I feel like a terrible person for letting this go so long...the forums are where it's at for posting, it seems. That, and I sold out to myspace.
But, for those of you who might be interested, here's the EPram platform, 2006. I welcome any questions, comments, good recipies, etc :). It also starts out with a fun, pompous quote from Goethe, so enjoy!
Emily Pramik
Divide and rule, a sound motto. Unite and lead, a better one. ~Goethe
My vision for the 2006-07 Youth Governorship can be summed up as a commitment to the individual Youth and Government experience. The level of individual growth that the program offers to its participants is truly its greatest contribution. In a society where most of our education is about answers, Youth and Government is a forum of inquiry; it is about using our minds and thinking for ourselves in a world that is soon to be ours. The Model Legislature experience (the only word for it) is more real than anything that can be read in a textbook. Here is where we grow, and my ultimate goal as Governor is to facilitate that growth, and to ensure that, from the delegate's level and beyond, Pennsylvania's Youth and Government program is all that it can be: one of the strongest in the nation.
Youth and Government
This commitment to the individual experience held within my administration will be realized through several objectives:
Ø Increased resources: better training for club officers in the beginning of the year and research opportunities for bill sponsors and lawyers at Model
Ø Increased information: sharing of fundraising ideas and information on financial aid
Ø Increased scope: greater recruitment and middle school outreach
Ø Accessible and visible leadership that transcends boundaries for a stronger, more united Youth and Government
Many of these objectives can be achieved through an integral part of my platform: the revival of a statewide, overnight Servant Leadership Training event. This event will bring the two sides of the state together at the beginning of the year, giving officers the chance to meet with each other, trade various concerns (such as fundraising and recruitment) from every side and corner of the Commonwealth, and come up with solutions that are mutually beneficial. In addition to addressing program concerns, the officers will also take part in an Issues Summit to address the very real problems our Commonwealth faces, and may take fresh ideas back to their clubs when it comes time to start writing bills and debating. Experiences gained from attending CONA and the Elections Conventions of both sides of the state this year convince me that there is great talent and leadership from all regions and the current divisiveness in the Pennsylvania program is its greatest weakness. This event would be a first, great step to overcoming this division.
CONA alumni know the convenience of a research lab at the Conference. It is my goal as Governor to assist in the successful setup of a research center for delegates at Model to both improve quality of debate and assist lawyers and lobbyists in their presentations. Finally, I feel a change in the Judicial program to include trial scenarios and cases built around previously-signed legislation will raise the level of interest and excitement that it holds for all YAG delegates.
The quality of leadership that I can promise is that of a leader of the Youth and Government program as a whole. Year after year, my experience in YAG has been exciting and diverse. In addition to my experience as a bill author and co-sponsor, I have served several elected positions since my freshman year as a member of the Press Corps. These include serving as the vice president of ESY Green and the Blue Senate Committee Chair of Current Events my sophomore year, as a delegate to this past summer's Conference on National Affairs, and my current presidency within my club and Senate Law and Justice committee chairmanship. Outside of these positions, my activities have ranged from chairing the 2006 Eastern Mock Committee to setting up Ultimate Frisbee games between ESY delegates. I plan to be just as visible and active in the position of Youth Governor, with an administrative presence in committees and accessibility of my decisions and reasoning extended to all delegates.
My Ideology
I believe that one should try to gain an understanding of the political bias and character of a candidate before making an educated vote. My political ideology is one centered on the individual and their right to lead their life with dignity on their own terms. I believe that government should act always as the servant of the public; in my experience, however, it seems this vision is lost when legislators forget the bigger picture and become mere politicians, when the struggle for power or a particular moral agenda eclipses the intended function of government – to guarantee the liberty of its people. My goals as a leader are to ensure that not only the interests of the Youth and Government program are met, but that it continues to be a forum for open debate and reason vital to the preservation of government in its intended form. The following are issues that I believe currently affect our state in a great way, and are soon to become true concerns as we take what we have gained from YAG and step out as the leaders in our communities:
Education:
The future of our state and nation depends on the quality of education that our youth receive. I believe that a good education is accessible to all students who are willing to work to achieve it, but in a system where responsibility is placed on the instructor for all students’ success despite a lack of proper resources and curriculum flexibility, this individual drive to succeed is wasted. I believe that a better education system starts with a smarter focus on the source of education – teachers. In our state and nation, there is a severe lack of recognition for these educators who are so vital to our success. Better pay and benefits to encourage quality teachers to enter the profession, as well as a greater emphasis on guidance as the support system for students who are struggling will help to strengthen Pennsylvania’s education.
Economy and Quality of Life:
In only a few short years we will become members of the workforce, and as young leaders in our state it is up to us to ensure that Pennsylvania holds the opportunity that we seek. Pennsylvanians continue to be highly concerned about their economic futures and quality of life. I believe a tax structure that is friendlier toward developing business, as well as reliable and adequate funding for public transportation and infrastructure will contribute to economic growth where PA needs it most. Additional funding for arts and culture in our Commonwealth is an investment in urban success, and will contribute the state’s already remarkable wealth of resources. To further improve our quality of life, more affordable healthcare achieved through medical liability reform including case mediation is urgent. All of these actions I believe will assist in creating job opportunities, lowering the cost of living in Pennsylvania, and improving Pennsylvanians’ satisfaction with their Commonwealth.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my views, and I strongly encourage you to approach me with any additional questions you may have. I ask for your support to become Pennsylvania’s 60th Youth Governor, and for the incredible opportunity to provide strong leadership that never forgets the bigger picture.
Thank you!
Emily C. Pramik
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