USG Town Caucus names two new student senators

Robert Gallo and Brad Solensky may find the Undergraduate Student Government Senate the perfect place to work on their goals of improving relations with the State College Borough Council and making the University more welcoming to freshmen.

Gallo (junior-premedicine) and Solensky (sophomore-engineering) were appointed as town senators by the Town Caucus during committee break at the senate meeting Tuesday night.

Although he's never been involved with student government before, Gallo would like to address the problems with landlord/tenant relations in town. In particular, Gallo said he would like to work to ensure that landlords return security deposits.

Another of Gallo's priorities is to work with University Faculty Senate to improve education.

"I'd like to push the idea of teaching first and researching second to make Penn State more caring," he said.

Gallo was very impressive in his Senate Appropriations Review Board interview and had a great deal of potential, Town Senator William O'Keefe said. O'Keefe added Solensky's experience with the council through the Interfraternity Council will be very helpful.

Solensky has worked with the Fraternity Purchasing Association, which provides funds for food for fraternities and sororities, this past year. The recent proposal by the borough that will limit student housing is one of his concerns.

"They're going to keep throwing us curves," he said. "We have to fight every step along the way."

His concern about the general education requirements, especially the physical education requirement, has encouraged him to get involved with the general education committee.

One town senate position and one Pollock/Nittany senate position remain open.