Students at the University of Wisconsin have so much to be proud of. From our fervor at athletic events to our unmatched dedication in the classroom, we truly are a student body made up of good citizens. In my short time here on campus, I?ve quickly grown to love the civic activism that engages students across campus. From quality student newspapers, radio and blogs to campus organizations, we have continued the tradition of forward thinking that has set UW apart. But resting on our laurels would be irresponsible ? and unfitting for us as students of this great university.

Over the past two years, residents of Dane County?s 5th district have been poorly represented. We have watched as the student voice has been marginalized by poor attendance and a lack of dedication to improving both the district and Dane County as a whole. When so much around the world is constantly on the news, it is easy for elected officials to lose sight of the challenges our community faces. I intend to change that.

I believe quality representation for District 5 is important, because it is the only seat where students are a majority of the constituency. Sadly, the District 5 supervisor is often the only one standing up for students when issues of land use, zoning, crime and social services come before the county board. Although I am new to campus, I already understand and appreciate the importance of having an active voice and what it can mean for students. I feel that over the coming months, you will see I am fully prepared and excited to be that voice.

I am running for this position to bring forward issues important to students and to make them aware of the opportunities and challenges facing them. District 5 needs a supervisor dedicated to his constituents and accepting the responsibility of being a member of the board. We need a supervisor who will reach out to students and bring the county board to them.

There are a number of important issues facing the county. I strongly support increasing county efforts to improve the quality of our lakes and preserve our natural resources. One of the great treasures of our campus is the beautiful lake which we reside on. Ensuring the beauty and vitality of Lake Mendota will be a top priority. The lakes are the lifeline of this county; they are an excellent source of revenue and key to our public health. I will also work in favor of the Parks and Open Space Plan to protect public parks and land that surrounds water and wetlands.

As the population of Dane County increases, the homeless population continues to grow. I want to find new ways to reduce the number of people living on the streets. By creating new incentives for companies to hire impoverished citizens and providing vocational education programs to those who cannot afford them, we can help improve the lives of many people who also call District 5 their home. In addition, I would also work to maintain existing affordable housing, as well as to increase the quality and availability of affordable housing in the future.

Further, I strongly advocate the improvement of the county?s public transportation system. Specifically, I stand behind the concept of the Regional Transit Authority, which would combine our roads, rail, bus and bicycle routes into a single transit system. The RTA would make the entire county more accessible and would provide a cheaper and more effective way to travel. This would also particularly benefit students, providing easier transportation on and off campus, giving us new options on where to work and play. The RTA would help to fight pollution, accommodate Dane County?s growing population and increase students? mobility.

Lastly, I want to see Dane County focus on tourism as a way to expand our economy. Dane County is a great destination for everyone; whether they are looking for a scenic vacation or a place to hold their next conference, we can do more to reach out and bring them here. Finding ways to supplement school districts? efforts to improve our education system, maintaining and bettering the Rape Crisis Center, solving our current jail crisis and, most importantly, making more students aware of the importance the county government plays in their lives will all be goals during my term as your supervisor.

Finding ways to protect the beauty and wealth of resources offered by parks and lakes starts here in Dane County. Encouraging businesses to meet the highest ethical and environmental standards while creating more jobs begins here in Dane County. Dane County is growing faster than any other Wisconsin county. But with new developments come new problems. I?m ready for the challenge, and I hope to have your support during the coming months.

Conor O?Hagan ([email protected]) is a freshman majoring in engineering. He is also a District 5 candidate for the Dane County Board of Supervisors.