Students will vote on four out of six candidates running for the position of Class of 2006 senator. The six candidates for Class of 2006 Senators are Lindsay Denton, Matthew Ezovski, Mike Goldenberg, Adam Lopuch, Cody Powers, and Max Yates.

Each senator must serve on at least one committee of the Senate, which is the chief legislative and representative body of the Union. The body is presided over by the Grand Marshal.

All of the candidates agree that they are running for senator because they want to positively affect the RPI community. They seek to improve aspects of student life and desire to turn students’ opinions into actions.

Ezovski stated that if elected his primary goal would be to ensure the voice of the Class of 2006 is heard by the entire Senate.

“My door will always be open to anyone with a question, comment, or concern. I will take the necessary steps, such as visiting hall councils, hall events, and club meetings to find out exactly what it is that our class needs. I intend to focus on whatever the class tells me to.”

Powers plans on doing “what by definition any elected official should do—represent. After listening to the various ideas presented by fellow classmates, the views expressed will be brought to the attention of the Senate. My goal is to serve the interests of the Class of 2006, not to force upon the Senate some off-the-wall political agenda.”

To the Class of 2006, Powers believes if elected he will contribute an ability to take an idea and turn it into action.

Yates, another Senate candidate, vows to be in tune with the voice of the class and hopes to build on the Grand Marshal’s plans to gather student feedback.

“One possible solution is a ‘critique system’ such that students would in essence give the professors their own grade at the end of the semester. Working together with the president’s cabinet, establishing such a system would only enhance the academics on campus by creating a competitive environment amongst the teaching staff for that top grade or rank,” said Yates.

In contrast Senate candidate Goldberg wants to focus on quality of campus life issues and sees his role, if elected, as being “simply be a part of a whole.”

“One [idea] is to sponsor more alcohol-free parties at the Union so that there are more things to do if you don’t drink. Also, I’d like to make small changes like trying to get a change machine put in a somewhat accessible location or getting card readers for laundry machines so that it is not such a chore to do your laundry,” said Goldenberg.

Senate candidate Lopuch wants to work on improving aspects of academic life by directly speaking to students. “I want to find out what students want by directly contacting them.”

Lopuch also looks to unite the Class by utilizing his motivational and organizational skills gained during various leadership positions in High School.

Freshmen also have the opportunity to elect a class president. The responsibility of the class president includes organizing the class council and class activities, defending the laws established for the council, and presiding over meetings. There are three candidates for class president—Eric Engineer, Caroline Faxon, and Joe Rustick.

When asked about his plans if elected, Engineer stated that he wants to be responsive and quickly to resolve the any concerns.

“I have seen two issues that many

freshmen seem to be concerned about. The first was how they could choose a good teacher who teaches the way they learn. The second was [finding] a more reliable printing system. I plan on making teachers’ teaching styles known through the Internet and on increasing the reliability of the printing system, especially in the residence halls,” continued Engineer.

Faxon and Rustick could not be reached for an interview.

The vice president is tasked with assuming the duties of the president, if the elected president becomes absent any some reason. Rosina Schiff and Katheryn Sigetti are running for the vice president position. Schiff and Sigetti declined an interview.

Class representative, another crucial position in student government, has two candidates vying for the eight open positions—Jennifer Mulroy and Maria Milcetic.

The class representatives make up the Class Council, which is responsible for a whole slew of activities including establishing a class constitution, appointing representatives to the Undergraduate Council, designing a class ring, selecting a commencement speaker and class gift, and planning Senior Week events.

Mulroy stressed her strong understanding of student government while in high school as preparation for the post.

“I can help with fundraising ideas, organize events, and be actively involved in decisions that will affect [the Class]. Being the representative for the class of 2006 takes a great dedication and ability to make ethical judgments, yet, I am willing and excited to have the opportunity to take on this responsibility.”

All of the candidates for class president, vice president, senator, and representatives are enthusiastic and hopeful for the year.