The Paly Voice asked candidates for this year’s Associated Student Body elections to fill out a short questionnaire about their campaign. Here are their responses, unedited and uncut. Go to the library or quad Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday of this week to exercise your right to vote!
ASB PRESIDENT
George Brown, junior
1. What are you campaigning on? Why should students vote for you?
The biggest reason that I think people should vote for me is because of the amount of time, energy, and effort that I put in to ASB planning and activities. No matter how articulate or intelligent anyone is, in order to be successful, he or she must put in the time. I want to improve everyone’s high school experience. While ASB has little power in academic components of Paly, I feel that an effective ASB can greatly enhance the activities available to all students, and ultimately improve the overall Paly experience.
Furthermore: right now, we are presented with an opportunity. With a new administration coming in next fall, we have the potential to increase student input in the decisions which affect students.
2. What are the major concerns that you think the student body at school or in your grade have? How will you work to address them?
The concerns of Paly students are wide-ranging and broad. However, my plan to cater to everyone’s concerns is simple: forge a relationship with the new administration that allows for maximum student input, so everyone has a chance to help make Paly better.
3. What motivates you to run in this election? Why do you want to be ________?
I want to be ASB President because I feel that I am best suited to help develop this new relationship between students and the administration. I feel that my passion for ASB (I know that sounds a little bit cheesy) is what makes me distinct, not the fact that I have served as Sophomore Class President and ASB Vice President. In leadership, I feel that character is often more important than position, and I think I have the character that can help the greatest number of Paly students.
4. What would you do if you found a million dollars on the floor?
I would give some to every single Paly student. Or not, and turn it in to the police. I’ll just decide when I find the million dollars.
Chirag Krishna, junior 
1. What are you campaigning on? Why should students vote for you?
I’m campaigning on the platform of increasing ASB presence on campus. That begs the question, what does that mean? How does it actually affect you as a student? Here’s the answer- currently, ASB has a low profile on campus- people are unsure about what ASB is doing, and if ASB really cares about students’ interests, especially when they don’t see many events or activities being planned for students. In increasing ASB presence on campus, not only will students be able to respect ASB again and the events that it sanctions, but student participation and excitement about ASB activities increases. Suddenly, it becomes cool for students to attend an ASB sponsored event. As President, I’d be committed to GETTING STUDENTS INVOLVED IN THE PROCESS. Obviously it takes the collaborative effort of an ASB for this to happen. But honestly, (for example,) why can’t we get more student input on the dances? Why can’t ASB hold an open house once or twice a week for students to come in to the SAO to voice their concerns and opinions about anything ASB related? These sound like cliche ideas, and to some extent they are- but I believe that they can make a world of difference for ASB if it was to take these small steps, and as President I would be more than willing to plan and be present at all such events. So now, why Chirag? I believe what sets me apart from the other candidates is my skill at communicating, both with peers and adults. Throughout my highschool years, I have continued to demonstrate that I can identify with ANYONE on campus, not just my group of friends. I feel perfectly comfortable approaching a random group of people that I have never met before (as I have done during these past few days of campaigning, just ask those freshmen and sophomores ;). This may not sound that important, but in my opinion an ASB president has to be a face on campus that anyone can recognize. This person has to be easily accessible AND easy to talk to. Having served on the Palo Alto Unified School District School Board (my ASB position soph year), I worked with various important school officials as well as District Superintendent Dr. Kevin Skelly. This will help me greatly in facilitating open and mutual exchanges between ASB and the administration, not counterproductive bash-fests that are just that- counterproductive. The ability I have as a public speaker, my easy accessibility and personality, three years of ASB experience, capacity as a very hard worker, and thorough committmment to ASB (otherwise I wouldn’t have been on it for three years- it is NOT a college pad) enable me to be the ideal ASB President, and are reasons why students should vote for me.
2. What are the major concerns that you think the student body at school or in your grade have? How will you work to address them?
