First-Year Senator Elections

Hello, My name is Paxton Sutton (he/him), and I am super excited to be running to be a member of UVM Student Government Association (SGA). Student leadership had been important ever since I got involved in South Piedmont Community College's student government as a high school sophomore. During my time I worked on initiatives such as a community garden, free menstrual products in bathrooms, and the new E-sports facility. During this time I also worked on the board of the North Carolina Comprehensive Community College Student Government Association on gathering data around childcare access  and needs, and reported that information to the state legislature to continue access efforts. 
    However, now I want to focus on making both my and everyone's future at UVM the best that it can be. In order to do that there are three different areas that I would like to expand upon during my time as a Senator of UVM Student Government. Firstly the current Student Government has done a great job when it comes to advocacy about housing conditions, and the city has an updated ordinance in regards to these complaints. Nonetheless because this is new it is important to make sure to get the message out in regards to this new process to ensure that the student body is informed of their rights and how to access these new systems. Second, I have not been here long but I can already tell how the lack of food options, especially on weekends, can affect students. However, there are also ways that students can get involved to fix this. Currently the Vermont First Innovation Grant has come out and closes on October 10th. This grant works to connect Sodexo, which is the main campus dining provider,  to help local farmers and/or food producers, which will help gain access to different types of fresh produce for dining halls. I hope to see students more involved in the process of this grant, in order to voice opinions on different proposals and possible business.  Lastly, the political climate right now is scary for lots of people, due to attacks on different rights and civil liberties. I hope to use my position to connect with the identity centers on campus to prioritize the mental health of students, specifically in a time when these groups can feel under attack from multiple sides. 
    Nonetheless these are just my ideas. If student leadership has taught me anything it is that often it is less about what I want and more about listening to find out and advocate for what other people want. So one of my top priorities is to be approachable and supportive to the students I am representing. If you have questions feel free to come up to me and ask or email me. I am also always down for a good book recommendation and will never say no to a sticker.  

Paxton's Platform (.pdf)

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Hi! My name is Makena Crosser, and I am a freshman at the University of Vermont studying Neuroscience on the Pre-Med track.  As someone who is driven to connect and engage with the community, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to run for Senator in the SGA First-Year Elections this fall.

I am fortunate to have countless experiences that have prepared me to become part of SGA.  My passion for leadership has inspired me to step up as a captain for my varsity rowing and soccer teams, represent my high school student body by serving as a voice for their concerns, act as the sole president and founder of an intergenerational/community-building club (TIES), create a welcoming environment for high school freshmen as a Link Crew Officer, and much, much more.

While a background of leadership is important, what makes me stand out as a prospective Senator is not the wide variety of experience I have, but the lessons and skills I gained from them.  For example, because of rowing and soccer, I work exceptionally well in group settings. My time as a Link Crew Officer and TIES President made me realize just how much I love talking to people and learning their stories.  My time spent representing my high school student body through multiple school committees has made me receptive to feedback and cognizant of student voices.  Lastly, being part of all these activities taught me how to achieve a healthy work-life balance.  As a Senator, I plan to fully utilize all these skills to connect with UVM's student population.

I have always been a proactive person, and I plan to continue to take action here at UVM.  During my time here, I intend to create a more unified campus environment, ensure that student concerns are properly heard, and connect student needs to policy change.  In modern society, student voices are all too often overlooked.  As such, as Senator, I will strive to put student opinions at the forefront of every action SGA takes.  Out of the many projects I have in mind, I especially hope to begin initiatives to install more trash and recycling cans throughout campus; work with local transportation partners to improve bus transportation around Burlington; promote fun, physical exercise through free weekly group fitness classes; and upgrade housing to provide AC in all residence halls.

If given the opportunity, I am confident that I will perform beyond your expectations as a Senator on the SGA.  I am prepared to put in the much-needed effort to build our community, and I am eager to work with the student population and faculty to enhance campus life at UVM.  Place your trust in me.  I promise you won’t regret it.

