#juliatowsen

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Candidate Articles

Mikayla Tillary, a junior in her second year of YAG, is running for Governor. Mikayla started off her YAG career in eighth grade, but she did not continue the following year. Joining again her sophomore year, Mikayla really enjoyed YAG, and she knew that she wanted to be in a leadership position. As a Gold Committee Chair last year, Mikayla has worked closely with new members. If elected, Mikayla’s primary goal is to bring accessibility to everyone in YAG regardless of financial status. She also wants to unite Judicial, Legislative, and Press Corps delegates. Mikayla believes that being from a smaller delegation gives her a bit of a disadvantage, but she is nonetheless hopeful about the future.

Sam Bisno, a third-year member, is running for Governor. Bisno joined Youth and Government on a whim because he always had an interest in politics, and he had been volunteering in political campaigns from a young age. Because of his involvement in YAG, Bisno has seen himself grow as a person and a speaker, and he wants to give everyone that same opportunity. If elected, he plans to reach out to colleges to inform them about YAG. Additionally, Bisno hopes to facilitate meetings between YAG delegates and members of the state government, including Governor Wolf and House Speaker Turzai. Right now, he is helping all three groups prepare for YAG so they can get the most out of their experience.

Nishant Jayachandran, a third-year member of YAG, and he is running for Governor. Jayachandran has served in both the House and the Senate, and he has served as treasurer and secretary within his delegation. If elected, Jayachandran intends to connect the three branches by informing delegates about the branches they do not participate in. His primary goal is to help delegates understand the power of their voice. He says his unique experiences in YAG has shaped him into the person that he is today, and he hopes that the program will do amazing things long after he is gone.

A leader must inspire, be confident, and as a current member of the Youth and Government legislative branch, David Mailman plans to improve all aspects of the YAG community. Having gained many valuable skills and information through the program, Mailman sees it fitting that he give back to the members through the position of Youth Governor. “While I have not served in statewide positions, I feel as though it has helped me better understand the direct needs of the delegates” Mailman said. A primary idea of his is to create a voluntary exchange program where different community service opportunities will be available to all delegates statewide. Mailman is very excited for this Model weekend and is looking forward to what it brings.

Zach Donaldson, a sophomore in his second year of YAG, is running for Blue Lieutenant Governor. Donaldson, an announcer for the Seneca Valley football team, believes he is very good at communicating. He is also very knowledgeable on Senate procedure because of his experience in the Gold Senate. As Blue Lieutenant Governor, Zach would work on improving the Senate by using Pre-Leg to train senators. Additionally, Donaldson hopes to make everyone feel ready to jump in by making everyone feel comfortable. Zach, a sophomore running for a PO position, believes that he brings a fresh, young face to the table. He adds that he is a hard worker who is ready to get the job done.  

Daevan Mangalmurti, a third-year member, is running for Blue Lieutenant Governor. From his first year in YAG, Mangalmurti reported feeling at home in the senate. Currently, Mangalmurti serves as the program’s Gold Lieutenant Governor, and he believes this experience will allow him to more effectively serve in the Blue Senate. Mangalmurti is also very active within his delegation, where he currently serves as the Legislative advisor. If elected, Mangalmurti plans to continue working on transparency, party reform, and improving the environment in the Senate.   

With aspirations to be the 2019-2020 Blue Lieutenant Governor, Moosa Qureshi from the Hershey delegation is excited for the coming Model weekend. Qureshi has been in Youth and Government since he was in 8th grade. Since joining, he has served in the gold house and blue chambers and been a committee chair for both. Qureshi says that he “is truly looking to give back to the club.” He has seen the things that need to be addressed within the Senate and has ideas to make those changes. “I want to make communication easier between the delegate and the P.O,” Qureshi said. By utilizing the website, he hopes to make positive changes if elected. Qureshi is looking forward to being back in the chambers this weekend.

Running for Speaker of the House, Jonas Cream is a Hershey delegate who wants to see the house become a better chamber overall. Cream believes that communicating with the delegates and leaders will allow for higher levels of debates in the house. His platform consists of two major goals; the first being communication with the delegates and chairs throughout model and posting his bill calendar on Twitter and Instagram. The second major goal is the delegates and the changes they want to see happen within the house, as they are who he is working for. Cream wants to give back to the House and help delegates feel as inspired as he is about the legislative program. He is prepared and ready to work at Model this weekend.

Radwan Azim is a third year delegate from East Shore, and he is hoping to serve as Blue Speaker of the House next year. Azim was “inspired by previous leaders within the senate,” and he wants to leave that same impact on delegates to come. Due to his admiration of past speakers, Azim seeks to not only emulate the qualities they have introduced, but he hopes to expand on them as well. He plans to increase communication, openness between delegates, and purposeful, constructive debate.  

