2008 Woodie Awards
Ahrens wants senate to improve work, image
Justin Oswald
Issue date: 2/26/08 Section: Campus
02/26/08 - Thomas Ahrens and Josh Feinberg are the two declared candidates running for University of Rhode Island Student Senate president.
When Feinberg entered the race two weeks ago, he created a contested election. Typically the first round of elections - held Feb. 12 and 13 - is used to narrow the presidential field to the top two candidate sets that receive the most votes. Because there are only two nominees, Feinberg and Ahrens' names did not appear on the Feb. 12 and 13 ballots, but will be on the ballots Wednesday and Thursday.
The elected candidate will be sworn in on March 26, and hold the presidency from then until March 2009.
Presidential Candidate: Thomas Ahrens
Vice Presidential Running Mate: David Bedard
If elected, Thomas Ahrens said he would demand more from student senators and work to build relations with the town of Narragansett.
Ahrens grew up in East Greenwich, R.I. and is a marketing major. The junior is currently serving his third term on senate and has served on the External Affairs Committee for three years. For the past two years Ahrens has been the committee's chairman.
Two factors that Ahrens is banking on for votes are his knowledge and experience on senate.
"Experience is obviously helpful with knowing bylaws, the finance book and the appropriate procedures," Ahrens said. "I've seen what works and what doesn't."
Ahrens has not involved himself in any other organizations, a point that he hopes will make him an attractive candidate to voters that want someone with no ties to other organizations, and an unbiased and uninfluenced perspective.
Although non-affiliation with other groups may help Ahrens make decisions and set goals during his presidency, it could also limit his knowledge of other groups and their varying needs. Without having experience in other organizations it may be difficult for Ahrens to empathize with other organizations.
Earlier this year current senate President Neil Leston criticized some senators for a lack of participation and creating an apparent apathetic atmosphere.
When Feinberg entered the race two weeks ago, he created a contested election. Typically the first round of elections - held Feb. 12 and 13 - is used to narrow the presidential field to the top two candidate sets that receive the most votes. Because there are only two nominees, Feinberg and Ahrens' names did not appear on the Feb. 12 and 13 ballots, but will be on the ballots Wednesday and Thursday.
The elected candidate will be sworn in on March 26, and hold the presidency from then until March 2009.
Presidential Candidate: Thomas Ahrens
Vice Presidential Running Mate: David Bedard
If elected, Thomas Ahrens said he would demand more from student senators and work to build relations with the town of Narragansett.
Ahrens grew up in East Greenwich, R.I. and is a marketing major. The junior is currently serving his third term on senate and has served on the External Affairs Committee for three years. For the past two years Ahrens has been the committee's chairman.
Two factors that Ahrens is banking on for votes are his knowledge and experience on senate.
"Experience is obviously helpful with knowing bylaws, the finance book and the appropriate procedures," Ahrens said. "I've seen what works and what doesn't."
Ahrens has not involved himself in any other organizations, a point that he hopes will make him an attractive candidate to voters that want someone with no ties to other organizations, and an unbiased and uninfluenced perspective.
Although non-affiliation with other groups may help Ahrens make decisions and set goals during his presidency, it could also limit his knowledge of other groups and their varying needs. Without having experience in other organizations it may be difficult for Ahrens to empathize with other organizations.
Earlier this year current senate President Neil Leston criticized some senators for a lack of participation and creating an apparent apathetic atmosphere.