Hello, my name is Daren McGregor '12 and I am running for SGA Treasurer.

If elected, I intend to bring the position back to where it belongs: the student body. Next year is not my last year at Colby, and I will be a Treasurer that plans for the years 2012 and 2013, in addition to 2011. I am ready, willing and able to level with clubs, the student body and the administration to promote a time at Colby where all students on campus genuinely feel that the SGA serves them.

I have spent the last two years on the SGA Finance Committee, working closely with the previous and current Treasurers. I have seen almost every single request for funding made over the last two years, and have played a major advisory role in those decisions. Every class event, from study breaks to Taco Nights, is evaluated. We coordinate funding for weekend events and performers, and for larger clubs and student-run publications, we distribute a budget. This experience granted me the chance to look at clubs and campus events from a different perspective. A big issue that a lot of students have with the SGA is a perceived disconnect between student government and students. I want to help surmount that by opening up funding requests to the entire campus. Under that policy, any individual with a great idea can approach the Treasurer and receive support for an event or activity that is good for the campus. While it is still up to the students to submit requests, good requests will be rewarded. This policy is in place at many other colleges in the nation, with success.

The best way to maintain the connection between SGA and the student body is an open mind. An informed Treasurer is an effective one; I intend to promote that through constant student feedback. By simply listening to responses after events, the SGA can learn a lot about how effectively money was spent, and how to better do so in the future. I will also expand the visibility of the Finance Committee, so that members of every class know that they have an advocate among their peers to ensure that their views are heard and respected. Lastly, communication goes two ways. If elected to the position of Treasurer, I would address the campus twice a month by e-mail to keep all students abreast of what the Treasurer is doing to best serve the campus. For a great 2009-2010 year, there needs to be a constant loop between the student body and SGA.

A key quality of an accountable Treasurer is transparency. By maintaining a high level of fiscal discipline and focus, if elected as Treasurer I will establish a clear and well-documented track record of all financial activities. Facts and figures will be checked for accuracy, and will be consistently tabulated to ensure their usefulness to future years. This diligence will also extend to dealing with the entire college. I will not just speak to club leaders, but club members as well. I will not just accept or reject funding for events, but attend them as well. Only positive things can happen with a hard-working Treasurer.


My largest goal if elected Treasurer is to establish a level of continuity within the office that will smooth the transitions from year to year and eliminate the disorganization that currently accompanies these transitions. To varying degrees of benefit, the position of Treasurer has been generally held by seniors, who regardless of their performance, will graduate and move on to professional life. Should I be elected to the position of Treasurer as a sophomore (and junior next year), every action that I take will be made with the full knowledge that I will live with the consequences on campus for the extent of my time at Colby. As such, I will take strides to ensure that the position of Treasurer can be made into a lasting institution that will provide stability and steadiness from year to year.

My name is Daren McGregor, and I am fully confident in my ability to perform in the office of Treasurer if elected by you, the student body.