[media-credit name=’NATALIE WEINBERGER/Herald Photo’ align=’alignright’ width=’336′][/media-credit]David Lapidus, University of Wisconsin freshman and Dane County Board of Supervisors candidate, spoke on behalf of his qualifications at a press conference Tuesday. In doing so, Lapidus highlighted a number of objectives and improvements he would like to see.

Lapidus said his main focuses in office would be campus public safety, increased research opportunities for faculty and students and lowering property taxes for small businesses in the City of Madison.

According to Lapidus, although he is only a freshman, he is well qualified for the position. Lapidus said he worked with Illinois State Representative Beth Coulson both as a volunteer and a paid intern. He added this previous experience has taught him not only about the legislative process, but also about the importance of honesty in politics.

"Working with Rep. Coulson, I learned that successful governing involves, most importantly, honesty and integrity," Lapidus said.

Lapidus' political advisor Tim Schultz added the candidate is qualified for the position because

he is sympathetic to everyday issues regarding students. Furthermore, he said he would not get caught up in the bureaucratic aspect of being a member of the Dane County Board.

"[Lapidus] has shown he cares and will fight for issues concerning students," Schultz said. "His drive towards politics is about serving the constituency."

As a board member, Lapidus would receive a salary of $7,000. However, Lapidus said he plans to give half of his salary to keep the SAFEride program running. He said he feels this will continue to offer a safe option to getting around on campus.

"Last year, 94 rapes took place in Madison alone, and that is 11 rapes above the national average," Lapidus said. "That is completely unacceptable."

Lapidus added the continued existence and improvement of the SAFEride program would lower the number of cases of assault significantly. In addition to donating funds, Lapidus said he wants to eliminate ride limits and extra fees in the program.

Lapidus also expressed concern for the increasing property taxes burdening small business in Madison. He said he will push to lower property taxes for these small shops so they can stay in business.

"This practice of increasing property taxes is hurting the businesses that make Madison what it is," Lapidus added.

Lapidus also said he is interested in increasing tenant rights so residents, especially students living off campus, would be less likely to be treated unfairly with leases.

In handling this issue, he said Madison needs to implement a ranking system available for public input and viewing. The system would keep dependable and honest landlords in business and prevent students from encountering unreliable or unfair landlords.

Decreasing levels of phosphorous in Lake Mendota and non-enforcement of marijuana laws in Dane County are additional problems Lapidus said he plans to take on if elected.

Lapidus said as a candidate, he does not just have "talking points" — he has solutions.

Lapidus added he is not running under a party platform because he simply wants student support.

"I ask all students to unite with me," Lapidus said. "We can make some real progress as a team, not as a party."