Jackson Bouffard of the Boyertown delegation is running to be next year’s Blue Speaker of the House. His time spent as Gold Committee Chair made him realize that delegates are often left in the dark when it came to the status of their bill. If elected Blue Speaker, Bouffard plans on creating an Instagram page with the intent to post the bill calendar, therefore allowing delegates to be aware of when their bill may be coming up, giving them time to prepare. He also plans on increasing communication lines with the committee chairs and delegates to ensure that everyone is up to speed with bill calendar. Bouffard “believes in a strong open environment for delegates that is safe and comfortable for everyone, so debate is efficient, while also more carefree, where everyone gets their ideas across in a respectful manner.”

Nik Schuster, a third-year member, is running for Blue Speaker of the House. Schuster’s interest in politics and his belief in public service inspired him to join YAG. Since joining, Schuster held the title of Gold Committee Chair and Gold Senator, and he believes his experiences in both the House and the Senate will aid him as Blue Speaker. If Nik is elected, his main goal is to improve communication between the House, the Senate, Committee Chairs , and the delegates. Nik’s involvement in government outside of YAG is what sets him apart from the rest of the candidates.   

Heather Wittmer, a fourth-year member, is running for Chief Justice. After a friend convinced Wittmer to join YAG, she started out in the legislative branch, but she later found her voice in the judicial program. Wittmer, who has served as her club’s treasurer and judicial advisor, is incredibly active within her delegation. Additionally, she served as a Justice the past two years, and she believes her experience in these positions makes her a qualified candidate. But that is not the only thing that sets her apart from her opponents. Her sense of conviction and hunger for others to succeed has motivated her as a Justice. If elected, Wittmer hopes to help everyone delegate find their voice just as she did.  

Ashley Benner, a second-year delegate, is running for Chief Justice. Last year, her first year in the program, Benner felt she grew immensely throughout the weekend. The “encouraging words” of the previous Chief Justice allowed Benner to flourish as an attorney, granting her “the most confidence I’ve ever felt.” Additionally, Benner started the Judicial branch within her delegation last year, so she feels that she understands the needs of both new and returning members. If elected, Benner hopes to use the website to make information more accessible, and she intents to foster camaraderie between the Justices by encouraging communication before Model Convention.

As a current Justice and aspiring Chief Justice, Mackenzie Skinner plans to implement many workshops to create a different atmosphere for the attorneys and Youth and Government newcomers. With her past years of experience, she can understand the struggles and aspects of the judicial branch that need to be improved. A goal of Skinner’s is “to possibly integrate with the other branches.” She hopes to enhance communication between the branches as well as make many important documents and information accessible with ease. Skinner aims for many incoming members to build a base for future years of participating in YAG. Her principal incentive is derived from a well-stocked group of family members, many that have participated in occupations regarding law or aspects of the justice system. Skinner presents herself as a visionary for future members of YAG. She focuses on her past experience as a crucial aspect of her candidacy.

Those who are veterans of the judicial program can recall their hearts pounding as Justice Avi Lukacher unwove their arguments thread by thread. However, the once relentless justice has turned a new leaf as he prepares to be a justice once again. With aspirations of becoming Chief Justice, he “really wants to give back to the judicial branch.” The two facets of his platform are justices and attorneys. Lukacher felt that they “could be a little lacking in how to operate a courtroom.” He wants to “teach justices how to meaningfully interact with attorneys.” With attorneys, Lukacher wishes to give them “the greatest opportunities to ask questions,” so that the unreasonable confusion that may occur can be solved.  

Bright in spirit and enthusiasm, Michelle Donaghy is eager to bring her ideas to the Press Corps if elected as Editor in Chief. Her foundation for her platform “encouraging creativity and fostering collaboration between branches.” Donaghy’s background in photography has inspired not only her passion, but her drive to push beyond what is expected. She has many ideas that she wishes to implement such as a photobook to be presented at the conclusion of Model Convention. Donaghy is looking forward to April, and she is excited about what it may bring.

Running for Editor in Chief, Emma Lamoreaux from the Hershey delegation has had the privilege to watch the press core grow over the past three years. With this being said, she has also seen some of the small simple issues that can easily be fixed, in order to make the branch work best to better fit the members involved. Lamoreaux believes that everyone deserves to have a great experience with great mentors and so much more. Her platform includes meeting and discussing with delegates to better explain her campaign, as well as reassembling the press positions, which will allow members to write more effectively. Lamoreaux wants to hold a meeting with all of the elected officials to set an agenda/goals, and to also help members get on their feet once they’re familiar with the guidelines. With these goals in mind, Lamoreaux is excited to get to work this Model weekend.

Marisa Laemmle is a sophomore,and she is in her second year of YAG. Marisa’s interest in government and expressing one’s opinion is what inspired her to join YAG. She has been in the Press branch both years of her YAG career. As Press Manager this year, she plans to become Editor in Chief next year.Her experience as Press Manager and her currently working close with the Editor in Chief gives her the experience to be next year’s Editor in Chief. Marisa’s main goal as Editor in Chief would be to educate the Press delegates of the other branches. She intends to do this by having Press delegates sit in on Judicial and Legislative meetings to correctly report on them. She also intends to grow smaller delegations, Press branches and help Press delegates by meeting with him or her one on one. Additionally, Marisa believes her experience with written reporting will aid her if elected.