Makena's Platform (.pdf)

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Aloha, my name is Luca Cuniberti, a first-year political science major from Hawai’i. The reason I want to run for SGA Senate is because organizations like the SGA offer a great opportunity to gather community voices and funnel that feedback into real, tangible change, not just on campus or for students in particular, but for the community of Burlington and for Vermont as a whole. As the University of Vermont's largest employer, SGA is uniquely positioned as the voice and main advocate for students in Vermont. From Hawai’i, I look forward to bringing my passion for transportation advocacy to UVM. Pushing for CatBus improvements, including simplifying the CatBus app. Expanding CatBus service from Trinity to central campus and enhancing GMT weekend routes will not only benefit students, but will also provide flexible options for commuters across Burlington.
Regarding more UVM-specific policy, it seems more than obvious that UVM's administration needs to be reminded of what qualities of student life matter, including issues on the Trinity campus and other campuses regarding dining halls and overall quality of life. Admin should know that Weekend dining service should be resumed. Additionally, I hope to leverage my grassroots experience to help my fellow students have a stronger voice in SGA. Whether it is tackling res life problems or broader campus concerns, I will always be accessible. My background includes serving as the policy and legislation chair of the Hawai’i Youth Transportation Council, co-founding O’ahu Transit Riders to connect everyday transit riders with decision-makers, and serving as an appointed commissioner for Bus fares in Hawai’i.
I look forward to better representing campus issues and advocating with you on the important issues affecting UVM.

Luca's Platform (.pdf)

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My name is Talia Toon, and I am running to be one of your first-year senators.  
I believe that “To see change, we must lead change together,” and I want to lead the change you want to see at UVM.

About me 
Major: Psychology 
Minor: Health and Society 
Hometown: Clarksville, TN 
Career Goals: Psychiatrist 
Hobbies: Listening to Music, Thrifting, Crafting, Weightlifting, Hiking, Roblox

Why I want to be one of your Senators 
I come from a community where underrepresented voices remain unrepresented. I want to make sure everyone knows they have a place in deciding the future of OUR new home. Rather than stay silent about change that needs to be made, I have always strived to be that change for others. As a Senator, I can reflect your needs, wants, and desires for your unique experience at UVM.

Experience 
Founder and CEO of Nonprofit WHP2 - Junior Year to Present
Key Club President - Senior Year
Chair of Montgomery County HS Democrats of America - Senior Year
Class President - Sophomore and Junior Year 
Student Body Vice President - Senior Year

Projects I Want to Take Action On 
Food For Fuel 
Expand Dining Hall Hours on all campuses (including Northside Dining Hall on weekends)  to accommodate the different activities students are involved in and allow students to fuel their bodies properly  
Establish standard allergen precautions across dining halls 
Keycard-access doors for ALL allergen zones, more variety, and consistent restocking of items) 
Improving the overall quality of food and conducting consistent student polls to understand how students are feeling about their dining experiences 
MORE FREE FOOD OPPORTUNITIES 
Health is Wealth 
Year-round group exercise programs 
Established Exercise Area for Trinity Campus
Provide opportunities to learn more about maintaining physical, mental, academic, and financial health as college students 
Dynamic Student Involvement 
Making orientation more friendly for students of all kinds and ensuring all activities are more sensory-friendly are just as fun and emphasized as the main orientation activities
Student Kindness Initiatives and activities to ensure no student at UVM feels alone 
Bridging Communities Through Diversity
Conducting workshops on cross-cultural communication for students hoping to conduct competent cross-cultural communication
Providing greater education and awareness on the intercultural centers at UVM
Ensuring the safety of students from marginalized communities
Helping Students Continue to Make an Impact 
Utilizing SGA’s platform to help students find volunteer opportunities within the community 
Educating students on how to communicate about issues they are passionate about 
Monthly volunteering events where students can get involved around the community and learn more about community issues 
Transparency and Safety 
Ensure SGA remains transparent about the status of projects 
Take Ideas from Students about what they want to see and are passionate about through student polls 
Protect student rights on campus

Contact Info 
Please contact me about anything that you are curious about or passionate about. I’d love to hear your ideas and just get to know you better!

