Running in the family

By Sheri Krotzer
Edited by John Kennett and Ben Evers

Political careers often run in the family such as the Bush and Kennedy families.

Kingsford junior, Brad Sjoquist is also following in his father’s footsteps. Sjoquist is running for vice president of the Central Michigan University Student Government Association, alongside Reading junior presidential candidate, Paul Pridgeon.

“My dad has always encouraged me to get involved,” Sjoquist said. “He’s 100 percent behind my campaign and is pretty excited about it.”

Growing up, Sjoquist was always involved in school organizations and didn’t have too difficult a time speaking in front of people.

He often looked to his high school teachers who “helped me develop my leadership abilities quite a bit.”

Sjoquist said he "enjoys working on good causes and trying to effect change to improve the way things are."

Sjoquist’s father, Mayor Jeff Sjoquist was elected this past November in Kingsford, Mich.

"I don’t think much has changed except that I get to call him ‘Your Honor’ now,” said Sjoquist. “He has a little more work to do, but it’s more or less just being a city council member.”

Sjoquist is hoping for the best in the elections next week.

“I’m really excited,” said Sjoquist. “And I hope that students turn out in force to vote.”

Sjoquist has gained much experience working in SGA, most recently as House Leader.

“I hope to [continue] to serve students’ interests," Sjoquist said. "I think that I’ve had a lot of experience at this university in a number of different capacities that have prepared me to work well with faculty and administrators.”

Sjoquist hopes to tackle some specifics on campus.

“There are a number of issues related to four year graduation rates, textbook prices, and campus safety that we would like to look into,” Sjoquist said. “In addition, I hope to continue serving students’ needs by being an advocate for them at the Academic Senate and in other areas around campus.”