Carlo Albano and Albulena Shabani are running for Student Association president and vice president as members of the Independent Milwaukee Panther Party.

How do you plan to improve and restore the reputation of the SA in the eyes of the students?

Carlo Albano: Engagement and education. Its a sad fact that all students of UWM are actually members of SA, yet the majority of them dont know what it can accomplish or even that it exists. The SA is our voice, and we need outreach to become unified on the critical issues that make up our current student crisis.

Albulena Shabani: The only way for this to happen is through reform in many aspects of SA, but primarily in student involvement. Many students do not know that student government exists. This is problematic. How can students have a voice in the decisions that directly impact them if their leaders in student government do not make an extraordinary strive to understand their needs? In the end, only student involvement will change the perception of SA.

What is your primary goal or focus as president/ vice president?

CA: To show students the power of the state statute of shared governance. This is a state statute that says we have the right to make decisions and policies that affect us as students. My focus is to engage and unify the student body to use our constitutional right to lower tuition, provide better financial aid, and an improved overall education in several failing areas. This voice is our right and it has been denied by SA corruption for too long.

AS: To serve the students by communicating with them and understanding what they need, by developing budgets and policies that put the students, student organizations, centers, and services above all else.

How do you plan to incorporate students into your vision for the upcoming year?

CA: Outreach is the only way to make truly democratic changes to the betterment of our education and financial situation. When we can show the administration and our state government that we are unified in our demands such as a freeze in the tuition that increases at five times the rate of inflation, and financial aid package that does not leave the average student in a debt of $20,000, we will make the necessary changes in our concerns.

AS: The vision for next year comes from the students, not from me or Carlo alone. It is the responsibility of leaders in SA to inform students about their government and what they can do to take an active role in the political process on campus.

What are the biggest issues in this campaign?

CA: Student government corruption foremost. This is what weve dealt with for the past three years. SUFC is only an extension in the legacy of student corruption and inner circles here at UWM. The MPP is a coalition of diverse students that have organized against this corruption for the entirety of this year.

AS: Most students on our campus understand the importance of environmental sustainability; thus this issue must become a priority in SA. I see no reason why our campus cannot have environmentally-sound architecture, more green space, and potentially even a student-run garden that will work closely with Growing Power to pioneer work in sustainable agricultural practices.

What would your first action/s be in office?

CA: A tuition freeze with a better financial aid package. Over 20,000 students at UWM use a financial aid package that is composed of 70 percent student loans and leaves the average student graduated with a $20,000 debt to pay off. Students are dropping out at an unprecedented rate today, and tuition rising at five times the rate of inflation does not help. This is unacceptable.

AS: Primarily it is important to beginning merging the gaps between students and their leaders in student government and elsewhere, particularly the state capitol. We will make the voice of the students heard.

What sets you apart from Rob and Amanda and why are you the best choice for the job?

CA: Everything. We lead the Independent party that is diverse and spread throughout the college, culture, and political spectrum of UWM. We believe that the only way to take care of this corruption we know so well is to dig out its root and plant a new seed. The time is now for real students for real change. Were average students that deal with financial and educational problems like everybody else does. We represent independence from corruption, stagnation and the self-serving government that has plagued our school for too long.

AS: Carlo and I are both organizers. The issues we have touched on today are things we have been working towards and will continue to work towards regardless of the outcome of this election. We understand the importance of participation and solidarity. We have the knowledge, experience and connections to completely reform the political process on our campus.

Any last message you would like to send to students?

CA: We need a new day for students. For too long weve heard slick rhetoric and party names that talk about unity. We are tired of the lies. Its the same thing every year, and students are left in the dark without any power for change. The Independent Milwaukee Party is here to bring a new day of real representation and open avenues for change. We are not the mainstream that goes with the flow of corruption, affordability crises and a decreasing quality of education.

AS: Change is nice, but reform is real!

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