Student Government elections are being held this week in the ATT lobby from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday through Wednesday or online at lyndonsga.com
Running for president will be Nick Russo and Dave Daly. Executive Vice President will have Sean Siciliano. Running for administrative vice president will Meghan Dolyak. Financial Controller candidates will be Julie Austin and Dan Weiner. Weiner was a late addition to the ballot after questions about his eligibility.
Q: Why should students vote for you?
Daly: I am honest, level-headed, and I care about the students. I will gather student opinions and bring them to the administration, not the other way around. Most importantly, I genuinely love Lyndon State College, and will work as hard as I can to make it the best it can be.
Russo: I have been in the trenches and sacrificed my time to be sure the finances of the SGA are in order. I came into a financial controller position that was broken and unattended and I’ve revolutionized the way finances are kept. I’ve tackled tough issues including the break schedule and have fought for the voice of the students in Montpelier several times. If elected I will continue to work with urgency to make sure we make this college the best place it can be.
Dolyak: I believe that students should vote for me because I am a nice, caring and honest individual. I love Lyndon State College, and enjoy working with students to get the job done to provide as many opportunities for our clubs and organizations here on campus.
Siciliano:I know that students have great ideas but some will not come forward and say them… so my plan is to try and find those students and get them involved to help make this college a better place.
What is currently the biggest problem facing the SGA (related to your position)?
Daly: The SGA seems to have a negative perception to some students. The SGA has done some amazing things this year, and it is important that students realize this.
Russo:We need to have a more open student government. That means more town hall meetings, open forums, and commuter days for students to share their perspectives and create a positive view of the SGA. As a writer for The Critic I will publish a weekly column to update students on the happenings of the SGA and provide SGA news to WWLR for broadcast.
Dolyak: Dave does a great job.
Siciliano:Transparency and lack of communication between clubs.
What is the best thing the SGA does? Why?
Daly: The SGA creates resolutions based on student opinions, and brings the resolutions directly to members of the administration. This lets the administration know exactly how the students feel, and can directly affect policies and administrative decisions.
Russo: The SGA fundamentally serves a vital service in distributing the student activity fee and without an SGA the college does not exist. It connects clubs and provides for a unified student voice.
Dolyak:The best thing that the SGA does is it provides funding to clubs and organizations, as well as students to enhance their college experience here at Lyndon State College. Whether it is a donation to the Santa Fund to help needed children have a better holiday season, or to send students to Guatemala, it is incredible to make these things happen. I am looking forward to expanding upon this.
Siciliano: To be the VOICE OF THE STUDENT BODY. While also giving a variety of clubs money so that they can make the college a better place.
What qualifies you for this position?
Daly: I have been an active member of the SGA for two years now, serving as the Twilight Players representative and the SGA Administrative Vice President. I have a 3.76 GPA, and have made Dean’s List the last two semesters. I have worked as a Peer Leader and Student Ambassador, and currently work in the Admissions office.
Russo:Through my one and a half years on the SGA, I’ve seen the great work it can do, and want to build upon the good job it has done while rooting out personal biases. That means it is my responsibility to provide every club and student group a fair and equal chance to obtain funding. I am knowledgeable about my responsibilities in the SGA constitution and how to run meetings efficiently.
Dolyak: I believe that my personality along with my different leadership roles on campus make me qualified for this position. I am very open to everyone’s opinions and want to represent all students at this college.
Siciliano: I have been on the SGA fully for one year while attending many meetings my freshman year. Sharing an office with the SGA executive board has given me the ability to see what they do and realize how much work they put into the organization.
What is your biggest strength?
Daly: My ability to communicate and work with people.
Russo:My biggest strength is that I have been there doing the hard work to make this campus a better place. As an RA I’ve connected with the average student and acted as a mentor and counselor for students in the residence halls. I have a clear view of where the SGA needs to be and will give 120 percent until the student body goals have been achieved and surpassed.
Dolyak: My biggest strength is that I am kind and honest. I’m not a big fan of secrets, so you wont see any coming from me!
Siciliano: Being able to talk to anybody and listen to what they have to say.
What is your biggest weakness?
Daly: Sometimes I become so dedicated to what I am doing, other things in my life don’t get enough attention.
Russo: People perceive me as too nice of a guy because I’m a man of honesty and integrity. They think I’m going to get trampled on and ignored as the student body president, but they could not be further from the truth.
Dolyak:My biggest weakness is that sometimes I’m a little bit too nice, but I don’t really think that’s a weakness.
Siciliano: Trying to keep time for myself.