Overall, I think its obvious that students feel that these two issues are those that need the most work- dances, and student/admin relationships. Lets be real guys- having closed door meetings about “how much breathalyzers stink” and “there’s nothing fun to do at dances” are pointless. As ASB President, I promise that I will ensure a solution-orientedorganization. On the topic of dances, here’s a few ideas- maybe have entertainment at the dances, to make a dance more of a social event rather than an exclusive get together for the same people every time? Perhaps we can change up the venues, have a dance at a local hotel or club? There are obviously many logistical details surrounding each of these plans, but in a solution oriented ASB, I would commit 100% to trying to make them possible, instead of facilitating discussions that center around the sorry present state of the dances. ASB/Admin relationship? Same approach. We’re no longer going to talk about how much the admin don’t listen to us, but rather, establish solid relationships with the new administration early, and get a meeting system in place. We have a new principal next year, and with a new principal comes new ideas and room for improvement. As President, I would have the necessary communication skills to facilitate productive meetings with Mr. Winston and the rest of the admin team, and listen to their ideas openly, not with resentment. But at the same time, I would be sure to advocate student opinion so as to arrive at compromises that work for as many people possible. Being solution-oriented is something that I pledge to do as ASB President. Productivity and efficiency are key, and my ability as a good public speaker and hard worker factor perfectly into both of these ideals.
Thirdly, a more simple issue that students care about- more events? A major concern I hear from students is that they’re bored, and I think that ASB can work to address this easily. A week ago after school, ASB had free ice cream from Rick’s, a barbecue, and music on the quad after school to celebrate the end of AP testing. My view is that ASB can hold these small events much more often. This goes along with increasing ASB presence on campus, and getting more students involved. Student boredom will forever continue to be something students worry about, and these “random acts of kindess” sponsored by ASB can make our campus a much more friendly and lively place.
3. What motivates you to run in this election? Why do you want to be ________?
What motivates me to run in this election, to be ASB President, is to lead our school to achieve its greatest potential. There’s no doubt in my mind that ASB has has to deal with some kinks in the past few years, and this has often left students unhappy because they feel that ASB isn’t doing anything to improve, or even that ASB does nothing at all. That seems like a very large problem, but in my opinion it has very simple solutions. I am motivated to be President so I can provide these simple solutions. What are they? Small events, increased communication with admin, being more open with students (case in point- open houses), and being specific about what we plan to do, and when we plan to do it (and working with the admin to do that as well!). I could go on and on- advocating student opinion with admin, getting our dances to be fun again, etc, etc. What drives my ambition to be student body president at Paly is the amount of change we can enact on campus, simply by starting small- which means getting people involved. I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again- as an experienced communicator and public speaker, I can definitely make this happen as ASB President.
4. What would you do if you found a million dollars on the floor?
If I were to chance upon a million dollars, so invitingly lying on the sidewalk next to my house- lets see…of the 1 million, I would donate 750,000 to charities benefiting underprivileged children in India. I would allocate most of the rest to make sure my family is financially secure, and whatever is left after that, I would save for myself. But if only part of that can go in a Voice article, I guess you could just mention the charity (cliche, I know, but its true). 🙂
Osceola Ward, junior
No answers submitted.
ASB VICE PRESIDENT
Pierre Bourbonnais, junior
No answers submitted.
Uma Veerappan, sophomore
1. What are you campaigning on? Why should students vote for you?
I am campaigning for ASB Vice President. A vote for me is a vote for YOU because I promise I will serve YOU to the best of my abilities and voice YOUR opinions. My background in Speech and Debate allows me to more effectively engage in discussions that affect Paly students and thereby advocate for YOU. Another component of my immersion in debate is my work at Jordan. I manage and teach an after-school debate club for middle school students. Participating in and nationally competing for Paly Debate Club has enhanced my listening, speaking, and note taking skills, while leading the Jordan Debate Club has improved my leadership and time management skills. Overall, I am a very organized, focused, and motivated person. I am committed to any project or role that I take on. My work is very thorough and transparent. Use your vote as a tool to bring change to this school. A vote for me is a vote for you.
2. What are the major concerns that you think the student body at school or in your grade have? How will you work to address them?
