The Student Government Association at Pittsburg State held a debate for student body president and vice president candidates on Thursday. The nearly 90-minute debate helped determine student government officials for the next school year.
Two parties in attendence, where the ‘Golden Party’ and the ‘Banana Republic’.
Representing the Golden Party was junior Lacy Merriam running for President and sophomore Josh Lawrie for Vice President. The current student body vice president, Darrel McLeod, is running for president in the Banana Republic party with sophomore Alice Carnahan as his running mate.
The debate began with opening statements from each candidate, giving them the opportunity to highlight their party platforms. It was moderated by the current student body president, Cory Humble.
The Golden Party is running on three key principles: improving student involvement, strengthening relationships with faculty and staff, and improving sustainability on campus. Merriam said that it’s these principles that make her party stand out — they’re “running for a golden year.”
“We want to have a golden year with the students,” said Merriam.
The Banana Republic Party’s key principles are: communication, physical health, and mental health. As the party’s vice presidential candidate, Carnahan explained that their experience as Communication majors will be vital in their potential candidacy.
“We don’t believe that you can effectively advocate with the student body if you can’t effectively communicate with the student body,” said Carnahan.
The next portion was prepared questions. The candidates had two minutes to respond.
The questions covered campus security issues, candidates' decision to run and priorities if elected. McLeod said stress is the most pressing issue in the student body.
“Whether that be academic, whether that be stress for your future careers, or whether that be the organizations you’re a part of," said McLeod.
Merriam said Pitt State students feeling at home are often overshadowed.
“Which is the whole point of coming to school and being a gorilla?” said Merriam.
While there haven’t been any recorded incidents on campus this spring, safety is a top priority and concern for students. Candidates offered their response to approaching safety.
“Knowing that they can always feel safe when they’re in their presence, and knowing that when they’re on our campus, they’re protected by our campus police.” Said Lawrie.
Humble said debate is good for the candidates. He commented on why he thinks a debate is such a great opportunity for candidates to participate in.
“I think it’s really important that our candidates have an opportunity to express themselves, their goals, their dreams, and what they want to see Pitt State become,” said Humble.
Voting opens for Pitt State students on Monday, April 6th, at 8 AM, and will stay open until Saturday, April 11th, at 11:45 a.m. Election results will be announced at the PSU leadership awards on Sunday, April 12th.
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