Email: ttoon@uvm.edu 
Phone Number: 9312178432
Instagram: talia.toon

JOIN ME IN LEADING CHANGE AT UVM 

Talia's Platform (.pdf)

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Hey everyone, I’m Marie, a statistics major from St. Albans, VT, and I am thrilled to be running for freshman senate! Leadership has always been an important part of my life, tracing back to elementary school where I served as a representative on my school's environmental/community stewardship committee. In high school, I was an active member of my Student Voice Committee, working to ensure that students had a voice in all decisions that impacted them. Through my work on the Student Voice Committee, I was able to become a student school board representative and work to design and implement my district's strategic plan centered around building community, academic, and communication between all involved parties.

But enough about what I have done in the past, my goals and hopes for my time at UVM are to make a difference in the great community I have the honor of living in. If elected, I will listen to YOU, the student body, acting and advocating for your wants and needs. In my mind the role of elected officials is to listen to their constituencies, to see what they want and need in order to thrive in school and life beyond. I aim to achieve this through connection with fellow students, faculty, and community members. When all invested parties come together in partnership, UVM can continue to flourish. However, if we fail to cultivate connection with everyone impacted by decisions we will be unable to move forward. In addition to creating connections and listening to the student body I hope to work towards ensuring that all students are given the same opportunities to excel in class no matter what section or teacher they may have. While I understand the faculty's right to assess students in their own way, it seems unfair that some students have to face a more rigorous course load than others. I believe that all students should be given the same opportunities to challenge themselves and succeed at higher rigors. We should operate in a system of high expectations, high support where all students are expected to push themselves, and have access to all of the support they need to succeed. Lastly, I want to work to create a more seamless connection between the SGA and clubs. Although, I have only been here a short time I have noticed that the relationship between some of the clubs and SGA have been rocky at points, while I am sure that can be equated to the start of the academic year and everyone getting back into the swing of things I want to help ensure that all students are able to access the clubs and activities that will help to make UVM their home.
    But most importantly, I want to listen to the people who make up this great community, foster strong connections, and make our home a better place!

Marie's Platform (.pdf)

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My name is James McBrearty IV, and I’m from Huntington, New York. I’m a Freshman double majoring in business and political science. Student government has always been an interest for me, as making student life more easily navigated and handled is my goal to make a difference.  I want to run for a senatorial position with UVM’s SGA because I have always strived to make a difference within my student body, for the betterment of each and every experience at UVM. My experience with student government began with becoming my class president in high school, and continuing my participation as a representative for my student body across the next several years of high school. Some of my previous responsibilities included the orchestration and execution of different social events, club fairs and club management, and the distribution and direction of funds for various school endeavors. If elected, I will be sure to strive for improvement in student representation, as well as for increased accessibility to UVM’s various on-campus support. "For students. Is a student. -Jimmy"

Jimmy's Platform (.pdf)

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I am Zackery Legendre, a first year CEMS student from Maine running for SGA Senate. I am very passionate about engineering and design, like to take walks outside, and play video games. Student leadership interests me because it offers the opportunity to help implement the initiatives and ideas of the student body at UVM. As such, my priorities lie in working closely with the community to advocate for changes students actually want to see on campus.
If I am elected, one of the more prominent ideas I also want to explore would be to work in tandem with organizations like VPI to bring undergraduate research to the attention of legislators and help facilitate the translation of well conducted studies and ideas into policy. I believe this area, if explored, could contribute to the growth and interests of student researchers, promote comprehensive evidence-based ideas that have demonstrated the potential to benefit the community, and inspire others to become more deeply involved in topics rooted in legislation.
    I hold a strong dedication to the community of Vermont and passion for student government, and I want to use my time in office to make it easier for students to be heard, and have a genuine impact on the decisions in our area. While student government is new to me, I have previously been an active member of team organizations centered around working closely with the public, notably NHS and Interact, and I am confident that I can do the role of senator justice. I am deeply excited by the opportunity to serve UVM, and I aspire to be someone that students feel comfortable approaching with ideas, concerns, and aspirations. I want to be a senator trusted to get things done.

