Idaho State University

Maria Lemos

Currently I am a junior majoring in social work. This is my fourth year at Idaho State University and it has been a wonderful experience. While being here, I've been extremely involved with ISU. Last year I was the Event Chair for the Student Activities Board; while I was on SAB, I was able to see the impact student life has on campus. If elected senator, I will make sure that the student voice is heard.

Unfortunately, there are many issues that many students do not know about. For this reason I believe that communication is essential for a senator to best represent their college. Because the College of Arts & Sciences is the largest college on campus, I will work with the other senators to make sure that the needs of the students are met. We as students need our voices heard in order to take appropriate action. Tuition is something inevitable and sadly has risen. As senator, I will make sure that the decision was for the best, and if it was at all possible to keep it from rising.

If elected senator, I will make it a priority to make sure that the student voice is not a simple mumble to ASISU.

Jennifer Hildenbrand

What do you expect from an ASISU senator? I expect the senator to listen to the needs of their constituents. I hope that they possess the leadership qualities necessary to take a stand when things are not leading to the best outcome for the students. My idea of a good senator is an individual with responsibility, dependability, and a lot of energy to make ASISU an amazing organization. A senator should also be an honest person who cares about representing the students of Idaho State University in a positive and meaningful way. I know that I can fill all of these qualities as a senator for the College of Arts and Sciences. Think it through, and if this is what you want from your senator then vote for me to represent you in the Associated Students of Idaho State University.

Tanya Finigan and Mandi Frugoli

As a senators we hope to accomplish the following:

1. Spilt the College of Arts and Sciences senator allotments into three categories: social sciences, natural sciences, and fine arts, and give each division a three senator allotment this would allow each division to be equally represented.

The next two ideas are in attempt to generate revenue for the school, over the past year ISU has cut over 4.4 million dollars out of the budget, it is not time to reallocate funds but rather time to generate revenue, and here is how:

2. Petition to have the alcohol ban lifted at the Holt Arena so that we do not lose big money venues such as the Dodge National Circuit Finals Rodeo.

3. Petition to have constraints liftes at the Holt Arena so that additional venues can be brought into the Holt in order to increase revenues, such events like UFC fights or MMA fights are banned at the Holt Arena, by allowing these events to come into Holt we will be able to increase revenue.

3. Clubs rely on funding from the ASISU budget, next year this budget has been cut by 9% even though tuition is increasing by 7%, we stand firmly that ISU clubs, arts, and activities are essential to attracting students, and as senators we will not strip any additional funds from clubs, the arts, or student activities.

Brinton Robison

I, as a full-time student, am rather upset and confused with the distribution of funds which come from our tuition fees. I know many of you also feel this frustration. I would like to see more funds put into the ASISU and other current and continuing student scholarships. I believe that if the students are the most important asset to the University, current and continuing students should have more access to the funds that we provide.

Dustin Martinsen

I have attended ISU for three years now and though I have really enjoyed the experience here I have had a hard time really knowing what was happening with the universities politics. This has been a struggle for me even though I am a political science major. I am running for the ASISU Senate because I would like to be more involved with campus affairs and as I am more involved I will make sure that the details of ISU politics are easily available and supplied to all students. So vote for me and lets have a great 2009-2010 school year.

Casidy Jahnke

Leadership and experience is a wonderful thing. I am Casidy Jahnke and I am running for a second term as Senator in the College of Arts and Sciences. I am running because I can make a difference within ASISU and support issues relevant to students within the College of Arts and Sciences

One of the most important issues facing Idaho State University in the upcoming year is accountability. There must be increased accountability in the way money is managed within ASISU and Idaho State as a whole. Why pay more and get less? You deserve your student fees to be spent and distributed in a fiscally conservative manner, while increasing the quality of your education and your experience at Idaho State University.

