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Printer-Friendly ModeCampaigns wind down with debate
Student Association, Program Board hopefuls argue platforms
April 2, 2007 —
At Wednesday's Student Association and Program Board presidential debates, each candidate seemed to have one thing on their minds: unity.
SA presidential candidates Jon DiBartolomeo, Chelsea Robl and Jeremiah Stanghini along with Program Board challenger Eric Read and incumbent Crystal Dillard all argued that SA, Program Board, and the University Residence Association need to work together in order to effectively better life on campus.
In addition to elaborating on the theme of improving the communication between SA, Program Board and URA, the candidates each spoke about what they would likely do if elected.
"At times this year, SA has seemed a bit unapproachable," Robl said. "If elected, I would work to bring SA back to the students."
DiBartolomeo agreed and expanded on Robl's remark, saying that he would like to see more involvement with international students.
"We do need to bring SA back to the students," he said. "But we also need to work more with international students. Their presence is great here on campus."
Each candidate agreed that something needed to be done to make the Registered Student Organization orientation process more in-depth, so that all RSOs, even small ones, are better acquainted with the allocations process.
Stanghini spoke about making some larger changes on campus, most notably, making SVSU a smoke-free campus.
"I know many people are sick of walking out of the Ed building and walking into a cloud of smoke," Stanghini said. "I've talked with President Gilbertson about this issue, and he too realizes how difficult a process it may be, but I want to work to get it done."
The Program Board candidates each spoke about their accomplishments during their time at SVSU, and how it might help them as president of Program Board.
"I worked hard to bring Valley Nights to campus," Read said. "I'm pretty proud of the events we've been able to put on over the last year."
Dillard pointed to her year of experience as president, and the events she has worked to bring to the students during that time.
With another year to work with, she said that she would be able to improve upon those events, and work to have the students' voices heard.
"I think the Coffee House Series has been amazing," Dillard said. "I want to work to bring that two times a month next year instead of just one. We have a lot of talent here on campus, and a lot of students looking to be heard. I want to work to make that happen."
To conclude the evening, each candidate was also given two minutes for closing remarks. Dillard went first, saying she was pleased with the fact that so few students had questions for the Program Board candidates, seeing it as a sign that the student body was pleased with the way things were going. And she left the audience by saying "I'm already working on next year. After all, we are Program Board, and we should be putting on programs."
Eric Read remarked on his ability to take what the students want and put it into action. "I heard students complain that there is nothing to do on the weekends, so I worked to bring Valley Nights," he said. "I'm not asking for your vote, I'm asking for a chance to serve you."
All three SA candidates closed by talking about how they will deal with the fact that there will be a large turnover of representatives in SA, and how they plan on dealing with the inevitable change that will follow.
"Change is good," Stanghini said, "but I want to do my best to keep what's good the same."
DiBartolomeo agreed, and also said he will do his best to make himself as available as possible to the students.
"Lots of things are going to change, but I will always be open to field questions from anyone."
Robl said her love of the University would help her in keeping SA working at a high level.
"Since coming to this University, I've been given so many opportunities, and I want to give those back to the students," Robl said. "I love SVSU, and I am SVSU."