2008 Woodie Awards
Independent in the running
Marissa Lang
Issue date: 4/9/08 Section: News
Dan Leydorf was in the hospital for two hours last night after the first debate among the three SGA presidential candidates came to a close. But Leydorf himself wasn't hurt or sick - he was visiting his grandmother, the person Leydorf says has had the most profound influence on his life.
Leydorf, who is running for the Student Government Association's presidency as an independent candidate, has built his campaign around the values he says he learned from his grandmother.
"She showed me what it means to care for people," Leydorf said. "I try to look at people like she looks at me - through a grandparent's you what to do; they're just there when you need them."
Leydorf hopes to bring this approach of "being there" to his campaign and, if elected, to his presidency.
Because he isn't affiliated with the House Party, the Students Party or any other ticket, Leydorf spends much of his time going around and personally introducing himself to students in order to get his name and views out there.
"People seem to be much more receptive to me saying 'Hi, I'm running for president,' rather than outsourcing it to other people," he said.
According to Leydorf, introducing himself to people goes hand-in-hand with introducing the issues he stands for.
Running on a platform he has named the COST Promise, Leydorf says he is confident all of his goals are achievable. However, in past years SGA presidents have lobbied in favor of a slew of issues including textbook legislation, a good Samaritan policy and increased university funding, though few have found success. Nevertheless, Leydorf says the issues he is backing - including off-campus transportation, affordable tuition and increased student involvement - are more realistic goals.
COST is an acronym, Leyford said, with each letter standing for an issue. For example, the "C" in his platform stands for campaign reform, an issue Leydorf says is important, though it may not directly affect all students. The "O" stands for off-campus transportation, while student unity and tuition stand for the "S" and "T," respectively.
Leydorf, who is running for the Student Government Association's presidency as an independent candidate, has built his campaign around the values he says he learned from his grandmother.
"She showed me what it means to care for people," Leydorf said. "I try to look at people like she looks at me - through a grandparent's you what to do; they're just there when you need them."
Leydorf hopes to bring this approach of "being there" to his campaign and, if elected, to his presidency.
Because he isn't affiliated with the House Party, the Students Party or any other ticket, Leydorf spends much of his time going around and personally introducing himself to students in order to get his name and views out there.
"People seem to be much more receptive to me saying 'Hi, I'm running for president,' rather than outsourcing it to other people," he said.
According to Leydorf, introducing himself to people goes hand-in-hand with introducing the issues he stands for.
Running on a platform he has named the COST Promise, Leydorf says he is confident all of his goals are achievable. However, in past years SGA presidents have lobbied in favor of a slew of issues including textbook legislation, a good Samaritan policy and increased university funding, though few have found success. Nevertheless, Leydorf says the issues he is backing - including off-campus transportation, affordable tuition and increased student involvement - are more realistic goals.
COST is an acronym, Leyford said, with each letter standing for an issue. For example, the "C" in his platform stands for campaign reform, an issue Leydorf says is important, though it may not directly affect all students. The "O" stands for off-campus transportation, while student unity and tuition stand for the "S" and "T," respectively.
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