Rutgers students to run for county freeholder spots
Mary Diduch; Daily Targum, Rutgers
Issue date: 4/16/09 Section: National College News
While many seniors are planning their graduation parties and preparing for post-Rutgers life, two students are plunging head-on into the realm of politics.
Douglass College senior Candice Greaux and graduate student Jusleine Daniel will run for two of three available Middlesex County Freeholder positions in the June 2 primary election.
Greaux, who has experience in various levels of student government and the University Senate, said she is qualified like any person running would be.
"I am concerned about what people want, what kind of services they want, what kinds of structures they want, and I want the opportunity to learn a little bit about that and hopefully apply it in county government," she said.
Greaux said her priority now, since it is early, is to gather information on the issues people are concerned about.
"I definitely do know that the people wish the county could improve their deliverance of shared services between towns," she said.
But people are concerned about younger individuals running for office and have pre-conceived notions about college students.
"I think that there's some level of hostility toward young people in politics at times, so I think that's going to be the most challenging part about all of this, trying to let people know that even though I'm only 23, I'm still a qualified candidate," Greaux said.
She became involved when the Middlesex County Republican Organization contacted her for the position. At the county's Republican convention on March 28, she became officially endorsed to run for freeholder.
"I think that the Republican Party is interested in having a diversity of candidates … I think it's something they haven't done before," Greaux said.
She said the fact that she is a University student is also helpful.
"Rutgers is the largest employer in the county, and I have that connection to this community," Greaux said.
She said for her, getting involved in politics is not a career, but a lifestyle.
Douglass College senior Candice Greaux and graduate student Jusleine Daniel will run for two of three available Middlesex County Freeholder positions in the June 2 primary election.
Greaux, who has experience in various levels of student government and the University Senate, said she is qualified like any person running would be.
"I am concerned about what people want, what kind of services they want, what kinds of structures they want, and I want the opportunity to learn a little bit about that and hopefully apply it in county government," she said.
Greaux said her priority now, since it is early, is to gather information on the issues people are concerned about.
"I definitely do know that the people wish the county could improve their deliverance of shared services between towns," she said.
But people are concerned about younger individuals running for office and have pre-conceived notions about college students.
"I think that there's some level of hostility toward young people in politics at times, so I think that's going to be the most challenging part about all of this, trying to let people know that even though I'm only 23, I'm still a qualified candidate," Greaux said.
She became involved when the Middlesex County Republican Organization contacted her for the position. At the county's Republican convention on March 28, she became officially endorsed to run for freeholder.
"I think that the Republican Party is interested in having a diversity of candidates … I think it's something they haven't done before," Greaux said.
She said the fact that she is a University student is also helpful.
"Rutgers is the largest employer in the county, and I have that connection to this community," Greaux said.
She said for her, getting involved in politics is not a career, but a lifestyle.
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