JOSEPH DANKO
Pipe Dream: You ran unopposed and are a newcomer to the Executive Board. How do you think that will contribute to your leadership philosophy next year?
Joseph Danko: I do not feel running unopposed in the election or being a newcomer to the e-board will affect the way I operate next year. I’ve been a member of the [Student Association] now for two years, first as just a representative and now as Rules [Committee] chair, which shows I already know a lot about how to work within this association. Running unopposed did not change how I felt about this job; I would have ran for this position no matter who else was running. I have a strong passion with helping the student groups and it will show next year.
PD: You’ve described yourself as separated from the bickering and factionalization of the Student Association. What do you think the solution is, if there is one? And how do you plan on incorporating that into your term?
JD: I have always tried my best to stay away from the factionalization that has occurred in the Assembly since I joined the SA two years ago. I feel that Assembly members need to worry about their constituency and forget about what their friends are voting for. To have this occur, the Assembly must be full of people who actually care about what is being done, and not just have something to put on their resume. The SA has grown over the past year and ‘the line’ that used to split the room in half is dwindling. This is a good thing for everyone on campus.
PD: Do you think it is easier for larger groups to increase their budgets than smaller ones, and do you think student groups are satisfied with their budgets?
JD: I feel that larger groups have an advantage over smaller groups in terms of increasing their budgets since they have a louder voice on campus. Of course if one group has 150 members while another has 10 the SA will hear a lot more from the larger group. Like I’ve said in the past, as EVP, I will look at each group equally ‘ whether they are large or small, political, religious, or a group I’ve been a part of in the past. I understand that some people feel that a larger group should get more attention since they consume more of the activity fee, but I do not feel that this is the case. Small, newer groups need just as much attention since they are the ones who will have more questions and need more guidance.
I feel that most student groups are satisfied with their budget since roughly eight groups, out of 180, on campus appealed their budget given to them by the Financial Council. I understand that some groups still do not know the registration/budget process so next year I will do all I can to make sure every group gets the most money they possible can.
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Rabeel Patoli
Pipe Dream: Last year the election for vice president for multicultural affairs was very close, and it has been an office that has been the focus of a lot of attention recently. How do you feel coming into a position previously held by high-profile students like J. Nathaniel Reed and David Bass?
Rabeel Patoli: Knowing the previous students that held the office of the VPMA, I feel pretty confident in going into this position, because recently I’ve gotten to know David Bass and I feel like I can contribute as much to the office.
PD: You ran officially unopposed. How will that contribute to your leadership philosophy next year?
RP: The fact that I ran unopposed should not have anything to do with the amount I will be contributing to this position. I will put as much effort as I can to make this office promote multiculturalism on campus as well as unite the different cultural groups.
PD: What do you plan to bring to the e-board and student body?
RP: I feel that my qualities of being ambitious and enthusiastic will play a major role next year, which will help the student body and the e-board.
PD: Are you planning on bringing David Redbord, who ran against you as a write-in candidate, into your office and incorporating him in the VPMA office?
RP: Most likely I will, because we are here to represent students and not here to just compete amongst ourselves. I feel that he can bring some great ideas to the office that I would be interested in.
PD: For the first time, the office of the VPMA will be in charge of the Intercultural Affairs office (ICA). What are your ideas for that move and how will you be using that integration?
RP: My ideas for the ICA being directly under the VPMA’s office are that I would like to set up weekly meetings with an ICA representative from every cultural group each week. I would also like to host programs with different cultural groups through the ICA.
PD: Beyond planning events and forums, what do you see as ways to foster multicultural unity on campus?
RP: Beyond the events and forums, I plan on attending the weekly cultural group meetings and try to help those groups seeking help with anything they need.
PD: What will your focus be at the start of the new year?
RP: At the start of the new year, my main focus will be the ICA.