineer second making me have the dedication and follow through to put students first!
Khala GranvilleAcademic Vice President 1. Tuition: affects all students directly. Rising tuition is causing students who perform well in class to drop out because of money.2. SGA Relations: SGA has an obligation to always be the voice of the average student; to work with and assist all students in any way possible.3. Campus Diversity: Improving campus diversity academically and socially so that all students are represented at this institution.4. Healthcare/Health Fee: Keeping the health fee affordable for students who choose to have U of L healthcare; improving healthcare service for students.5. Retention/Graduation: Ensuring a plan that will help keep students here and have them graduating in no more than five years.6. I believe that I can make a positive and active difference in SGA by coming up with creative ways to work with students, RSO’s, as well as the administration. I am a voice, an active voice of the people.7. I have experience working with various faculty and administration by way of my current job as an Undergraduate Coordinator for Diversity Recruitment in Admissions. I am always working to make sure students concerns are not only heard, but put into action.8. Passion and organization. I have served on many Executive Boards and know what it takes in order to get things done. I always give everything I do 110 percent, because I am passionate about leadership.9. Patience. I deal with this issue daily in my job, because my passion for leadership sometimes cause me to start projects that others have been given charge of; I am a worker bee.10. Facebook: the Progressive Slate 2007, Khala Granville for SGA AVP, Khala Granville: a change is gonna come.
Matt FlairtyAcademic Vice President 1. Tuition, no matter what office one holds, unequivocally the most important issue to students. All representatives must understand this and be willing to fight for students’ needs2. As academic vice president all my policy decisions should help work to improve those rates. That is the job!3. We must continue to offer more courses every year. Students need choice in course offerings4. As a lobbying, governing, and programming body we must promote useful activities. I would work to hold activities with academic importance.5. SGA must remain active, to do so we need students. Even as AVP I would promote student involvement in SGA. Realizing that involvement corresponds to academic achievement.6. I feel that my experience as an SGA Senator has given me strengths to positively represent the student’s academic needs. I love this university and come here to learn. As a student representative I want to voice students’ desire for the best possible academic experience.7. I am experienced in SGA and am dedicated to the students. I have made academics my focus, both as a student and a representative. I am positioned to make positive changes for students.8. I feel that I have good leadership skills and am equipped to lead. My experience sets me apart and positions me to actually make change happen.9. A weakness we all have is the fact of having only one perspective. I would deal with this by incorporating many students into the work I do, always seeking multiple opinions before acting.10. Yes, please visit www.goldenticket2007.com11. Yes, communication between faculty and students. This is critical to the academic experience, and a main focus of mine as AVP.12. No, all were good and important issues. I ranked many service related issues low because they simply don’t intersect with my desired office.13.
Dan BlakemanServices Vice President 1. Tuition- this affects students the most.2. Health fee- This issue can be resolved in many realistic ways for many opportunities.3. Next to tuition, parking is the second most relevant concern for students.4. Due to the location of U of L, safety is always an issue- esp. with the increased crime in the area.5. Compared to our benchmark school, U of L has a relatively lower retention and graduation rates which affects issues such as funding.6. Even though Justin Tooley has done a fantastic job as services VP, there is always more the needs to happen for U of L to be its best.7. Because students come first and they deserve the best.8. Drive- if there is a problem that arises and needs to be dealt with I plow through it. You have to push yourself to the fullest in life.9. At any one time I have been known to do too much, but as far as the issues go, I can only do one at a time then move on to the next.10. Yes, its simple- www.students-first.org. Also Facebook me for any further questions.11. Transportation. Students are busy people, so we need to further accommodate that.12. Child care, because it is already on its way.13. U of L needs to remember- students first!