When student leaders are not held accountable for their actions, it only leads to one thing, paying the price for their indiscretions. That is why I am asking you to vote Casidy Jahnke for Arts and Sciences Senator. I want you to hold me accountable for my actions to ensure your experience at ISU everything you desire. Ensuring each student has a voice is one of the greatest accomplishments of an elected individual. I will present any concerns directly to the senate so you are represented. All students should have a voice; your voice is my voice.

Emily Spencer

My name is Emily Spencer. I am a senior in the college of arts and sciences and I want to be a senator because I want to be more involved with our student government. I would like to be the voice for my college and make sure that our wants and needs are heard. I also would like to be a senator to get students more involved with activities throughout the university. Student involvement ensures a better college experience and gives one pride in their school.

Holly Bullock

Dear fellow students,

My name is Holly Bullock and I look forward to representing you as a senator in the College of Arts and Sciences. Having attended many of the ASISU senate meetings and being actively involved on campus, I understand the challenges Idaho State University has and will face.

- As your senator, I will remain current on the issues that affect you as a student.

- As your senator, I will always be available to you for any questions or concerns you might have about ASISU issues.

- As your senator, I will make sure that your opinions and ideas are represented within the ASISU senate.

On March 18th and 19th elect a senator who knows and understands ISU issues, vote Holly Bullock for senator of Arts and Sciences.

Lekiwe Phiri

I am running for student government because I want to represent my fellow students and allow our voices and concerns to be better heard. This is critical with the financial crisis the country is facing. Our tuition keeps going up and students need to know what exactly our money is being used for. I'm advocating transparency and financial responsibility.

Max Pond

Everyday I walk into the Pond Student Union Building I am reminded of my great uncle Earl R. Pond. Earl dedicated decades of his life to this university, but more importantly to the students. I have looked up to his roles of service, gratitude, and selflessness. Which has instilled a very special feeling of pride and an overwhelming attraction to also give back as much as I can to Idaho State University. Running for ASISU Student Senate has been an idea I have juggled since I arrived here my first year in the fall of 2006, and I am so excited to make that idea a reality, and hopefully have the honor of serving Idaho State University in any and every way I am able. If elected, I will enthusiastically execute my office to the best of my ability, and seek counsel from fellow senators, and more importantly my constituents within the College of Arts and Sciences.

Thank you so much,
Max W. Pond

Praweg Koirala

ISU is one of the good educational institute that has been providing quality education since long time.

The students in ISU are always concerned to make ISU more better and I am one of those students who would like to see good changes happening. There is always room to make good changes and students are the best person to feel the changes that needs to be brought in their institute. Recently, the state fund cuts has directly affected our different departments in ISU. This is a big problem which can not be easily solved. But the funds can always be managed in a good way so that our students dont have to pay for this problem. So the majority of my time will be devoted to make sure that funds available in department of arts and science is flowing properly and the scholarship and research funds are not affected so that no scholarsips or research money is cut. The other issue that me and my collegues are concerned about is the laptop issue. Me along with my other friends who are running in this election, as a group, are focussed on bringing the laptops back to isu for student checkout that we used to have in Randevous and SUB frontdesk station in past. These are big as well as important issues to work on which can not be solved by a small group in a short period of time. But if we put an effort and work as a group (full statement exceeds word limit)

Timothy Hamilton

My name is Tim Hamilton and I am running for the senate position in Arts and Sciences. I am looking forward to sharing my support for Idaho State University by being a part of the integral system of senators and being a voice for the students who attend. I hope to share in the planning and advising for this year and have high hopes for the influencing those who will precede us in years to come.

I have been here at Idaho State University for going on three years and have been pleased with the concerns that people have had for the school and it's success. I hope to help out with that process in making this a place for people to join up and be apart of. We have some areas that are having issues such as budget costs and with this economic hardship that is hitting our lives we have even more reasons to strive to be united and helping each other to succeed and not let education go down that slippery slope of failure.