As ASB Vice President, I will seek to strengthen the existing relationships that ASB has with the administration and the student body. I will make myself available to listen to student concerns and will not be afraid to voice myself. Additionally, I will succeed in fulfilling my constitutional responsibilities (monitoring club activities, supervising students elections, etc.). I will be prepared, responsible, and respectful. I will collaborate with the ASB staff to make Paly more responsive to YOUR needs. I not only propose, but enact solutions with promptness and sincerity.
3. What motivates you to run in this election? Why do you want to be ________?
This past year, I had an amazing time as Sophomore Class President. I was on the Principal Selection Committee, led the sophomore class during Spirit Week, and helped organize events such as the Pancake Breakfast and Pie Fundraiser. I strongly believe that this fruitful experience has equipped me to take on the more demanding role of ASB VP.
4. What would you do if you found a million dollars on the floor?
If I found a million dollars on the floor, I would buy tickets for my friends and I to take a trip around the world.
ASB TREASURER
Sam Greene, junior
1. What are you campaigning on? Why should students vote for you?
After familiarizing myself with the ASB budget concerns this past year I’m focusing on developing budgets for clubs who have incomes and expenses and finding a way to provide more ASB funding for clubs in general. We bring in a good amount of money from dances and I’d like to use more of it to hype up the dances with lighting, better DJs, give-aways ranging anywhere from hats to sports tickets, food and drinks. By voting for me students will be able to openly share their concerns and critique the dances in a productive way so that the ASB can better support the student body. It’s our goal as the ASB to improve the high school experience of students in every aspect with all the resources at our disposal.
2. What are the major concerns that you think the student body at school or in your grade have? How will you work to address them?
Obviously dances have become a concern for the students. While it’s our responsibility as an ASB to provide alternative venues for students on the weekends from private parties, I plan to work on making the dances the event, not the alternative. Breathlyzers aside, I’m sure students know how to have sober fun-Prom was a success and there is no reason the same ideas can’t be applied to regular dances on the quad or in the gym. All it requires is a little more effort on behalf of the ASB and a couple of students to raise support through the school. I think the 4th period rep. system could definitely benefit ticket sale by having students directly address other students about the dances.
3. What motivates you to run in this election? Why do you want to be ________?
I’m motivated to run as ASB Treasurer again because I enjoy supporting the student body and being the vehicle for students voices. I feel like I have a strong understanding of the Paly social climate and I use it to my advantage when providing input into ASB meetings. Above all, I want to make my last year at Paly the best that it can be for my classmates and the student body.
4. What would you do if you found a million dollars on the floor?
The money is going to the ASB. It’s going to be spent on box-seat sporting event tickets and xbox giveaways at the dances. I guarantee you that our dances are going to be bump’n.
ASB SECRETARY
Nabeel Sami, junior
1. What are you campaigning on? Why should students vote for you?
My platform for next year will be to distribute as much information as possible to the student body so that they can truly be an integral part of the decisions ASB must make throughout the school year. Student incorporation is extremely important to me since essentially my goal on ASB is to satisfy the desires of the student body. Students should vote for me because I have a love for the future. On ASB, as a careful optimist, I will ensure that your thoughts are recognized.
2. What are the major concerns that you think the student body at school or in your grade have? How will you work to address them?
Even though ASB has a suggestions box and holds open general meetings, communication between ASB and the student body has been less than perfect. This year I worked to reintroduce the Fourth Period Representative System (a way to distribute information to fourth period classes through a representative); I hope to continue this method of student-ASB communication next year. Also, as the ASB press contact I will work with Paly publications to inform you of all ASB goals and current events. I will also be providing updated ASB minutes to be posted on ASB’s updated section on the Paly website.
3. What motivates you to run in this election? Why do you want to be ________?
Other than intrinsic motivation, I’m determined to work with the student body, admin, and other ASB members to ensure an excellent 2010-2011 school year. To do this, I want to minimize communication errors, and I feel like I can do this being the ASB Secretary. With a constant hunger for student opinion, I feel that I am an appropriate candidate.
