Foam fingers, ball caps and buttons were in stark contrast to the usual crowd consisting of current Student Government Association members and candidates at the SGA executive board debates Monday night.
The audience not only observed the debate but actively participated, voicing their reactions to promises made by each candidate as well as presenting challenging questions on a variety of topics.
Presidential candidate Nick Sarcone began his introduction by explaining the differences between the two tickets running, claiming that Ticket to Tomorrow, unlike his competition, Student Leaders United, “won’t promise you something to get your vote.” Sarcone also made reference to a remark that Lampe had made the previous week at the presidential debates, in regards to SGA experience being irrelevant. “Experience aside, I believe the issues speak for themselves,” Sarcone said.
Similarly, Lampe commented on previous remarks made by Sarcone. Lampe reminded the audience of how Sarcone stated that he does not look to the past and regret what could have been done.
“Students elected Nick last year because of what he said he would do,” Lampe said. Lampe also said that Sarcone has “criticized my experience,” and ensured the audience, “Student Leaders United not only bring experience, but enthusiasm.”
Candidates were also asked that if only able to accomplish one goal next year, which one it would be. Lampe capitalized on the importance of moving into the BMC, and Sarcone stressed the significance of ensuring that the senate accurately represents their constituencies.
Executive vice presidential candidates Anne Lampe and Maria Rodriguez followed with speeches. Lampe, running on Student Leaders United, explained that she looked “forward to making myself as accessible as possible.” In her introduction, Ticket to Tomorrow’s executive vice president candidate Rodriguez explained, “I know what it means to raise the standards.”
Candidates for financial vice president were given three minutes to address the audience. Justin Butler, running on Ticket to Tomorrow, explained that it is a “deadly race between tuition and scholarships to keep up with each other. If elected, Butler promised, “We will change the way we give out money.” Paul Fitzgibbons, candidate on Student Leaders United said, “My actions and involvement are what define my experience for running as financial vice president.”
Following these candidates was the candidate for academic vice president. Deanna Durret, the only candidate for the position, emphasized how “as students, we need more direction,” and using her remaining time to encourage the audience to vote for Ticket to Tomorrow.
Eric Immel, running for administrative vice president on Student Leaders United, detailed his experience at SLU and guaranteed that if elected, “My priorities will be taken into account and SGA will be my number one priority–next to school work.” Sarah Keller on Ticket to Tomorrow followed, proposing the idea of a “more informal social setting including dinner in the Quad” as opposed to the traditional town hall meeting.
Young concluded the debate reminding students of Wednesday’s “Rock the Vote,” in the Griesedieck Hall lobby. Young also encouraged students to vote on Feb. 24 at http://webstar.slu.edu.
