CANDIDATE BIOGRAPHIES: PARLIAMENTARIAN
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Rebecca Helmstetter, Homestead
What do you do outside of Latin and school?
Latin is honestly my #1, but I try to keep busy with a couple
other things. I’m in Homestead’s winter musical every year
(even though I can’t dance) and am also a part of our Treble
Choir. Homestead managed to get a literary magazine
together this year, and while it’s still really in its beginning
stages, it’s been a lot of fun helping it grow as well as editing
and writing for it. Kind of embarrassingly, I’m also in our
school’s Philosophy Club. It’s more fun than it sounds. At
home, I mostly read, write, hang out with friends, etc.
What position are you running for? Why did you choose
to run for it?
I’m running for Parliamentarian because I believe that it is one
of the most vital positions the board, and I want to help and
guide the WJCL in as great a way as possible. As time goes on, things change, and we learn what does and
doesn’t work. Updating and streamlining our organization for maximum efficacy is a job that I believe
ultimately falls to the Parli, and it’s something I feel I could be good at.
Why are you the best candidate for your chosen position?
I currently serve as Homestead’s parliamentarian, and have run several elections already this year. A lot of
uncommon scenarios relating to elections have happened both in the WJCL and our school club, so I feel
especially well-versed in those rules and their applications. I’m also very comfortable with critical reading of
dense text like the Constitution, and in general, I have a pretty sharp and critical eye. I’m definitely on the
quiet side of the introvert/extrovert spectrum, but that’s because I like to observe things carefully and
completely before I give my opinion or make a decision — a good thing, I think, for a Parliamentarian to do.
If elected, what changes would you implement? What would you keep the same?
If elected, I would strive to make the Constitution as accessible, up-to-date, and consistent as possible. I’d
like to work toward changing the amendments and bylaws that are vague, contradict other amendments or
bylaws, and/or use unnecessarily complex language. Working with the President, and ultimately the rest of
the board, I would also be sure to look over meeting agendas and ensure that Robert’s Rules are being
followed during meetings — this should make the process both a little faster and a little fairer. Other than
that, I think we run pretty smoothly.
Which Greek or Roman god are you and why?
Hephaestus is my role model. He has a lot of obstacles to overcome, to the point of literally being chucked
off of Mt Olympus, but he manages to work his way back up to the top through pure skill. But he’s also super
petty, e.g. golden throne, net, etc. What a guy.
What is your favorite album of 2017?
Probably the cast album of Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812. It’s weird, but good.
Stranger Things or Riverdale?
Stranger Things :)