Team Bengal is a group of students that are passionate about helping our fellow students, we are all in the same boat and are all fighting for the common goal of education and success. So lets take the time to listen to what the average people have to say and find out what can really make this year a success by putting our good foot forward and get through the hard stuff.

Whitney Jensen

For the past year I have served as a Senator representing the College of A&S. During my tenure I have taken action to ensure that the needs of my constituents were met and received the representation they deserved. I have been accountable for my actions, and worked with the administration of the University and ASISU, as well as other senators to address the voice of students and the concerns that they have. If elected again, I would continue to welcome input from my fellow students regarding their education and the environment in which they obtain it. I have researched upcoming legislation, and done my homework to ensure that the policies stemming from the Senate would represent the students best. I have served with honesty and integrity, always making the choices that best represent the students.

I am positive, and believe that one person can make a difference. I want to be the student serving in the Senate next year who makes a difference by applying my knowledge, life experiences, past experience, and enthusiasm to the position. I feel that I have the qualifications necessary to successfully hold this responsibility. I know I would be able to use my abilities and experience to help make ISU the university that meets and exceeds the needs of the students attending. I want students to leave with their desired education and be able to recommend this university to others because of their outstanding experience here. I LOVE ISU!!!

Spencer Wagner

What happens in Vegas... apparently got out. My name is Spencer Wagner and I am running for the College of Business Senate seat. I am originally from Las Vegas, Nevada, and want to bring some of the big city influence to Pocatello and Idaho State University. I will help those who have problems with their transfer credits and I will be a true advocate for students to the faculty and staff. Also, as Senator I will help the College of Business and its students to be the most successful they can be and become more renowned then they are already.

Thulani Ngazimbi

MY name is Thulani Ngazimbi and I am a senior in the CIS department in the College of Business. If I get elected this will prospectively be my third year on ASISU Senate. I already have a long standing record of fellow student support, and a strong voting record that supports students. I will keep the essence of what it means to help keep "the poor student's fees low." So when you go to vote remember THULANI NGAZIMBI WILL FIX YOUR LIFE.

Chris Allbright

After serving my first term as a Senator representing the College of Business, there are some things that I have learned. I have learned what I can do as a Senator and what I can't do. I may not be able to lower tuition or promise a new business building. But what I can do is represent my peers. I can be a voice for the students of the College of Business. Serving on the Student Senate is chance for me to learn and grow and a chance for me to lead and take part in the everyday life of a school that I have come to respect and enjoy being a student at. I am running for re-election as one of the College of Business Senators because representing my college and my constituents is important to me.

Steven Saltzman

My Name is Steven Saltzman and I am running for re-election as the senator in the College of Education because I know that ASISU can be great and I want to continue to be a part of its greatness. As your Senator I will continue to make sure that ASISU constitution is followed. I will continue to make sure that the students of the College of Education get their voices heard. I will also continue to listen to the students and vote they way they want me to on all important issues.

It has been an honor to serve as your senator this past year, and I hope that with your vote I can have that honor one more time, so that together we can make the College of Education and ISU the best possible place to study, work and play.

Shalene Summers

As a senator for the College of Education, I will make the voices of all future educators heard. My name is Shalene Summers, and I know as a representative for the College of Education it is crucial for students to be heard within ASISU and ISU as a whole. I will be that link between the students of College of Education and ASISU. I promise to uphold ASISU's constitution and preserve the College of Education's ideals and beliefs. As a future educator, it will be my pleasure to lead the leaders of tomorrow. Vote Shalene Summers for College of Education senator!

Kristina Kumbulla

College of engineering is the smallest college of ISU. Even though, we have a pretty qualified staff and hard-working students. But, funds we receive are not enough to expand the college or improve labs and other facilities - very important for a future engineer. We do not even have a variety of engineering majors. The technology revolution is upon us, and people like us are needed more than ever. One day, who knows, we will be the engineer-in-charge and make sure our technical knowledge is applied safely. It is important that we, together, demand ISU our needs - even if that requires petitions. It is going to be a hard ride, but it is worthwhile trying, because education is my priority and yours.

