Swamp Party strives to put the students at the forefront of all its efforts. All of Swamp Party’s accomplishments have directly benefited students and student organizations.
A driving factor in Swamp Party’s proactive efforts is its motivated leaders. Swamp Party chose its leaders because of their qualifications and professionalism. Its leaders are actively engaged with student organizations and constantly work to improve student life.
Joseph Michaels and Elliot Grasso exemplify unbiased leadership in Student Government. These individuals’ accomplishments have supported student organizations and enabled them to reach their full potentials.
Joseph Michaels is the chairman of the Budget and Appropriations committee in Student Senate. Prior to his unanimous Student Senate appointment as chairman, he was the longest standing committee member, held two liaison positions within the committee and worked with the past chairperson to eliminate wasteful spending and allow a 6.5 percent increase to each SG-funded organization’s budget.
As budget hearings approach, he continues to meet with countless organizations to ensure they are comfortable with the budgeting process and understand the guidelines by which they must abide.
“I don’t claim to be a perfect human being, but to attack me in such a way is not indicative of the principles I hope to promote at the University of Florida. I am doing my best to work for the students of this university, and I do not apologize for that. I continue to stand by Swamp Party, as we represent results and a vision for the future,” Michaels said.
Elliot Grasso is the chairman of the Student Senate Allocations Committee. Under his leadership, the Allocations Committee increased its outreach to student organizations and improved the allocations request process. Grasso implemented the first Allocations Committee workshop. More than 30 organizations learned how to submit allocations requests and gained a deeper understanding of how the request process works.
“Elliot Grasso’s dedication to the Allocations Committee and to the students of this university is apparent in all his hard work and accomplishments,” said Joshua Comiter, Allocations Committee vice-chairman.
The previous attack on Swamp Party leadership is an expected response from a party that has historically focused on defamation rather than results for the students.
These allegations are not only baseless — as the codes that govern SG Finance do not allow SG officials to unjustly withhold funds from organizations — but deceptive, as they are used to hide what Swamp Party truly values: results, experience and motivated leaders.
Do not be fooled by the groundless accusations. We are here to represent the students. Together for tomorrow, we advocate for every student and student organization.
Dekendrick Murray is the Swamp Party President at UF.
You can respond to him via opinions@alligator.org.
