Legislator Lowy intends to look at fire safety in dorms

Trinity freshman Brandon Lowy has served his first term as a Duke Student Government legislator and is ready to continue his involvement by serving as vice president for facilities and athletics.

"I'd like to be able to bring my DSG and leadership experience to another aspect of student government," said the New York native and former high school student government president. "It's not the best idea for people in student government to have only one perspective."

This year, Lowy served on the 11-member community interaction committee, where he worked on planning for the DSG-sponsored "fishbowl" discussions on race and multiculturalism. "Brandon's taken an active role in the committee all year," said Trinity senior Jeremy Huff, vice president for community interaction. "Every time we're ready to do something in committee, he's always ready to volunteer."

The change of focus from community interaction to facilities and athletics is a positive one, Lowy said. "I think coming from another committee is an advantage for me because I'll be able to use that perspective in DSG," he said. "I'm not an outsider. I know how things work, so it won't be a stretch for me to work in this committee."

Lowy sees many issues facing facilities and athletics. "Parking is going to be a big issue next year," he said.

Lowy said students and administrators need to communicate before they can come to an amenable solution. "I think everything needs further evaluation before we can come to a plan," he said.

Fire safety is also an important issue for Lowy. Noting the recent tragedy at Seton Hall University, he said, "I think we need to address fire safety and see that everyone lives in a safe environment. My role would be in speaking and working with students and administrators in evaluating the problems, and finding comprehensive and feasible solutions."

Lowy doesn't see his status as a freshman as problematic. "It will be an advantage because I have a vested interest in Duke," he said. "I have to live here along with the freshmen for three more years, and that's a good enough incentive for me as any."