Email: zlegendr@uvm.edu    Phone: (207) 557-3321    Instagram: Waterman224222

Zack's Platform (.pdf)

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    Hi, I’m Faith Crandell! I’m from East Lansing, Michigan, right next to Michigan State's campus. I’ve played roller derby for five years, and am continuing it here. I also played the flute, and am now in the pep band. I’m running for a first year senate position to help put my priorities and goals in action. My main focus is promoting student well being through a sense of community. Happy students are healthy students. This means creating opportunities for students to receive not just mental health care, but encouraging student wellbeing with emphasis on building community. 
    As someone who has experienced mental health crises, I know how important it is to have resources available more than just 8:30 - 4:30, Monday through Friday. By extending the hours mental health resources are available, including CAPS, students can ask for help before reaching a crisis. Not every mental health episode is an emergency, and not every episode can wait until the work week. My goal is to make mental health services more accessible for students, including non-crisis and preventative care. 
    In high school, I worked on a mental health initiative called #SockOutSuicide. In the three years I led this project, I helped expand our reach from within my high school to being declared as a county wide recognized day. Working with other students, local businesses, and local politicians helped not just expand our coverage, but our impact. Starting conversations about mental health and suicide prevention is crucial to taking steps towards a healthier future. 
    One of the best ways to stay healthy is to create a community of health. When you surround yourself with friends, going outside to walk and get fresh air no longer feels like a chore, but something for fun. By creating fun activities and events that take place outdoors, or even just outside of your dorm room, you’re forced to move, be outside, and take a break. My goal is to promote a range of activities that engage all students to pause, surround themselves with friends, and leave feeling better than they started. 

Faith's Platform (.pdf)

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I’m Chloe Buri da Cunha, or, as I often write it, Chloe Bdc. I’m a neuroscience major on the pre-med track from Rhinebeck, New York. I have many passions, including dance, yoga, music, baking, anatomy, genetics, and bouldering.
I’ve danced since I was 4 years old and was asked to be an assistant and substitute dance teacher at the beginning of high school. As a teacher and student, I often worked as a liaison between the more experienced teachers and my peers. I worked with my dance instructors to decide on the schedule and was able to advocate for my peers about the kinds of classes and class times we wanted, so we could balance school, dance, and other activities. I will be able to bring that experience to the role of both student and senator.
In addition to my communication skills, I will be able to bring my passion for recreation and fitness. I spend a lot of time dancing, climbing, and taking group fitness classes at the Patrick gym and would love to help create ways to get more people involved with the many activities there. I also want to improve the availability of information on these activities for those who want to participate.
The same goes for information about RSOs in general. I believe Rallypoint specifically is an excellent resource for clubs and campus recreation, so I’d like to work with the Club Affairs Committee on getting more RSOs set up on the platform. It could be a helpful space for students to get information about clubs, communication within RSOs, and outreach.
I’m excited to be running for the Student Government Association senate, and if elected, I could bring together my experience as a leader, willingness to listen to and advocate for what people really want, and true passion for the events and facilities on campus as a Senator.

Chloe's Platform (.pdf)

My name is Abel Elder. I am a Public Health Major from Farmington, Connecticut and I want to be one of your SGA senators!  I am passionate about the outdoors, I love backpacking, playing tabletop games, and honing my insane yo-yo skills. 
    Being an SGA senator would place me in a unique position to do perhaps what I am most passionate about: elevate student voices. If elected, my first initiative would be to post easy-access QR codes in common areas around campus with a link to submit ideas, complaints, wishes, and other feedback to be directly reviewed by senators and discussed at meetings. 
    A similar system I implemented as treasurer of my high school’s student council led to the creation of a more effective recycling system at my school and many fun event ideas. In addition to my previous student government experience, I am also a graduate of the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), through which I led an expedition group through a 21 day backpacking and canoeing trip through the Adirondacks.
    Other programs I will pursue include a partnership with Rally Cat’s Cupboard to supply our peers on Trinity Campus with food on the weekends, as well as a shuttle service to more effectively get people on Trinity to Central Campus and dining. Our students on Trinity deserve to have access to food and an easy way to get to the rest of campus on all days of the week.
    Above all, I am excited to hear what YOU have to say about our school! If you share an idea that is important to you, it is my promise to you that it will be my priority to make sure your ideas are heard by the SGA. 

