Day 1: Leland Pan for Dane County Supervisor

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Sunday March 30, 2014 · 6:09 PM PDT

2014/03/30 · 18:09

My New Years resolution for 2014 is to spend 16 afternoons volunteering with political campaigns, one for each day of the 2013 government shutdown. I finally crossed one of those afternoons off of my list today when I canvassed for Leland Pan for Dane County Supervisor.

I am in my first semester at UW-Madison and one of my primary goals as a new student was to learn more about politics on campus. The Dane County Supervisor race for District 5 caught my attention. Traditionally the seat is student held, with the student only holding the office for one term. This race caught my eye because the student who held the seat, Leland Pan, decided to run for re-election.

I am a big fan of tradition, especially a tradition that grants students the opportunity to participate in the political process, learn how to run a campaign and represent their community. I was confused - why was this guy running for re-election instead of giving someone else a shot?

I started looking into the race and ended up at the College Democrats of UW-Madison meeting, where interested candidates had the opportunity to debate. After the debate I realized that the choice was clear. Pan seemed focused on the issues that I find most important including diversity, housing for the homeless, creating a safer campus and generally improving the amount of student involvement in Dane County government.

When I showed up to canvass today, I had the good fortune of not only volunteering on a beautiful day, but my canvassing partner was Leland himself. I had the opportunity to get to know him better as we went door to door and I enjoyed learning about his work thus far on the Dane County Board and his plans for the future.

Getting to know Leland convinced me that my decision to support him in this election was the right decision. Though I do not live in his district, I highly recommend voting for him if you do. Leland is not only a great voice for students, but for Dane County as a whole.

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The Resolution

jenniferjohnson

Community (This content is not subject to review by Daily Kos staff prior to publication.)

Sunday January 12, 2014 · 4:25 PM PST

2014/01/12 · 16:25

The 16-day government shutdown in October, 2013 had a dramatic impact on the United States. The shutdown was a result of increasing tensions between political parties which have led to an irrational refusal on both sides of the aisle to work together. Though the shutdown was short, it has had a lasting impact on the US. When you consider the economic effects, the downward shifting view of the US in the international community and the individuals and families who continue to be affected, it makes me wonder. Was it worth it?

In October, I resolved to spend an afternoon volunteering for each day the shutdown continued. I will volunteer with candidates I support and candidates who have actively shown that they're willing to reach across the aisle to vote for what's right for the people they represent. Most of my volunteer activities will take place in Wisconsin, though I will set up volunteer visits in other states throughout the year.

I hope to bring attention to the division between parties throughout all levels of government, and learn about what we can do to encourage our elected officials to work together.

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