Rudy SpencerServices Vice President 1. Tuition continues to be a problem, costing students a lot of money to go to school. We must engage our legislators year round for more funding.2. I’ve already worked to improve the quality and healthfulness of campus foods, now the cost needs to be tackled. Food prices are very high and there must be some options to lower the cost.3. This continues to be an issue for the student body. We need to examine my proposal to make stadium parking free, and open up more green spaces from blue spaces.4. Campus safety should be a priority and it shouldn’t take some one getting hurt to make it a campus priority. More officers are needed to patrol campus.5. Students shouldn’t have to pay the $100 fee. This should be an optional program because students can go to a local clinic for free.6. I am running for Services Vice President because I feel I can be a great representative for you. When it comes to important issues, I will stand up for you. Also, I have some great ideas to improve your service at U of L.7. Students should vote for me because I have the best solutions for the service issues that affect you. I also have some great initiatives, like the “classroom to the dorms” initiative that will have longterm positive impacts on the student body.8. Experience! I have worked on many projects with the current SVP, so I know the job. If students vote for me, I will start the days after elections are over. My experience with the office of the SVP means a very short transition period.9. I am interested in a lot of things, I often get over involved. The job of the SVP will give me a focus and not stretch myself too thin.10. You can find more information about my platform at goldenticket2007.com11. Technology should be added to the list because of the impact it has on our day to day lives. I think there can be some improvements done to our email system as well as new ways to communicate with the student body, like weekly video addresses from the top four.12. No13. Over the next week, I look forward to talking with you about my ideas and vision as Services Vice President. Feel freeto contact me at r0spen01@louisville.edu or visit my website at goldenticket2007.com Demetrius SimmonsService Vice 1. Tuition is very important to any college institution, if the cost of tuition is too high for students to pay, students can’t afford to get an education.2. It’s one thing for students to apply and be accepted to the university, but its another for students to actually graduate.3. The health care service and fee has been a concern of many students and has impacted them and students need to see a physical change.4. The University of Louisville is a very diverse university and we need to work on efforts in linking students together even more and moving forward as in entire student body.5. The food services on campus could stand for some changes in variety, extended times for services, and expanding the use of the meal card to local eateries around the campus and look it to the cause of increasing prices.6. Because the university needs to see a positive and progressive change that will benefit the students and I am that change.7. Since I have been at U of L, I have put my best efforts into serving the University of Louisville student body by creating an RSO and being involved in many others.8. Determination and passion to get the task at hand completed. Support from people that I have networked with while at this campus.9. I tend to fixate on projects and I can’t put those projects down until I finish them.10. My slate and I have group pages on Facebook.11. 12. 13.
Senate candidate responses
Karen E. CloughArts and Science Senator 1. Recycling is my number one goal this year. If elected I plan to get a working recycling program, on campus. The environment is a huge part of our lives and we need to take care of it, every step helps.2. Tuition is always going to be a hot topic. With expansions and renovations tuition goes up. As a senator I will fight to keep the rising costs down.3. The University is a place to learn and in order to learn you need to feel comfortable. More lighting to get rid of those dark spots and insuring the emergency boxes are always working, is my plan.4. With the continuing rise of new buildings and dorms parking is decreasing, commuter students need some where to park. I will do everything I can to find new resources for parking.5. When you have students living on campus and commuter students who spend their whole day on campus you need a variety of food places that stay open to our convenience.6. I know that I am qualified for the job and that I would do what is best for the students of the University.7. Students should vote for me because I have their best interest in mind. I am just like them and I can lead us down the best possible road to the future.8. My strengths include those of includer & strategic, just to name a couple. With my strength, of includer I will be able to bring people in from the outside SGA and ensure that their voices are heard. Also as a strategic person I can see the best possible route for getting things accomplished.9. My biggest weakness is being able to speak up in front of people. I have been very successful to overcome this weakness. Through various classes and RSOs I have became very comfortable with speaking up.10. www.goldenticket2007.com11. Effective use of colleges’ money for improvements. I would make sure that all the money for A&S is being used to the best of it’s ability.12. No all issues that affect students are important issues. Kaden J. JacobsArts and Science Senator 1. Tuition affects everyone and when it goes up by an unfair margin, it often encourages people to leave the university.2. Food services are not up to par for the cost of the food.3. It should be the primary goal of a university to retain and graduate as many individuals as possible.4. It is the university’s mission to provide courses that will help educate students, but is equally essential to help students expand their often narrow worldview.5. Campus diversity is a key component to a university. Exposure to other groups of people is essential and will help east the often tense racial divide on campus.6. I feel I am highly qualified for this position and I am open and capable to help the A&S student body.7. I am highly qualified candidate with great mentors who are familiar with the workings of SGA. I have A&S council experience and I will work hard for the students.8. I am capable of listening to many opinions and working with others to compromise on certain issues. I will always be available to work with students and fellow senators.9. I am very involved, but being in the senate will focus my efforts and will allow me to be very productive.10. www.goldenticket2007.com has all the information about me and my platform. Students can also find me on Facebook if they have specific questions.11. I would add residence life, because it affects a large portion of students despite the fact that U of L is a commuter school. Selena DerossettArts and Science Senator 1. I think that tuition ranks at the top of everyone’s list. As a senator I will work very hard with the top four and administrators to tackle this issue.2. I’m very passionate about U of L’s course offerings. I would like to see more class diversity and interesting special topics.3. As an A&S senator I will work extremely hard to make U of L seem like not so much of a commuter campus. I would like to see more and better student activities.4. As an A&S senator I will work extremely hard to make U of L seem like not so much of a commuter campus.
