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Show ! Tuesday, August 22, 2006 ASWC Student Body President Ray Bradford: His thoughts on life, love and a bigger cubicle Stan Sarkisov Copy Editor Ray Bradfords climb to the top of Westminsters political echelon started his first year on campus as an Associated Students of Westminster College (ASWC) senator. This year he has an even bigger cubicle in the student government office as student body president. In risk of sounding like a propaganda tool, this guys dedication (not everyone enjoys spending time in front of a computer after the Shaw Center has already closed) should make for a successful year. Q: If you were the Real Deal, Commander in chief, Holyfield, what would you change about this country? A: Id replace all of its leaders with Westminster professors and provide funding for their obligatory uniforms (power suits, red ties, flag pins). In all seriousness, I would give anything for the big issues our country faces to involve bipartisan, logical discussions based on the analyses of experts... solving based on stronger empirical evidence. I think problems this would have to involve campaign finance reform so that moneyed interests and lobbying organizations did not force crazy political considerations to run rampant over rationality. Until that happens, I think national politics are destined to remain ridiculous no matter what party is in control. Qi. How much responsibility do you have as ASWC president? A: I like to think of my responsibilities in two catresponsibilities to help keep egories: the the organization functioning smoothly, and the big projects that actually make a sustainable difference on campus. The former would include managing the conand meetings, doing the little stant stream of things like planning retreats and showing up to campus events, and making Flock of Seagulls mix tapes for the office. The latter involves projects like the Griffin Connection Card and hopefully providing a vision for how the Seriate can work effectively toward meaningful goals. Q: How big is the budget this year? (Although the Director of Finance, Dharav Shah, is in charge of the budget, if a mistake happened, the blame would most likely cost Bradford some blame.) A: The entire budget hovers around $175,000. That may sound like a lot, but once you factor in all the cars and trips to Vegas Dharav buys with the money, it starts to feel like considerably less. Bradford obviously jokes. Most of the money is spent non-partis- an i i day-to-d- ay ails on guest speakers, activities, dances and of course, office supplies. Q: What do you want to get accomplished this year? A: Help the Senate its role on campus. I dont want ASWC to be thought of as a political organization that makes legislation that only affects its own structure. I want us to be a student-focuse- d organization that listens and responds to re-thi- nk self-servi- ng concerns, plans killer activities and develops innovative new programs. Everything from a new Film &. Speaker Series on campus (more info to come), to an expanded Griffin Connection Card to provide students with an array of discounts, to planning a Faculty Appreciation Week, to looking for ways to get commuter students more engaged and connected to the campus community. Qj. What did you do this summer in preparation for the office? A: Working on the Griffin Connection discount cards consumed a lot of my summer. But looking at the final product I definitely feel it was worth it. I hope students enjoy it. Working with the Salt Lake Film Center to set up the Documentary Speaker series, preparing everything for new student orientation and the senate retreat, and remodeling our decrepit office also took up large chunks of time. I think everyone in the Executive Cabinet really put in the effort this summer. Q: What do you look for in a A: A driven, smart, expert banterer with elite first-lad- Westminsters Opening Convocation 9:30am - 10:15am Hoe-Dow- n! The Res Village Green The Westminster Chamber Singers auditions. sheets are available in the Music and Sign-u- p Theatre Office in the Jewett Center 6:00pm Aug. 23 Wild Wednesday! L- - Aug. 24 Late Night at Health and Wellness! Laset Tag! Open swim! Basketball! 9:00pm HWAC Auditions for the fall musical, Urinetown , in Comedian Christian Finnegan 8:00pm The Courage Theatre Volcume XXXX: Issue auditions. sheets are available in the Music and Sign-u- p Theatre Office in the Jewett Center The Westminster Chamber Singers vf 1 T weld- ing skills. Q: What do you think are the biggest challenges in being president? A Feeling like you always have to be on. Regardless of what your personal life or moods, you have to prioritize representing students and the college. That means keeping a positive and friendly demeanor, genuinely listening and following up on student concerns, doing little things like keeping up on all of the meetings and and avoiding shenanigans during your personal time that make the school look bad (well, most of them). Q: Why should students care about ASWC? A Student government is primarily a service organization driven to increase the quality of the student experience. I hope students can see the benefits. More students would care about ASWC (enough to get involved) if they realized the power ASWC has to make Westminster a better place. The administration is interested in working with us and hearing our feedback, and I think the resources at our disposal (both financial ones and the fact that we have a senate full of rock stars) allow us to make a difference. Its that potential that motivated me to run for president and do another ASWC tour of duty.f 22 Calendar: Sept. Aug. Campus Aug. 22 ARWCASWC y? 5 the Courage Theatre Aug. 25 Auditions for the fall musical, Urinetown, in the Courage Theatre Sept. 4 Labor Day Holiday! College is closed , Sept. 5 The Forum ofWestmisnter College , Issue 2 Page 3 |