Abel's Platform (.pdf)

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Hello all reading! My name is Cadence Cox, a first year from Oregon who has the goal of bettering campus vulnerability through communication. Every single person on this campus deserves to be surrounded by authenticity, and given the chance to be the same. While there are a plethora of ways students can express themselves on campus, I believe the most impactful way is through clubs. Being surrounded by a community of like-minded people is what makes a place feel like home; it’s where you feel free, it’s where you feel challenged, and it’s where you are allowed to grow into the version of you you aspire to be. However, the only way that we can foster such an environment is by being precise and clear about opportunities that may allow for this. I aim to be an active part in bettering the way that we organize the release of information, as well as the information itself, about the opportunities we have on campus. I hope to give you a better map and layout of our campus communities, whether that be a literal one through the Activities Fest, or the ability to independently navigate your wants and needs.
Should support be needed, however, your ability to revive it must be candid. No one should feel as if they have to go through the twists and turns of a grapevine just to have access to the student government. It’s  imperative that it be a one-way path, straight to your answer. 
If elected, that is exactly what you will receive: blunt honesty, and a deep desire to do better. As a club member, previous president, and Club and Arts Program Commissioner, I more than anyone realize that we deserve to have a government full of empathy to understand the changes necessary for campus improvement. I also understand how vital it is for an organization to be able to take responsibility for making those changes happen. 
I want clarity for you and the chosen family we are building here at UVM, and I have the passion, experience, and dedication to support bringing it to fruition.

Cadence's Platform (.pdf)

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Hi, my name is Aidan Becker!

I am a first-year Health and Society major here at UVM, born and raised out of Somerville, Massachusetts (which is essentially a neighborhood of Boston). Some of my interests I most want to continue are Vermont Rowing and UVM Rescue, which both enable my passions for the outdoors, community, and compassion. I also plan to explore Run Club (9:15/mile for 4 miles gang), Outing Club with all their adventures, Kayak Club, and of course, UVMSSC!!

My campaign is a mission to promote the values of empathy and excellence on our campus in order to better our student body’s wellbeing. Not only am I running on the values I hold dear to myself, but I am running with experience, achievements, and a plan to back my words up.

Experience
- Massachusetts State Student Advisory Council Delegate, 1 term
- Somerville School Committee Student Representative, 1 term
- Class President, Senior Year
- Class Secretary, 3 years

Proudest Accomplishment
- Organized, negotiated, & fundraised a $50,000+ senior prom on Boston’s skyline, and set thousands of dollars to subsidize attendance costs for low-income students

Priorities and Plan
- Wellbeing: buy box fans for each dorm to address not having AC, a sustainable and affordable solution for SGA to achieve
- Dining: direct funds garnered from increased meal plan pricing to restoring Northside (Trinity) hours
- Housing: officially recognize forced and designated triples, and reconcile forced triple prices to be less than designated (which are meant for three people)
- Sustainability: add trash cans and recycling bins around campus, and add similar compost/landfill/recycling options as at other dining halls at Grundle

If you’d like to chat, DM @beckerforbetter on Instagram or shoot an email to aidan.becker@uvm.edu

Aidan's Platform (.pdf)

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I'm Hadia Ahmed, a freshman studying Biology and Neuroscience on the pre-med track, and a South Burlington local. I'm running because UVM's strength comes from student leadership, and I want SGA to genuinely work for students, by students.
As a freshman, I bring fresh eyes and no assumptions about "how things are done." I've spent this year getting to know UVM by listening and showing up, and that's exactly the leadership style I'll bring to SGA.
My focus: making student life better, more comfortable, and more connected. College is about more than academics, and students deserve to feel comfortable where they live and study. I want to advocate for practical improvements to campus living, including better solutions for hot weather in residence halls, such as ensuring students have access to adequate cooling and exploring AC options in dorms. I also want to improve communication about campus resources and events and create more fun, low-pressure ways for students to connect, like campus-wide games and activities that make getting involved feel exciting rather than intimidating.
I don't have formal government experience yet, but I bring energy, follow-through, and a real commitment to representing students well. Outside class, I stay active through sports and fitness, I value time with friends, and I love the fine arts, a mix of drive and creativity I'll carry into this role.
My goal is simple: make UVM feel more comfortable, connected, and welcoming, especially for students who are still figuring out where they belong. I'd be honored to earn your vote and put that work into action.

