The
eorgetonian G
February 19, 2014 Volume CXXXIV Issue 5
Dula campaigns for city council Dula has become a recognizable name in the race for G-town city council
By CALIESHA COMLEY News Editor Joel Dula, a sophomore from Henderson, Ky., decided to make his run for a Georgetown City Council seat official on Jan. 8 of this year. Dula reflected on the decision he made over breakfast in conversation with Margaret Greynolds. Greynolds, Dula recounts, was intensely supportive of his 2014 campaign and even expressed her confidence in his ability to win the election. As the longtime chairperson of the Scott County Democratic Party, Greynold’s opinion is no small vote of confidence for Dula. Before deciding to run, Dula received mixed reviews from community leaders who were concerned about his experience in a political role, and others who thought he may be the “wild card” candidate needed to bring more life to the election. In terms of experience, Dula has proven that despite his age, he is well-qualified. Dula reports that he has been politically active since the age of nine when he started working on campaigns, participating in canvas door-to-door visits and phonebanks for local candidates in his hometown. Since then, he has served on numerous campaign committees, local and statewide, and
was a recent intern to former Democratic Representative for Kentucky, Ben Chandler. Sophomore Alex Caudill, Dula’s campaign manager, is also has experience in canvassing, phonebanking and managing. He is currently working on other campaigns as well, including Georgetown Mayor and County Clerk. Dula expressed his gratitude for Caudill’s role in the campaign saying, “Alex is a very good micro-manager and he is very detail oriented.” Dula explained that whereas Caudill is a huge asset to behind the scenes work and advising campaign decisions, he personally excels at face-toface interaction with the college and community. This fact is a point on which his campaign staff and supporters agree. Mike Brown, GC’s Director of Orientation & Student Accountability, is serving on Dula’s campaign as Treasurer. Brown described the origin of his involvement explaining, “I have also had a personal interest in politics, particularly at the local level, and told Joel I would like to talk to him about his experience throughout the campaign. Joel went one step further by offering me a position on his campaign team.” Brown continued to reflect on Dula’s leadership saying, “What initially got me inter-
active interest in local politics, and I strongly support his candidacy.” Because Dula is both immersed in college culture and Georgetown community life, he The Georgetonian/ COLLIN SMITH is confident that he Caudill is Dula’s campaign manager for can serve as a link the Georgetown City Council election. between communities to serve the ested in helping Joel was not interests of both groups. necessarily the issues; it was Dula expressed, “I feel like his motivation and determina- we need approachable, cretion to serve the city of George- ative, critical thinking people town. Although I do support like myself to help make deciJoel’s platform, I saw it as an sions based on the needs of the opportunity to help a student community.” achieve their goal. I obviously City Council, Dula stresses, hope Joel’s campaign is a suc- directly affects students cessful one, but I’m glad to see according to jobs available to him working to improve the them, taxes they pay, and the world outside of GC.” community activities they parPhilosophy professor ticipate in, and that is why he Dr. Ward, an active member believes this election should be in the College as well as in of utmost importance to stuthe local community, is also dent voters. supportive of Dula’s run for Junior Madelyn Frost, the City Council. He said, “I am coordinator of the campus always happy when students movement Students for Dula, is take a step toward participat- continuously encouraging stuing with the local community dent involvement. She said, “Joel and its government. Students is going in with goals fueled by are a vital part of Georgetown the opinions of Georgetown stuand should contribute to its dents, faculty and staff to act as governance since we are all a liaison between campus and beneficiaries and dependents the community in which our on our self-government. I campus resides. It is our hope hope Joel’s campaign encour- that students will be involved ages more students to take an with the campaign and show
their support.” Frost also expressed that there are many upcoming events in support of Dula’s candidacy as well as multiple ways in which students can get involved. For more information, email Frost (mfrost0). Dula will be campaigning on and off campus throughout the semester in hopes of passing the primary election to be held May 20. At this time, only 16 of the 24 candidates will continue to the general election in November. At that point only eight will be appointed to City Council seats. Dula maintains a fourpoint platform: 1. Reinvesting in the community 2. Economically living within the means of the city’s resources 3. Investing in Georgetown’s youth 4. Job creation Caudill, Dula’s campaign manager, explains that Dula has demonstrated the leadership, political experience and ability to connect with a variety of community partners. Direct any questions about the campaign or ways to get involved to dulaforgeorgetown@gmail.com. Also, keep up with Dula and his campaign through his Facebook page, “Dula for Georgetown.”