Of all the qualifications one would expect for a candidate running for University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA) representative, being the director of an organization founded to stop the formation of the UPUA isn't one of them.

Tom Shakely (sophomore-political science and economics) is the director of "PSU Stop," short for Safeguarding Traditions of Penn State. Shakely is running for an off-campus representative position on UPUA.

PSU Stop was founded last spring by a group of students, including members of the Undergraduate Student Government (USG).

Although the group aims to safeguard many Penn State traditions, stopping UPUA from replacing USG was one of its original goals.

Andy Banducci, a 2006 Penn State alumnus and former USG Senate President who helped create the group, said Shakely was actively involved in the debate last spring about whether UPUA should be created through postings on his blog, "Tom Shakely and Friends," www.tomshakely.com.

Banducci said when Shakely became the most involved person in PSU Stop who was still a student, the group thought it was appropriate to give him the title of "director" this fall.

Shakely said he still has a "healthy skepticism" about UPUA -- a fact that is underscored by Shakely's frequent blog postings on PSU Stop's Web site, www.psustop.com.

In the past few weeks, he has criticized administrative influence in UPUA and UPUA's elections code and constitution. He has also criticized Jay Bundy's campaign for UPUA president.

"Actually Mr. Bundy, if you're looking to provide some better mental health for the campus, it might serve you well to offer an actual campaign platform. Also, your blatant references to illicit drugs in the 'Best Jay in Town' flyers are a disgrace," he wrote in an e-mail to the Daily Collegian on Thursday.

Bundy said the slogan was not a reference to illegal drugs, but rather a "humorous jab" at his opponent Jay Chamberlin.

Shakely said he still thinks students should give UPUA a change to be successful.

"As students we have to at least see what we can or can not accom-

plish for undergraduates through UPUA rather than rejecting the body outright," he wrote on the PSU Stop Web site.

But Shakely said he doesn't think USG is a "lost cause."

"USG probably can and will continue to do great things for the student body," he said.

Shakely said he is not running on any specific platform but wants to accomplish "positive things for the student body."

Nick Stathes, USG president, said he agrees students should run for UPUA even though he disagrees with some aspects of the organization. He said he "commends" students who are running for UPUA and has met a number of them.

"They seem like strong leaders, all of them," he said.

Stathes said he hoped UPUA representatives could work with USG in the future.

Shakely said PSU Stop isn't planning to hold any events before next Wednesday's UPUA elections.

"The last thing we want to do is discourage voting," he said.