Marco Ayala-Perez's path has been anything but ordinary. This SUNY Plattsburgh administrator wears many hats, from hosting a monthly cooking show to volunteering at a dog shelter and creating bandanas for adoptable pups. His diverse experiences and unwavering passion have made him a true Renaissance man on campus.

Blending Creativity and Compassion: The Multitalented Marco Ayala-Perez

From Radio to Television: Ayala-Perez's Media Odyssey

Ayala-Perez's journey in the media industry spans over 17 years, beginning with his time as a radio DJ in his native Mexico. After graduating from the Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas with a degree in communication sciences, he ventured into the world of video editing, eventually landing a role at the University of Vermont Extension in 2005. It was there that he discovered his passion for television, working as an assistant producer on the popular show "Across the Fence."

Ayala-Perez's role on the show quickly evolved, as he found himself taking on more responsibilities, including hosting the cooking segments. "Eventually, what ended up happening is the producer wanted to take less responsibility, so some of that started shifting towards me," he recalls. "So I was hosting the cooking show with other people. That was our structure."

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Ayala-Perez's television work took an unexpected turn. Unable to access the studio, he began running the cooking show from the comfort of his own home, showcasing his culinary skills and adaptability in the face of adversity.

A Pivotal Shift: From Media to Campus Caretaker

The pandemic not only disrupted Ayala-Perez's television work but also prompted a significant career change. "I decided to make a change in careers, so I moved to Plattsburgh, New York, and I started working for the COVID vaccination site, which then led me here to SUNY, where I was coordinating the isolation and quarantine program," he explains.

Despite the dramatic shift, Ayala-Perez was determined to maintain a connection to his creative passions. "I still wanted to keep a link to, sort of, my creative life. … When I moved over here to Plattsburgh, I was asked to still do a cooking show." This commitment to his culinary pursuits has allowed Ayala-Perez to seamlessly blend his administrative duties with his love for the culinary arts.

As the isolation and quarantine program came to an end, Ayala-Perez transitioned into his current role at the SUNY Plattsburgh Student Health and Counseling Center, where he continues to make a difference in the lives of students.

Unleashing Creativity: Sewing Bandanas for Adoptable Pups

Ayala-Perez's multifaceted talents extend beyond the realms of media and administration. During his time at the Health Center, he discovered a newfound passion for sewing, which he initially learned to hem his own jeans.

A conversation with a coworker sparked an idea that would soon blossom into a heartwarming project. "I looked up a YouTube tutorial on how to make bandanas for dogs, and I made Boris the therapy dog a bandana, which he liked, which then led me to start doing bandanas for friends that have dogs, and for my own dogs," Ayala-Perez shares.

Driven by his love for animals, Ayala-Perez has now expanded his bandana-making endeavor, with the goal of donating them to the local SPCA. His research has revealed that dogs wearing bandanas in adoption photos are more likely to find their forever homes, further fueling his desire to make a difference in the lives of these furry companions.

Fostering Furry Friends and Volunteering for a Cause

Ayala-Perez's commitment to animal welfare extends beyond his bandana-making project. He is also a dedicated volunteer for the nonprofit Green Mountain Pug, which rescues and fosters dogs until they can be placed in loving homes.

Through his volunteer work, Ayala-Perez has welcomed two dogs into his own family – Nico from northern New York and Nabi from South Korea. These foster-turned-forever pups have become an integral part of his life, further enriching his passion for animal welfare.

Ayala-Perez's multifaceted journey is a testament to his unwavering dedication and his ability to seamlessly blend his diverse interests and talents. From his media career to his administrative role at SUNY Plattsburgh, and from his culinary pursuits to his animal advocacy, Ayala-Perez's story is a inspiring example of the power of versatility and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on the world around him.

In the midst of the election season, the topic of campaign finance has become a source of confusion for many. The heart of the matter lies in understanding who is spending money to get their preferred candidates elected. While the rules around candidate fundraising and spending are relatively straightforward, the world of independent expenditures adds a layer of complexity that often leaves voters scratching their heads.

Uncovering the Hidden Influence of Independent Expenditures

The Dual Nature of Campaign Spending

When candidates run for office, they typically raise money through soliciting contributions from supporters who want to see them in office. This money goes directly to the candidate's campaign committee, where it is used to fund their campaign efforts. However, there is a second type of spending that complicates the picture – independent expenditures.Independent expenditures occur when someone unaffiliated with a campaign spends money to support a candidate or ballot measure. These expenditures are made by political action committees (PACs), which receive funds from special interest groups and then use that money to purchase advertising, mailers, and other campaign materials. This type of spending is not controlled by the candidate and does not go into their campaign fund.

The Disconnect Between Candidate and Independent Messaging

The existence of independent expenditures creates a tonal gap between the messaging of candidates and the messaging of these outside groups. Candidates often focus their campaign efforts on highlighting their own merits and avoiding direct attacks on their opponents, as negative advertising can give them a poor public image. In contrast, independent expenditure ads are often more aggressive, using dark imagery and alarming voiceovers to criticize opponents.This disconnect can be confusing for voters, who may not always understand the distinction between the candidate's own messaging and the messaging of independent groups. The law requires independent expenditure ads to include a disclosure stating who paid for the ad, but this information can be easily overlooked or misunderstood.

The Legal Landscape of Independent Expenditures

The Supreme Court's landmark decision in Citizens United v. FEC has had a significant impact on the landscape of independent expenditures. The court ruled that the First Amendment protects the right of groups to spend money on political speech, effectively allowing them to pour heaps of cash into supporting their preferred candidates.While this ruling has been criticized by many as giving undue influence to wealthy special interests, the law applies equally to all groups, including unions, environmental organizations, and even local community groups. The Santa Clara Swim Club or the Santa Clara Lawn Bowlers, for example, would be legally entitled to spend money supporting their preferred candidates, should they have the financial means to do so.

The Strict Boundaries of Candidate Involvement

It's important to note that candidates are strictly prohibited from coordinating with independent expenditure committees. The law prohibits candidates from having any material involvement in the content or messaging of these outside groups. Candidates cannot request, direct, or consult with the creators of independent expenditure ads, nor can they share financial responsibility for the production or dissemination of these materials.Violations of these rules can result in hefty fines from the California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC), and in some cases, criminal prosecution by the Santa Clara County District Attorney's office. The FPPC actively investigates complaints from both the public and opposing campaigns, ensuring that the boundaries between candidates and independent expenditures are strictly maintained.

Navigating the Complexities of Campaign Finance

The world of campaign finance can be a maze of rules, regulations, and loopholes. While the basic principles of candidate fundraising and spending are relatively straightforward, the introduction of independent expenditures adds a layer of complexity that can be challenging for voters to navigate.By understanding the distinct roles of candidates and independent groups, as well as the legal constraints that govern their interactions, voters can better interpret the messaging they encounter during election season. This knowledge can help them make more informed decisions at the ballot box, cutting through the noise and focusing on the core issues and qualifications of the candidates themselves.As the influence of money in politics continues to be a topic of intense debate, it's crucial for citizens to stay informed and engaged in the democratic process. By shining a light on the intricacies of campaign finance, we can work towards a more transparent and accountable system that serves the interests of the people, not just the deep pockets of special interests.