Elect who? SGA presidential candidates and community council candidates

Author: [no author name found]

MIKE PANZER '10

Platform: no printing charge, increase cooperation between SGA and Community Council, adjust alcohol policy, keep financial aid need blind and full need, provide late night shuttle to Burlington, and address housing crisis.

Campus comment: With significant experience in the SGA and a self-assured demeanor, Panzer and his populist manner are likely to melt students' hearts yet face Old Chapel with a strong hand. The only potential obstacle: his hair.

TIK ROOT '12

Platform: expansion of student-wide meetings on major issues, encourage more SGA publicity and transparency, change alcohol policy and make SGA more active in deliberation of College's financial situation.

Campus comment: A longtime Middlebury resident, Root and his perspective on town/gown relations should prove useful as outlets like 51 Main expand. Yet his modest personal style could hurt him in this race.

ANDREW DELOACH '10

Platform: Reform alcohol policy, open up unused parking lots to students, increase fitness center hours, make yellow cables something you must check out from circulation and give television option to all students.

Campus comment: DeLoach admits he faces stiff competition, and his agenda isn't exactly groundbreaking. But his involvement in a wide array of activities means he represents a diverse cross-section of voters.

VRUTIKA MODY '10

Platform: Institute public speaking resources and course, streamline SGA bureaucracy, change international orientation, encourage book list transparency and promote transportation to Burlington.

Campus comment: Mody boasts even more experience on SGA than Panzer. Having pushed through several of her initiatives already, Mody's proven she can get things done. Still, her wonk-ish approach to policy distances her from voters.

NICK SOHL '12

Sohl was unavailable for comment at press time.

NICK ALEXANDER '10

Platform: Introduce SGA YouTube addresses, create SGA Food Committee, democratize the commons system, complete former president Bobby Joe Smith III's initiatives, organize a "Welcome the Febs Ball," institute SGA-sponsored debates.

Campus comment: Generally, students running from abroad face a disadvantage at the polls. But Alexander, currently in Afghanistan, has made technology a core component of his very polished campaign. His Web site features a YouTube video that could revolutionize SGA campaigns.

MOLLY DWYER '10

Platform: Increase awareness among students regarding what SCOCC actually does.

ETHAN SCHMERTZLER '12

Platform: Decrease dishware expenditures, revive traditions by focusing on the Commons, use event funding for "bigger, better events" to improve social life on campus.

SHEN YOONG '12

Platform: Improve student life issues such as dorm and dining hall conditions, foster town/gown relations and focus on issues dealing with social life.