Diamondback Online - The University of Maryland's Independent Daily Student Newspaper

Issue date: 6/19/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Adam Fried

When it comes to controversial issues on the campus and in the city, student safety and housing are pretty high on the list. But newly-elected city council liaison Dan Hartinger says he wants to change that - by making student voices heard.

After being elected as the student liaison to the College Park City Council last month, Hartinger, a senior biology major, has already devised a plan to reach out to the student body about city issues, most importantly housing, recycling and safety.

"Once he is excited and believes in something, he throws himself into it," said Carol Hartinger, his mother.

As liaison, Hartinger wants to create more student involvement in the city. He is seeking to make the student community more aware of decisions taking place inside the city council, as many legislative rulings directly affect students.

Hartinger has set up a blog (citycouncilterp.blogspot.com) where students can voice concerns about issues arising in the city.

"The position has been really interesting so far; I feel that the other members of the city council have been extremely welcoming and have taken my input seriously," Hartinger said. "It is, so far, extremely rewarding."

And District 4 Councilwoman Mary Cook only had praise for Hartinger's work so far.

"I think he is more than capable," she said. "What we really need is for him to present the student perspective on issues in College Park."

So far, Hartinger's top priority as liaison is to push for more off-campus student housing, of which there are several new building possibilities slated to appear before the council this year.

Hartinger hopes to persuade the council to approve the proposed student housing complexes in the city as an answer to the high demand for student housing.

"I will do my best to convince them of the urgency for additional housing and try to speed up an occasionally lengthy process," Hartinger said.

Another area Hartinger feels extremely passionate about is environmental issues.

"He always had a love for science, and he hopes to one day be involved in policy that affects conservation and the environment," Carol Hartinger said.

Recently, College Park bars have been the object of Hartinger's environmental enthusiasm, as he has made the rounds urging owners to recycle more, an initiative the city council will support, Cook said.

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