Oftentimes students do not get the opportunity to express their concerns and ask questions about how the student body is run, and by whom. On Monday, March 28, students were given that opportunity. The Student Government Association held a debate for candidates running for president, vice president and comptroller in the new science building. Candidates were given the opportunity to present their platforms, as well as answer questions from students. Comptroller candidates Tamia Parker and Ashley Pearson squared off by answering questions on student needs and how they will better budget SGA’s funds.
Parker said, “As far as being comptroller, if budgeting money is an issue, seminars can be held to aid students,” when asked how she would be of help to any student seeking better budgeting skills. Vice presidential candidates LaQuincy Arnold and Courtney Smith presented platforms to how they would serve the student body as vice president. When asked about student relationships with SGA, Smith said, “I would like to inform students about SGA, have an open house to let all students know they are members of SGA, and we will branch out to get everyone involved.”
Arnold said “having different programs to attract students, and see what the students want,” would be one of his biggest goals for SGA. Presidential candidates spoke to students on the different issues they would like to tackle if elected to office, such as housing, parking, and overall student morale. Oludayo Olusanya said he wants students to “develop a positive attitude,” because with this attitude, PV can make the right step to the right direction.
Terrance Livingston said, “Making sure that students’ needs were being met, working with students, bringing them to the panel, and letting them decide the changes on campus is what is SGA is here for, to lobby for the students.”
“I want to work as a liaison between students and administration, and to be an accurate voice for the students,” said presidential hopeful Lashawn Chambers.
Bryan Waters said, “The job of the provost is to ensure quality education, and as a representative I will make sure the administration has the well-being of the student body at hand.”
The atmosphere of the debate ranged from serious to laid-back at times. Students were allowed to ask any question they deemed important, but all questions were screened before being asked aloud to the candidates.
James Durant, a former career service senator, said, “I feel that the candidates were doing their part to answer all questions, however it is up to us to determine whom we vote for. Hopefully each candidate will represent the university and students once elected.”
Freshman Brittany Dawson had this to say about the whole debate: “First of all I am truly disappointed in the poor attendance for the debate. As a freshman knowing that we have at least 8,000 students enrolled at the university, it was a letdown to know that we only have 100 concerned students.”
A few students present seemed to have thought the debate was a comical show, while others attended to gain facts, and to grill their possible SGA administration for the next year.
Dawson continues, “Any SGA representative should be responsible. It seems to me that they just want the title, so if the organization and student body continue to deteriorate I’ll blame the students due to their lack of concern.”
Students will have the opportunity to vote for their selected candidates on Tuesday, April 5, in the MSC and library. For more information or to get in contact with the candidates visit the SGA office in room 223 in the MSC.