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Controversies in Governor’s Election

It is likely that most of the delegates attending this Model convention have already heard about the provoking discussion that was sparked by the article in Friday’s newspaper. However, for those not aware of what controversies the article entailed, the article “Nathan Ellis Drops from Governor Race,” mentioned a preferred candidate in the Governor’s race by Nathan Ellis himself. The Press Corps wants to encourage articles that spark debate and report on the facts and opinions of others.

Nathan Ellis was planning on running for next year’s Youth Governor, but dropped out shortly before the weekend of Model. After an interview was published in the Capitol Chronicle about this subject, many were shocked to see Ellis publicly sharing his support of one candidate over the other. He does not regret a single word he said during that interview; “I was asked an honest question and I gave an honest answer,” Ellis answered; proudly. Honesty is all that can be asked from an interviewee, and that’s what was given. Ellis is unapologetic for his remarks, and believes that the press did their job well by reporting what he had said and meant. He knows that Youth and Government is a program that will be filled with controversial subjects because it has delegates with a wide variety of different beliefs and backgrounds. “We’re allowed to have our own opinions, it’s what we’re here for. I am proud of what I said and I encourage anyone to speak their mind and not let some drama get in the way.”

Editor in Chief, Gabby Pino, received some backlash for this article’s publication, and took it to social media later Friday night to explain where the Press Corps stands in this controversial article. Pino wanted to make it clear that, although opinions will always come up, they are not the Press Corps’s personal views and does not reflect the opinions of the Press Corps on the running candidates.  “Never will we endorse a candidate and there is never intentional bias released from the publications,” Pino ensures. She believes that the quote was a very necessary detail to include in the article. When a candidate drops out of a big race like this, people need to know what their thought process. This article did just that, and Ellis answered the questions with nothing less than honesty. Pino does not want any delegate entering the Press room without permission from an editor.

“ Youth and Government is a program where you need to vocalize your opinions, and it’s all about vocalizing opinions,” Ben Sheker, Youth Governor candidate, explained. “I think it was an opinion based article, and I’m totally cool with it. I have no problem with somebody vocalizing their opinions and endorsing a candidate in the Press. I think that’s what Youth and Government is all about. In no way do I see this as a controversy, and I see it as a positive thing, and in no way do I see it as a cheat to my campaign.” Sheker stated that whatever happens in the outcome of this election, he believes that both Sharma and himself are both suitable candidates for the Governor position. Sheker requested that his campaign team was not questioned, as he wanted to speak for himself upon how he personally interpreted the article.  

Rishin Sharma was just as surprised as the rest of the delegates to see Ellis’ endorsement. “Nathan Ellis is one of the best delegates within the YAG program and I respect him so much and still do. I was honestly sad after he dropped out of the race because anywhere in the program Nathan goes, success follows, and that's not me speaking as a governor candidate,” Sharma shared passionately. Sharma was not expecting Ellis to endorse him and was not aware of what Ellis had said until Friday’s article had been published.

Being involved in any form of government will come with its controversies. It is to be expected, so it is no surprise that some was sparked during this election. 

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Saying Goodbye to Seniors

Saying goodbye is never easy, and having to do so to our Youth and Government seniors is always heartbreaking. Some seniors have dedicated five years of their lives to YAG, while others may have only been involved for only one year. No matter how long these delegates have been a member, every individual has left their mark on the program.

Tanner Hoffman is a third year member in the program, and he is upset that this is his last. “It’s so cool being able to make such great friends,” Hoffman is happy to say that he is able to speak more confidently in front of people and is leaving the program with a life-long skill.

Anna Cozzi, Samuel Kelly, and Omer Qureshi all decided to join Governor Colin Black’s administration team for their senior year. This is Kelly and Qureshi’s fourth year in the program, while it is Cozzi’s third year. After reflecting on their time in YAG, Cozzi, Kelly, and Qureshi all agreed that the program had a major impact on their social speaking skills. The three had very different experiences in their coming up through YAG. “There are so many good memories made with friends that make it too hard to pick one,” Cozzi shared. They hope to give back as much as they have received from the program.

Gianna DeVincenzo has been working her hardest to make her final year memorable. She returned this year as a lobbyist and served as vice president in her delegation. DeVincenzo feels as though the connections made here are ones that will last a lifetime and there is no way to describe that feeling.

After dedicating four years to the Press Corps Maggie Ross is devastated that her time has come to an end, but is excited to use the skills she has acquired throughout the rest of her life. Ross has become much more confident when speaking to others and feels as though press has greatly improved her writing abilities. The program will always be one of the most influential experiences in his life.

Ashlee Reick is a second year member, and is a  Blue Representative. YAG has helped Reick explore her own individual values, and shape her character. “It has taught me how to advocate for other people.”

All things must come to an end, and YAG is no exception. The seniors this year will be missed by all of their fellow delegates and advisors, but their legacy will continue in for those to come.