Kyle Woodhouse

I want to work for the engineering students. I have one year of experience under my belt. I have helped get several classes offered this year, including ENGR 240 for the spring semester and ENGR 307 and 220 offered this summer. I want to continue doing those sort of things for the college of engineering and to advocate for the entire student body. I want to keep as many student opportunities as possible given the current economic situation.

Sanjeev Niroula

I ran for senate last year and lost by 5 votes and this year, I still have the same campaign motto. I don't want to promise anything regarding the reduction of the tuition fees, or increment in the parking space at ISU. But however, if i get elected, I would make sure that the scholarship that are available right now, will still be available for engineering students with the ongoing fund cuts. Being one of the smallest colleges at ISU, engineering classes are limited and that's one of the reasons why Engineering students take more time to graduate because of the unavailabity of classes at the right time. I'll try my level best to get more classes offered, especially the ones that hold prerequsite for the other series of classes. If there are classes available pretty much every semester, then of the controllable issue of graduating late wouldn't be a problem. So, to get more funding if not then keep intact the present funding for engineering and the availability of classes in almost all the semester would be my goal, if I get elected.

Vanessa Sonnen

I am a junior in the baccalaureate nursing program and am currently a representative for the nursing program on the Kasiska College of Health Professions Student Advisory Board. Also, I am president of CSO. In the past, I have been secretary for Circle Kiwanis International (CKI). I understand the importance of students' involvement with their university. I know what it takes to be a liaison between students and an organization. Most importantly, I have recognized that students' voices are often not heard.

I have found myself not content with how the student government is being run. On the flipside, I think that ASISU has done some wonderful legislation in the past, and I want to be a part of that. I want to meet more of my fellow health professional students and find out their input. As senator my goal is to be not only a recognizable face, but a recognizable voice for both the undergraduates and the graduate students in my college. Even though senate meetings and legislation are available to all students, I feel that most students do not know this. Those that do know this are still left uninformed. I would like to set up a mass communication form between myself and the individual health programs. I will use this communication form to post the most recent news and current legislation. Students will also use it to post their questions, concerns or comments. Vote for a voice!

Deanna Johnson

I am running for a Senate position in the Kasiska College of Health Professions as a graduate student. I am currently serving ASISU as second term senator and would appreciate the opportunity to continue in this position. As a senator I have had the opportunity to be involved in many different areas of campus life and activities. I have started and have been in clubs, and so understand the club funding process and the ways to make clubs effective and fun for students. I have written legislation to make ASISU more accountable for their duties and responsibilities and to support worthwhile programs on campus. I am currently the President of the Baby U Club, a club started to support student parents. I am planning a Student Parent Resource Fair April 22 to raise awareness about the resources and opportunities that are available to student parents. I am also working on legislation to put a pregnancy and student parent policy in the Student Handbook.

I feel that if given the opportunity to serve as a senator for a third term I can continue to develop programs and rules that will help serve the students interests. I feel that my experience in the senate will be a huge asset to ASISU. I understand the process of writing and discussing legislation and the way that things need to be done in order to be effective for students. Vote Deanna Johnson for ASISU Student Senate.

Visit http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=66822174328 for more information.

Codie Sayles

I have chosen to be a Health Professions Major because I love to serve other people. The desire I have to work and serve other people is what motivated me to run for senate. I want to be a representative voice for students who have concerns or ideas on how to better the university and our community. If I was elected I will always put students first and work to prevent unneeded raises in costs. I will work closely with other members of the senate, dean and faculty to make sure that students remain the primary focus. I will bring fresh new ideas and perspectives that will allow the College of Health Professions to grow and continue to strive for excellence. I have energy and enthusiasm about working to achieve great relationship between the students and faculty and desire to work and serve the students.

