To Build or Not to Build: Associates of Robert Moses, 1934
"It is January, 1934, and New York City stands at a crossroads—one which will shape the course of history, not only for the city, not only for the state of New York, but for the entirety of the United States of America. In the coming years, the path that New York follows will be determined largely by the choices of a single man: Robert Moses. Renowned as the “Master Builder” of New York City, Moses was arguably one of the most powerful political figures of his time, despite never holding elected office. He not only reshaped the state of New York through his massive infrastructure projects and administrative overhaul, but also laid the groundwork for similar transformations throughout all American urban centers.
As this committee begins, Robert Moses has just taken office as Commissioner of both the New York City Parks Department and the Triborough Bridge Authority. In some respects, reaching these positions represents the peak of Moses’ political and administrative power, but his full ambitions are only beginning to take shape. Delegates in this committee will assume the role of Moses’ inner circle of associates and advisors from across the state of New York. The decisions they make will play a direct role in shaping the New York City of 1934 into the urban metropolis of their dreams—or nightmares. While doing so, they will have to balance not only the economic challenges of the Great Depression, but also the political rivalries surrounding Moses himself, who is as loathed as he is feared and respected. From the construction of highways and bridges, to political clashes with the Commander in Chief himself, delegates in this committee will experience the realities of what it means to hold power in 20th century America. "
Joselyn Castaneda
chair
Joselyn is a second-year at UChicago studying Economics and Political Science from Riverside, California. Previously, Joselyn has served as AC for ChoMUN in the Sengoku Jidai Committee and also in MUNUC, UChicago’s high school conference. Outside of MUN, Joselyn is involved in OLAS, the Latin American student organization. She also loves to read, bake, spend time with friends, and go swimming!
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out via email: joselync@uchicago.edu.
Susan Flatt
crisis director
Susan Flatt is entering her third year at the University of Chicago this fall, with a major in Political Science, a language-focused minor in East Asian Languages and Civilizations, and an intended second minor in Human Rights. As a proud Navy brat, she isn’t really “from” anywhere, but she’s spent large chunks of her life in Northern Virginia and went to high school in Hawaii. Within MUN, Susan has previously served as EAC for the African Union committee in ChoMUN XXVIII and as one of the CDs for Sake, Samurai, and the Shogun: Sengoku Jidai, 1560 in ChoMUN XXIX, in addition to (on and off) competing on UChicago’s travel team. Outside of MUN, Susan writes for UChicago’s political journal (The Gate), reads a genuinely excessive amount of books, and can yap for hours about Noah Kahan’s newest album.
She is so excited to be a part of ChoMUN XXX, and welcomes any questions at: srf2806@uchicago.edu.
Ava Lucarelli
crisis director
Ava is a third-year Art History and Law, Letters, and Society major from Long Island, New York. In previous years, Ava served as a chair for CHOMUN in the Sengoku Jidai committee and was an AC for WHO. She is also a part of MUNUC, UChicago’s high school conference, and is a USG for the general assemblies. In addition to CHOMUN and MUNUC, Ava also competes as a part of UChicago’s travel MUN team. Outside of MUN, Ava loves reading, being overly competitive at board games, traveling to new places, and eating pizza (but not deep dish!).
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out via email: alucarelli@uchicago.edu.
Secretariat oversight:
oliver heatly, under-secretary-general