The freshman class candidates for Student Organization of Kean University's Class of 2014 governmental spots have officially launched their campaign spirit. A week of tabling and school politic driven discussions has passed, and now the eager presidential candidates are geared towards a new element to the election - debates. Monday, September 27, 2010, is the day these potential freshman class presidents will speak on the issues urgent to them. Debates will be held in the University Center's Little Theater during the campus's college hour, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.The seven running positions for freshman class president mark this particular election as one of the largest in Kean's history. Charles Curtis, Carl Holley, Danielle Ingram, Rob Lerner, Brian Mizeski, Anthony Viera, and Jonathan Wortman are the seven who will be competing for the chance to call themselves the voice of the freshman class. Since each candidate has their own history, ambitions, values, and unique personality, this article details some the stances they wish to share with their peers. Freshman students are encouraged to join these candidates on debate day to find their best potential leader.Charles Curtis

As the president representative for his team, 'Fresh Perspective', Charles Curtis is all about the optical stance in this election. "Most don't see the importance of the freshman class," says Curtis. "Yet, [the freshman class] is the one that sets the bar." Listening, says Curtis, is more about not having a narrowed vision than it is about auditory capabilities. Curtis believes that listening makes one more flexible in their goals, thus, listening is an attribute of a leader.

Curtis, a political science major, derives his competitive debate skills from early trainings in 'Practical Politics', a high school based group that utilizes speech strategy and mock trials. Hailing from Camden, NJ, Curtis wants his peers to know that any conclusions prematurely drawn connecting his origins and his character need be rethought. "It's not about where you're from," quotes Curtis, "it's about where you're going."

Carl Holley

Camaraderie amongst diversity is the primary goal for Carl Holley, president representative for the 'Leaders With Purpose' (L.W.P.) ticket. When scouting for running mates, diversity was important to build strength, noted Holley. It was while walking Kean's grounds that Holley realized, despite Kean's celebratory status as a diverse institution, there is still self-segregation among the student body. "I want to accomplish a kind of 'family feel' among them," stated Holley. Holley brings experience with new student integration having been in a leadership program that works with incoming high school students; the program was entitled 'Prestigious Leadership".

Holley says he is ready for the challenges that come with freshman class president. Similarly, Holley is out to prove that pursuing a biology degree is one step closer to becoming a doctor; an occupation many tell him is out of his reach. To that, Holley says smiling, "I love the challenge."

Danielle Ingram

As the only independent running candidate for freshman class president, Danielle Ingram admits, "I have my work cut out for me." Tired of being a spectator, Ingram wants to switch gears in her life and try to take a more proactive role in student leadership. "Kean is a beautiful establishment, but there is always room for improvement," says Ingram. Though Ingram is technically running solo in this election, Ingram says she can rely on friends, her 'troops' as she calls them, for assistance with networking opportunities and canvassing.

Ingram says she is determined; but from an outside perspective, many may not see that often serious portrayed persona that comes with determination. Ingram says, "I am the average student; that's why I'm relatable." Approachability is a component Ingram says is important in a leader, and with a self-proclaimed 'bubbly' personality, she is more than approachable; she is inviting.

Rob Lerner

"Small thinkers end up having small results," says Rob Lerner, president representative for his self-titled ticket. Lerner, a business management major, wants the freshman class to know that he thinks 'BIG'. The prospective plans that Lerner is eager to tackle are long-standing issues within the university. The issue of constructing a new parking area is on Lerner's list of hot topics, not just as a commuter student himself, but as a potential student leader voice. Another issue of concern for Lerner is the strengthening of inter-departmental promotion.

Lerner hopes that by taking on issues that are seemingly large scale, the progress will physically 'snowball' to a better campus for the class of 2015. Lerner wants his value for persistence to be known. In a passionate proclamation, Lerner quotes the legendary football coach, Vince Lombardi, "Winners never quit and quitters never win."

Brian Mizeski

Having just invested time into school politics during his senior year of high school, Brian Mizeski says he feels a though he missed an opportunity, but is looking to make up for it by seizing want Kean's student government has to offer. Mizeski says he has always had an interest in politics. For Mizeski, however, it is not about what you know, but rather what you can learn. In preparing for the freshman class debates, Mizeksi says he has been doing his research on Kean. In addition, Mizeski says he has been making an effort to consult with his freshman peers on what issues have already impacted them. Appropriately, Mizeski represents his team, 'Voice of Kean'.

As an athletic training major, Mizeski believes in having an active lifestyle. Mizeski helped to initiate a flag football league on Kean, an accomplishment he says is the direct manifestation of his ticket's belief - 'Work + Fun = Success'.

Anthony Viera

As president representative for the ticket "Get It Done", Anthony Viera says he is out to make even the "small things" a big deal. "People are most likely to invest themselves in something that is a big deal," commented Viera. Most students will take small change for granted, which is unfortunate, thinks Viera; according to the self-proclaimed "natural born leader", attention to seemingly smaller details sparks true progress. Viera says that he recognizes the fault that lies with blind ambition. "A lot of candidates will make broken promises," warns Viera. He comments on the responsibility that freshman class candidates need to uphold. "Everything [Get It Done] says and does now is painting a path for the next class."

Viera, a public administration major, knows the possibility of 'blind voting'. He wants to freshman class to get to know their choices for president, even if that results in a loss. "I want them to know they are making the right choice."

Jonathan Wortman

"As a leader, I know when to follow," stated Jonathan Wortman, physical education major and president representative for the ticket, 'Team 14''. Wortman says he embodies many of the attributes associated with leadership: drive, charisma, and compassionate. Being able to listen to wiser words when they are presented though, is the true test of a leader, thinks Wortman. Though leadership has been his mind prior to the start of the semester, Wortman says he is not above lending a supportive hand. Wortman has volunteered in the Kean recording-breaking blood drive, movie night event, and culture fest thus far. Wortman is also a participant in the Bronze Leadership Program.

Wortman wants to focus his first initiatives on bridging the gap between commuter and resident students. Even as a commuter student, Worton feels that Kean should be the place that its students call 'home'.