Sarah Messenger

My name is Sarah Messenger, I'm running for a senator position in the College of Health Professions. I believe student involvement is key in attaining a good education. I want to be a liaison between health profession students and the senate. Vote for me and my friends on Team Bengal and we will listen to your issues and ideas and make next year and outstanding one!

Shantel Schirado

Vote for Shantel Schirado because the students need their voices heard on campus! We are the only organization that can represent the student body to the university administration and state educator policy makers. I will push to nominate a lobbyist to represent us at the capital because at the moment we do not have one, and it is important that we get one into office. The student senate needs to be more active in preserving student rights and ensuring that ISU continues to offer a world class education at a reasonable price. This includes being more active in the university budget process and advocating for lower tuition before the state board of education. Put me into office and I will push to accomplish that more student opinion is recognized in university decisions.

Jeff Gower

As your pharmacy senator it will be my goal first and foremost to keep you, my fellow students, informed concerning the important issues facing our university. With you knowing what is going on, you can better provide me with your feelings on issues so I can properly represent you and vote as you would have me vote in senate meetings, rather than just follow my own whims. It is very important to me that your voice is the one represented and not my own. I will seek your opinions on what may need changing and work to see improvements made for us at our college and campus-wide. In addition, I will work to increase the funding we receive for our clubs through the ASISU funds matching program. With such improvements we will be able to have an even greater impact not just on our own learning and experience, but especially on our community through the great activities and events we provide as a part of our pharmacy clubs and programs.

Justin Messenger

My name is Justin Messenger, I'm currently the ASISU Pharmacy Senator and was voted Pro-Tem of the senate this semester. I'm against increasing fees for students and an advocate for increasing student involvement in activities. I fight for my own college and am willing to stand up for students concerns and ideas.

Tyler Liddle

I'm running for ASISU Senate again because I think I do a good job of understanding what students go through in college, and what is necessary to succeed. During my first term, I helped students with little issues that made a big impact on their lives as a college student. The students at the college of technology deserve someone who understands that being a student at the college of technology is no different that being a student on the academic side, and that they face the same issues as everyone else on campus. It's important to have a good relationship with the students and the administration to get things done. In my first term I have worked on committees that have helped shape the lives of students now and in the future. I have worked hard to understand problems students are facing, and hope to continue working on issues that face students. More scholarships are needed, and I will ensure that each student in the college of Technology gets their fair share of that scholarship money. I ask for your vote in this tough economy, so I can continue to ensure that your student fees are being spent the right way, to help you.

Katie Anderson

Hi, my name is KATIE ANDERSON, and I am running for Idaho Falls V. President. I'm currently a graduate student serving as the ASISU Grad School Senator. Throughout my college career with ISU, I have been deeply invested in the Idaho Falls campus, having been involved in Program Board for 3 years, and serving one previous term as IF V.P.

With recent state-wide budget cuts to higher education, satellite campuses like University Place are especially vulnerable to funding issues. My goal, as your V.P., would to be your advocate in keeping and expanding the necessary classes on the Idaho Falls campus, representing the concerns of students, and growing the current services offered, like child care, career counseling services, and health care.

As a satellite campus, we are often overlooked and underfunded. Having completed the majority of my undergraduate education at University Place, and my graduate degree exclusively at University Place, I am profoundly devoted to the success of the nearly 3,000 students on the Idaho Falls campus. ISU has given me so much, now, with your vote, is my opportunity to give back!

Randell Walling

University Place in Idaho Falls accounts for between 10-15% of total enrollment of the ISU Student Body. I believe that the student voice of University Place should be heard and respected for the power it carries. A majority of our students are non-traditional students with jobs, families, or both. In many cases it is not feasible for many of us to travel to Pocatello to attend classes. I will place my main focus on letting the university know that students at University Place will not stand for our academic programs to be cut while other non-academic programs remain to be funded. These are tough times for all of us, including the university. These times call for a strong voice that understands life as a student in Idaho Falls and will speak loudly to make sure our voice is heard and respected. I also plan to work closely with the student president and senate to secure more representation for University Place in the student legislature. It is our responsibility to speak up and be heard when it comes to our campus and our requirements on that campus. By voting for me you are guaranteeing that the university will hear our voice in Idaho Falls. This is possibly the most important ASISU elections in recent memory. I will listen to the voice of the student body and will speak passionately on behalf of the students attending University Place in Idaho Falls.

