With the extended deadlines passed and the dissolution and formation of tickets done, the three candidates for Student Government Association President took to the microphone on Tuesday night to lay out their platforms.

Senior Chris Wipke of the I.D.E.A. (Integrity, Dedication, Experience, Action) ticket, Arts and Sciences Senator Cari Johns of Students First and independent candidate Andrew Chappelle of Making it Happen squared off in a three-round debate moderated by Election Commissioner Mike Herman, International Student Federation President Chidi Ogbonna, Vice President of Human Resources Kathy Hagedorn, Cross Cultural Center Director Donna Bess and former Oriflamme President Scott Huston.

"I have sound goals and an abundant amount of proven leadership," Chappelle said during his opening statement. He added that he was "absolutely more qualified" than any of the other candidates, listing his credentials as former president of the Black Student Alliance and the founder of SLU TV.

Johns stressed her party's pledge to make the students their number-one priority. She shared how in her two-year tenure as a senator she worked on the new meal plan and an upperclassman scholarship fund. Johns also hopes to get the Simon Recreation Center renovated.

"When I say I'll make something happen, I will," she said. "Make your concern our priority."

Wipke reiterated that he had been a Resident Advisor for three years and that he has a close connection with students. In his statement, he promised a safer and faster escort system, increased involvement with the faculty and expanded dining options. Because of his experience as an RA, he said he would like to "empower students to become more active."

Chappelle's character was called into question when he was asked if the relationships he had forged with the faculty over the last two-and-a-half years had been strained in light of recent events. Chappelle has been implicated, along with former SGA Financial Vice President Justin Butler, in a scandal involving the purchase of a computer for SLU TV. An iPod for Butler was buried within the purchase order for the computer and the normal funding (using monies from the Student Activities Fund) process was circumvented in order to acquire the iPod and the $5,781.95 Apple G5 computer.

"In the past two and a half years, I've built a name, and recent events have had an effect on that name. Students make mistakes; they do mess up," he said. "The process of mending has already begun."

"I'm able to reach out to them [faculty] and tell them what the students need," Chappelle said, stressing the fact that he would be able to regain the trust of the faculty.

Wipke said that he would have no problems working with faculty and being the lone student voice on the President's Coordinating Council (PCC). He focused on his involvement in Residence Life and the First-Year Experience program.

"It is important to have a dissenting opinion," he said, saying that he would be able to work with the PCC even if he had a differing opinion.

The social justice issue was brought up again when all the candidates were asked about what their views were on a possible social justice vice president on the executive board.

"Issues of social justice are issues we deal with on a daily basis," Johns said. She added, though, that she thought the proposed changes were unnecessary; rather, it would be of greater importance to make sure all the chartered student organizations dealing with social justice be represented.

On the topic of school spirit and the Jesuit mission of being "men and women for others," all the candidates said there was a definite need for more involvement from students. Wipke said that it was important to make all students feel included so they will get involved.

Johns said that there is great potential for more student involvement at SLU.

"It starts with the individual," she said. "If you feel needed and feel like an integral part of campus, you will have spirit." She emphasized the need for events to be better publicized on campus.

She added that SLU students are greatly privileged to come here and should focus more on being "men and women for others."

"To whom much is given, much is expected," she said, quoting her parents.

Chappelle said, "You have to individualize it. If that means coming and not participating and just getting a degree, that's your right." He said earlier, however, that he would work to help students to know more about the history of the University. He said there is a need for students to "find something else besides athletics" in order to get them involved.

At the end of the night, Chappelle was put on the spot again regarding the iPod scandal. When asked if he would be able to serve honestly, he said, "Look at my character; look at my record."

"We all make mistakes," he said. "I put myself on the line for the students in a way that was morally questionable. If you look at the past, I have been held accountable."

A debate is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 15 in the Busch Student Center, Room 170, for the candidates running for the executive board.