Hello everyone! My name is Hannah Steeves, and I am so excited to be running for SGA senate this fall.

I am a first year student and Biological Science major in the Honors College from Lynn, MA. My background in leadership actually comes from attending a somewhat self-guided online high school, prompting me to take student advocacy into my own hands in our student council. As such a large university and diverse community, what inspires me most about UVM is the potential that we have as a group, particularly in addressing the ever-changing needs of our student body.

My background is in the sciences, with most of my work being done in outreach, environmental field work, and lab-based testing. I like to think that my motives as an SGA contributor and as a scientist are one in the same– to understand and share! We are akin to much more of an ecosystem than just a single species, and with the SGA, I could finally have access to a wide range of student voices, the contributions of fellow senators, our schools administration, our clubs, and wider legislative inputs in supporting the elements of that ecosystem! What this also motivates me to tackle is our environmentalism; improving composting throughout campus, tackling litter and trash build-up, creating opportunities for student volunteering, etc.

I’ll also be starting as a programming assistant for our Women and Gender Equity center this fall, and I very dearly need to be informed for both this position and my work with the SGA! I’d love to follow specific student experiences and intersectional needs much more closely both inside and outside of SGA, but I'll need all the input I can get to inform those decisions. Bridging our many centers of support is high on my list of priorities, alongside an encouragement of dialogue and creation.

What you don’t see as students is also what draws me to the SGA– the fact that it is a senate! I would love to serve as a liaison between students and groups both within and beyond UVM, because I strive to provide my community with the care and thorough investigation that is needed each and every day. Essentially, I want to be one of the many senators who currently show up to support the decisions made behind-the-scenes at SGA meetings. Together with the perspective of a senate seat, I am ready to take on both the concerns of my campaign and the concerns of the larger student government.

That is all for now, but I am so thrilled to continue talking with all of you in the future. Keep speaking up, Catamounts!

Hannah's Platform (.pdf)
 

Hey everyone! I’m a freshman from Buckingham, England, studying Neuroscience on the pre-med track, and I’m running for SGA because I want to bring a perspective that I feel is currently missing while continuing to grow as a leader on campus.
One of the things I care most about is making sure people feel included and represented. Before coming to college, I was involved in a community outreach program where we visited local primary schools to lead discussions and workshops about racism, equality, and diversity. Those experiences taught me how important it is to create spaces where people feel comfortable asking questions, sharing their experiences, and being heard.
That’s something I want to bring to SGA. I want students from different backgrounds and experiences to feel like they have a voice, and I want to help make campus a place where everyone feels welcome and included.
Although I’m a freshman, I’ve already had opportunities to get involved in leadership and student life. I was a house captain in high school and vice captain of our handball team, which made it to nationals. On campus, I’m part of the STEM Scholars Program, work as a student focus group lead facilitating dialogues about teaching and student experiences, and recently joined a neuroscience lab—shoutout Dr. Stanley!
But I’m not just academics and leadership. I’m a pretty outgoing guy, I like having fun and messing around, and there’s a good chance you’ve seen me around the gym. I’m a huge football (the real kind) fan—Chelsea, if you’re wondering—and I’m one of four siblings, so I’ve had plenty of practice dealing with different personalities.
I’m not running because I think I have everything figured out. I’m running because I’m willing to listen, get involved, and put in the work. I want to learn from the people around me, bring new ideas to the table, and make sure students know that their experiences matter.
If elected, I hope to help build a more inclusive campus community while making SGA approachable, accessible, and genuinely connected to the students it represents.
I’m here to have fun, get involved, and make a difference—and I’d love to have the opportunity to do that with you.

Hello! My name is Madic Andreoli and I am a​ UVM freshman and a Plant biology major. I am running for a position on the senate. I believe in preserving our natural world and therefore will work to increase our school's sustainability. I haven't been here long so I can't say I know a lot about this campus and its issues yet but I look forward to trying everything myself and finding where our school needs improvement as well as consulting YOU, yes, you if I get elected feel free to come to me with your concerns from your experiences and I'll listen.

Madic's Platform