Dustin Mortimer

I am running for the ISU-Idaho Falls Vice President position. I hope to represent the Idaho Falls students in the upcoming year. Here are a few reasons to vote for me.

First, I will represent the Idaho Falls students with honor and integrity. I will maintain a positive connection between Idaho Falls and Main campus. I will also ensure that Idaho Falls students are treated with respect and dignity. We will not be overlooked.

Second, I hope to be able to further the IF campus representation. I will work to get a voting position, the I.F. V.P, on the ASISU Finance Committee. This will create representation regarding the delegation of student fees and funds. It is important that we get a voice in these matters.

Third, I hope to meet the needs of the Idaho Falls students. Idaho Falls students have many independent and complex needs. For example, the amount of courses offered on IF campus. These needs must be presented and met in a timely manner. I will be able to meet with and discuss any problems or questions that Idaho Falls students have. These discussions will be explored with the appropriate leadership within the ISU community as quickly as possible.

Through hard work, dedication, and my belief in "working hard and playing hard", I hope to earn your vote and become the next Idaho Falls Vice President.

For further information please email me personally at mortdust@isu.edu.

Vote for me, Dustin Mortimer, ISU-Idaho Falls Vice President, 2009-10.

Mark Bolinger and Sara Beattie

We are Mark Bolinger and Sara Beattie, and we are extremely excited to be running for your 2009-2010 ASISU President and Vice-President.

My name is Mark Bolinger and I am a graduate student pursuing a master's degree in Zoology. I also did my undergrad work at ISU, so I have been around for a number of years and have had the great opportunity to become involved in many ways. I have served on the ASISU Senate for four years and have been able to observe and learn from four different ASISU administrations. In addition, I have been very involved in the Jazz, Symphonic, and Marching Bands and have worked with the Trio and First Year Seminar programs. I have been a member of the Pre-health Professions Club and Mortar Board, and gave campus tours to prospective students for 4 ½ years as a member of the Ambassadors.

My name is Sara Beattie and I am new to ASISU Government, but not to student involvement. I am a senior in Health Care Administration and have been actively involved in Ambassadors for four years. I love giving campus tours to prospective students in order to show them what great opportunities ISU has to offer. I am also the current President of my sorority and have been involved in Greek life for three years. I have been in the ISU choirs, peer instructor program, Student Association of Health Care Administrators, and am training to be a peer advisor.

We have chosen to be independent and not to run with a party. We believe that the students of ISU are best qualified to decide which Senators are the best for their interests, and we are very confident that we will work well with whomever is elected.

If elected, our goals are to:

- Keep tuition as low as possible. Although we recognize that the cost of school increases every year, we are committed to using money efficiently and will fight against large increases.

- Add computer space. With the elimination of the business building computer labs and the SUB laptop checkout, we recognize the shortage of computers on lower campus and will work to find creative funding sources to fix this problem. We are also strongly opposed to the closing of the SUB computer lab.

- Push for the formation of a textbook committee that would consider the adoption of new textbooks on a case by case basis. Our goal would be to decrease the frequency with which new books are adopted to save money for students.

- Solicit ideas from students. Although we have a plan to improve ISU, we also know that we don't have all the answers. If elected, our doors would always be open to student ideas.

This ticket combines the best of experience and fresh ideas, and is eager to get the job done. So if you LOVE ISU and want to see great things happen, vote Mark Bolinger and Sara Beattie for ASISU President and VP.

Ross Knight and Cortney Dickinson

Ross Knight and Cortney Dickinson are running for ISU President and Vice-President respectively.

