I began my term as Student Senate president excited about leading a two-party Senate that would exercise dynamic debate to create fresh ideas and new perspectives for the student body. In order to accomplish that, however, I believe its necessary that we consider senators not based on their party affiliation but rather on the ideas and goals they have to improve the University of Florida.
Already, we have senators from both parties working hard to increase campus safety, contribute to the U.S. Public Interest Research Groups New Voters Project and provide for a variety of food venues on campus. Party affiliation doesnt matter in these initiatives what matters is that student senators elected to represent the student body are using their platform points to help students throughout the university.
I know that applying for committees is very competitive. When I began my first term as a student senator, I applied four times before I was appointed to the Allocations Committee five months into my term. I encourage senators to continue applying for committee seats, including the ad hoc committees I will create to investigate special interests, and to use their knowledge and passion to continue the University of Floridas tradition of greatness.