4. What would you do if you found a million dollars on the floor?
Uhh good question. What would I spend the million dollars I find on the floor? Lets see. A sick car for sure. Maybe some Nikes too. But yeah in the end I’ll be investing probably like 95% of it and spend the other 5% on awesome stuff.
SENIOR CLASS PRESIDENT
Jack Smale, junior
No answers submitted.
SENIOR CLASS VICE PRESIDENT
John Brunett, junior
No answers submitted.
JUNIOR CLASS PRESIDENT
Maddie Kuppe, sophomore
No answers submitted.
Hannah Park, sophomore 
1. What are you campaigning on? Why should students vote for you?
I have three tasks on my agenda. First, I want to listen to students’ issues. Second, I want to improve communication between students and the administration. Third, I want to strengthen student body relations.
As the Freshman Class Vice President, I acknowledged the issues and complaints about the crowded bike racks and brought them to the administration’s attention. Working with the administration, we resolved the issue by placing enough bike racks at the time.
In the past, there has been a lack of communication between students and the administration. I will use my communication skills to improve student and faculty relations.
Furthermore, working collaboratively with the Paly water polo team, I was able to bring the team to the top last year. I will strengthen the student body by bringing the students’ spirits up and by working together.
2. What are the major concerns that you think the student body at school or in your grade have? How will you work to address them?
There are three main issues. First, in the past, the lack of communication between students and the administration has resulted in disputes.
Second, the absence policy lacks a clear guideline for faculty and students to follow. In my experience, the faculty did not know who was in charge of clearing my excused absence for a sports game. I was directed to several faculty members but no one knew how to handle the issue properly.
Third, the sanitary issues have been unaddressed in the past. Students have complained about toiletry shortages in the bathrooms.
As Junior Class President, I will work with the administration to present a clear guideline in handling the absence policy by specifying who must clear the issue.
With the new incoming administrators, I will work closely with them and communicate the student’s opinions and issues. I will connect the student body with the administration and put my extra effort in ensuring that our voices are heard.
I will address the recurring bathroom issues. I will communicate with the administration and discuss possible solutions for the toiletry shortages. However, we are responsible for taking care of our bathrooms as well. We will work together to improve the sanitary issues.
In addition, I will bring new or existing issues to the administration and work collaboratively to resolve them.
3. What motivates you to run in this election? Why do you want to be ________?
I will listen to prominent issues and work to solve problems. I want to be involved in decision making. I will make informed decisions based on the class’ opinions and ideas. I want to strengthen the school community by bringing students and the administration together and taking action to improve the issues.
4. What would you do if you found a million dollars on the floor?
I would bring the money to the Palo Alto Police Department and if in return I was awarded, I would do the following.
I would put aside money for college, donate to the Habitat for Humanity organization because everyone should have a home, and donate to the Humane Society because animals deserve a home as well.
JUNIOR CLASS VICE PRESIDENT
Zorawar Singh, sophomore 
1. What are you campaigning on? Why should students vote for you?
The main issue I am campaigning on is active and widespread student participation and involvement in the Student Body. People I know including myself have had suggestions about how to change the school but we feel that our voices are not being heard, and our demands are not being met. Some of the decisions that are made are not reflective of the general will of the everyday Paly student. I will try my level best to not only get everyone involved but also try to solicit the opinion of the silent majority. If I am elected into office I will attempt to use some of the social networking tools such as facebook, twitter etc to efficiently reach out to my classmates to get them actively involved in the issues concerning us.
2. What are the major concerns that you think the student body at school or in your grade have? How will you work to address them?
A major concern which my grade has is the amount of work we get. It seems often that we will have 2-3 tests a day and it can be very pressurizing. It also seems that essays and projects are often due on Monday which ruins our weekend. Another aspect which does not go down well with some of our students is the strong monitoring tactics at our social events such as dances. My belief is that rather than infringing on the privacy of all students we should let the student community and its peer pressure act as a self control mechanism. If I am elected as Vice- President I will strive for a more balanced work schedule that helps us achieve the same quality of education without putting unnecessary pressure. I will work with our school administration to come out with innovative solutions to address both these issues without compromising on their intent.
