Richard Shermanski, former president of the Liberal Arts Undergraduate Council and a University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA) representative, graduated in May equipped with degrees in political science and history.
Now, he's decided to run as a Democratic candidate for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in the 2011 election.
His slogan, "A New Voice For A New Pennsylvania," represents his goal of encouraging more representation from younger generations. And at 23 years old, he says he can relate to college students.
"I really want to give a voice to those who are least represented in the House, those 18 to 27 years, those just starting out or just getting out of college," Shermanski said. "I've always had a drive to be a voice for the masses to get them what they need and deserve."
Shermanski, of Mountain Top, Pa., plans to run as a representative for District 117, which includes Columbia, Luzerne and Wyoming counties. Republican Karen Boback currently holds the position.
Shermanski is focusing his goals on the needs of college students, he said -- mainly issues with high tuition and interest rates. He believes it is important to disregard political parties and merge ideas of both Democrats and Republicans.
"This goes beyond party lines, and I take both perspectives," he said. "Pennsylvania is an amazing combination of red and blue. We should look at both ideals, see what works and what doesn't and remove this incredible divide. What matters is what's best for the people, not for the party."
Gavin Keirans, president of UPUA, said Shermanski is suitable for the job.
"He's someone with strong passion and dedication, and I commend him for going for his goal," Keirans (senior-business management) said.
And Sam Loewner, UPUA academic affairs committee chairman, likes the perspective Shermanski has.
"He's developing a youth-oriented campaign, which is something you don't see a lot of in the House," Loewner (senior-political science) said.
Shermanski said he is qualified for the position partially because of his experience with UPUA. He also gained experience interning for House representative David Levdansky, D-Allegheny/Washington, researching bills, managing campaign finances and handling paperwork.
Shermanski hopes his emphasis on the importance of younger generations having representation in the House will eventually become a normal part of politics, he said.
"We need to take positions not when we're 50 or 60," he said. "I want people to start running as soon as they can so there are a variety of voices in there."