Currently, Ross Knight serves as a College of Arts and Sciences Senator. He advocates strongly for students. As a senator, he has gained valuable experience while effectively fighting for students' rights. Knight has successfully networked with faculty, staff and most importantly STUDENTS, to build relationships of trust. History is changed by those who care and connect. Knight not only cares and connects, but through networking, leadership, and advocacy; he meets the needs of students!

Currently, Cortney Dickinson serves as the ASISU Idaho Falls Vice-President. She has been involved with ASISU since spring of 2007. Dickinson cares about the success of the ISU student body. Previously, she was the Idaho Falls Student Activities Board Director. Her experience and understanding of the Idaho Falls campus strengthens her understanding of University-wide Student Issues. Cortney recognizes that all students whether they are, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, traditional, or non-traditional, need their voices heard.

Together, we can confront these and other issues:

Budget Cuts
- We will promote student involvement in the budget process.
- We will continue discussion with administrators and officials to advocate for reasonable tuition and fees.
- We will mobilize student involvement on budget related issues.
- We will work to ensure the ASISU budget is allocated equitably with greater accountability.

Campus Reform
- We will propose and implement a student lobbying group that will provide support for our Student Lobbyist. This group will research and then provide input on legislation that will help secure student interests at the local, state, and national level.
- We will propose and work to implement the broadcast of ASISU Senate meetings on KISU along with live video conferencing to satellite campuses.
- We will work to make the campus inviting to non-traditional students by updating the Student handbook, offering focused orientations, and counseling sessions. Thereby, acknowledging the unique needs of our large non-traditional student population.
-We will continue to support groups such as the Student Activities Board, ISU's many diverse clubs, and Greek life on campus.

ISU Advocacy
- We will work to ensure that ASISU plays a bigger role in recruitment and retention, two keystones of ISU's success.
- We will increase advertising to educate and inform students of ASISU's actions.
- We will ensure the success of our campus through involvement in the campus process.

We invite you to join us as we seek change for ISU, from negativism to positivism, from inactivity to activity, and from distain to pride. Our goals embody this desire by promoting and encouraging learning, responsibility, and involvement in our great university, ISU. We must join together to find hope, change, and to turn the chapter in ISU's history.

Vote for Knight and Dickinson on March 18th and 19th

David B. Evans and Allyson Fairchild

During these tough economic times, we are all feeling the crunch on our bank accounts. Students are struggling to find jobs to work their way through school as well as receiving the educational blunt of this economic turmoil when budgets are cut. Student-run organizations that have been around for decades are facing budget committees threatening to cut their funds completely, and eliminate them. Elective classes to fulfill extra credits required for graduation are being cut, leaving students with few options during the registration process, and a declining quality and breadth of experience in their fields. Meanwhile, tuition continues to rise year after year. The math simply does not add up. As students, David and Allyson both recognize the importance of a good education, and that these student-run groups are an important opportunity we have at ISU to enhance our education. Our current student government is doing little to prevent these groups from losing necessary funding provided by our student fees. Since that money comes straight from our empty wallets, we as students should be more involved in deciding how it is spent. If elected, David Evans and Allyson Fairchild plan on fighting for student groups and pledge to stop unnecessary spending, such as architecture and new sidewalks, which could be delayed until better economic times. At a university, our priority should be on quality of education over appearance of our campus. Something needs to change. David and Allyson are committed to creating an atmosphere with easier avenues for student participation. Our Student Government should not be limited to the few that are elected positions within it. Any student paying tuition should have an opportunity to have their opinions recognized and promptly acted upon. We feel that the ISU Cares initiative needs to be expanded and become more accessible to all students. We want to hear what everyone's concerns are starting now during the election process. Send us an e-mail at evansfairchild@gmail.com. If you agree that it's time for ISU to see some fresh faces willing to make some real changes, David and Allyson will make sure that happens.