Spring Break
Candidates' platforms disclosed at Student Government election debate
Bob Bajek/Student Government Editor
Issue date: 3/27/09 Section: News
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Ron Jordan and Michelle Murphy, student body president candidates, faced each other at the debate's conclusion.
Jordan's platform consisted of having Eastern go green, increasing school spirit and building awareness for diverse student organizations.
Murphy wants to increase school spirit through more support for the EIU Band, Pink Panthers, cheerleaders and the Blue Crew. She also said she will be an open president with the senate and her constituents.
The candidates then answered questions from the moderator.
Murphy, the United Party of Students candidate, said she would resolve misunderstandings among the Student Supreme Court, Student Senate and student body president.
"The question of the president appointing court members and letting them do their jobs will be more clear," Murphy said.
Jordan, the Students for Change candidate, said he would work on getting Illinois Legislative Black Caucus to be involved with Eastern. The caucus helps the advancement of African Americans in society and on campuses. Jordan also pointed out correcting mistakes like the Illinois Board of Higher Education Student Advisory Committee situation when the bill for the committee conference was passed last minute.
"There was a lot of snarkiness as to the way it was handled with the senate," Jordan said. "There was procrastination and miscommunication from the president, and a lot of miscues in communication between president and senate. I think we need to be more thorough with our communication."
Earlier in the debate, Jose Alarcon (United) and Scott Lambert (Change), candidates for student vice president for academic affairs, were asked if textbooks, technology or teachers were more important. Alarcon said teachers, while Lambert said all are equal because removing one would detract from the others effectiveness.
Paul Reid (Change) and Mark Olendzki (United) during the debate for student vice president of student affairs said they want better communication with student organizations.
Reid wants Student Government to be responsible for collecting information, while Olendzki said the Student Organization Council should organize their opinions and concerns.
Brad Saribekian (Change) and Tyson Holder (United) debated for the student vice president for business affairs position.
Saribekian wants to create the Illinois Student Government Association for state Student Governments, go paper conservative and have dining without trays. He said Illinois Wesleyan College has eliminated 50 percent of their food waste by doing this.
Holder said he is looking for informing students about other ways to pay for college. He wants students to understand the $1,500 of fees each one pays per semester.
Bob Bajek can be reached at 581-7942 or at rtbajek@eiu.edu.
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