3. What motivates you to run in this election? Why do you want to be ________?
I have myself been a part of the silent majority which sees the issues in different realms at Paly but does not actively try to address them. I want to take charge of my destiny – “our destiny” and represent the silent majority so that our voice is heard in all issues.
4. What would you do if you found a million dollars on the floor?
If I found one million dollars on the floor I would put part of it in my own education and part of it in the stock market. In this manner my own intellect will grow and so will my money and I can use both of them for the general good of public in the area of environment and education of underprivileged —- causes near and dear to my heart.
SOPHOMORE CLASS PRESIDENT
Emma Ketchum, freshman 
1. What are you campaigning on? Why should students vote for you?
I am campaigning on the idea of open communication between students and administration. I think our interests need to be advocated and represented in how the school is run. Students should vote for me because I will work hard. I am outgoing, easy to talk to and I listen to all ideas.
2. What are the major concerns that you think the student body at school or in your grade have? How will you work to address them?
I think that Paly is a great school. But, every class has to contribute to keep the school fresh. I would try to talk, listen and learn what my class thinks are important issues. Also, I think it is important to have fun at school, and I want to improve participation in on- campus activities such as spirit week and school dances.
3. What motivates you to run in this election? Why do you want to be ________?
I want to be in student government because I enjoy working with people and being involved to make positive changes.
4. What would you do if you found a million dollars on the floor?
If I found one million dollars on the ground I would do a victory dance. Then I would probably go shopping and travel to Europe. But one million dollars is a lot of money so I would donate some of it to environmental research.
Michael Wang, freshman 
1. What are you campaigning on? Why should students vote for you?
I am campaigning because nothing was really done this year. There weren’t many activities, and spirit week was miserable. If I get elected I will change those things. On top of that, I want to use the student body to help out the community, and us as Paly students get volunteer hours in return.
2. What are the major concerns that you think the student body at school or in your grade have? How will you work to address them?
As we’re getting older, most of us are going to start thinking about what we can do for college. That falls under volunteer hours, extracurriculars and more. I invite our Class to ask for my help and input when they need it. I will take their needs into consideration when making decisions that affect them. Mainly, I’m going to take a holistic approach and try to help where I can when I can.
3. What motivates you to run in this election? Why do you want to be ________?
I am motivated because I enjoy being a leader. I enjoy planning and executing tasks, and I enjoy seeing them work. Although It’s a big responsibility, I can take it. Over the summer, I went on a self-sufficient canoe trip through the boundary waters of Canada. That was a defining time for me. That experience taught me a lot about leadership and coming through when you’re most needed, so I think I am a great candidate for Class President.
4. What would you do if you found a million dollars on the floor?
I’d take it and spend it. I have no idea on what.
SOPHOMORE CLASS VICE PRESIDENT
Charlie Dulik, freshman
1. What are you campaigning on? Why should students vote for you?
I am campaigning mostly on improving dances for next year – but I also want to have more fun after school events, community service opportunities, and fundraisers. Students should vote for me because I am experienced, hardworking, and dedicated, and have concrete ideas for next year.
2. What are the major concerns that you think the student body at school or in your grade have? How will you work to address them?
I think my grade is most concerned about bad dances, and improving them. I will work on changing back rules that make dances unpopular. I think my grade would also like to see more school events (like free ice-cream day) which I would work on planning more of.
3. What motivates you to run in this election? Why do you want to be ________?
I am running in this election because I believe I am the best person to be Sophomore VP. I want to be VP because I think I can have a real impact on decisions in ASB.
4. What would you do if you found a million dollars on the floor?
If I found a million dollars on the floor, I would keep half for my friends and family, and give the other half to Paly to buy e-readers and interactive whiteboards.
Alexia Garcia, freshman
No answers submitted.
Tia Rabinovitz, freshman
No answers submitted.
SITE COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE
Raymond Li, freshman
No answers submitted.