This Week In Review Part 2

I cannot believe that elections are only 2 days away! This week has been so exciting and full of great events. We began officially campaigning this past Wednesday, and I must say, you all have tremendous ideas for our campus and ways to leave your legacy on this campus. It has been so refreshing to see students in support of our Aim Higher initiative and Soft Closing of Bars referendum. We already have over 2,000 signatures in just one week!

Not only have I been able to talk directly to you all about my plans if I were to become elected but I have also was able to express those ideas and thoughts at the Student Government Debate. Over 200 students made time out of their busy schedules to learn more about both parties and platforms. It was so humbling to sit on-stage with my amazing executive ticket and see you all out there in the audience showing support and enthusiasm for our platform.

I went to the Engineer Fair this week and got to see all of the engineering societies display their organizations and disciplines within the engineer school. After the fair, some Engineering students wore a Mario costume and Lego Man outfit to flyer for the Engineer Week events.

After the Engineer Fair I was interviewed by two reporting students in regards to the increase of diversity in Student Government in recent years and an interview that went into my personal life and what I like to do in my free time. I am sure many of you wonder what I do in my free time and how I manage such a hectic schedule. The one thing that always keeps me going is my inspiration and role model, my grandfather. He came to America with only $7 in his pockets and began working for a manufacturing plant in the defense industry. He always knew he wanted a better life than he had in Italy and wanted to be the owner of a successful company one day as well. That drive and dedication is what made him the man he was and the grandfather he was to me. Unfortunately he passed away when I was 7 years old from cancer that had grown so rapidly that within six months of his diagnosis he had passed away. His legacy and passion is what keeps me going each and everyday even when the going gets tough.

Each year and every semester, elections are a time for all members of the University of Florida to come together. Elections signify new beginnings--a chance to do things better than we have ever done them before. And I am so hopeful that I, along with the rest of the Swamp Party, can work together--work with all of you--to create a better future for us all.

So if you haven't had a chance to talk to me (or even if you have and just want to come say hi again!) I will be around campus all week.
Go Gators!

Reg. Pol. Ad. J. Michaels

Signatures to support initiatives!

Swamp Party and I are collecting signatures to show support for the soft closing of bars and Aim Higher Florida. Make sure to find me or any member of Swamp Party to sign these petitions!

Reg. Pol. Ad. J. Michaels

This Week In Review

Hey Gators!
Thank you to everyone who has been so interested in my blog. We have had over 2,500 viewers since the inception of the Bonarrigo for President blog. I thought I would write a week in review post today so you all see what I have been doing and how much Swamp Party is doing.

Our campaign has numerous positions ranging from Spokesperson to Chief Strategist. All of our executive members have been hard at work putting on events and going to student organization meetings to make sure everyone's voices are heard in our platform. Platform generation is something unique and special to Swamp Party where we scour campus to gain feedback from students on what they want to see improved or added to our campus. If you have any additional ideas that you may not have given us go to our website and Submit an Idea!

This week I have been hard at work attending meetings ranging from Women Organizations to Collegiate Veterans. As one of the founders of Aim Higher, a student initiative aimed at fighting tuition increases, we held a pep rally this past Wednesday at Turlington Plaza where we had students fill out post cards that will be brought to the State Capitol and signed petitions to show their support for Aim Higher. It was exciting to meet with so many students who share the same sentiments as I do about tuition and how we can not take another hike in tuition this next year. I even had some time to surprise my sister on Thursday at her softball game against my High School, Spruce Creek.

Campaigning is not just serious business; there needs to be some fun stuff! We took our candidates photo thanks to John Parady Photography by the "This Is The Swamp..." side of the stadium. I may be a little biased but it looks pretty awesome.

Some things to look out for this upcoming week:

1. I will be campaigning this week across campus, so stop by if you have any ideas or things you would like to see me fight for.
2. We will be announcing our official platform! 
3. There will be a debate between both parties hosted by FLC/BSU/HSA on Wednesday. Check out Facebook for more information!
4. Watch Harlem Shake  for a preview of what might happen this week.... 

Go Gators! 

reg.pol.ad.j.michaels 

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Aim Higher Rally

Aim Higher Florida is a student-run campaign to increase funding in higher education. The campaign, which originated at UF, has a simple message: higher education is an investment, not an expense. We believe that the increase in educational funding will have a direct effect on Florida's economic prosperity. And with this outside funding, Aim Higher can help keep tuition low.

Today, Aim Higher held a rally in Turlington Plaza to raise awareness about the campaign and to gain insight into how the students felt about it. I had so much fun promoting such a significant, relevant cause. Come on Gators, let's aim higher!

Reg.Pol.Ad.J.Michaels