Burgner precipitates presidential passion
The Students’ Association Congress endured wave after wave of controversy this year. The association survived, but not unscathed. The next elected SA president must have specific strategies for repairing SA Congress’ image and restoring the organization to a position of influence among its constituents.
The Optimist editorial board endorses Daniel Burgner for the office of Students’ Association president.
All three candidates stressed the importance of transparency in next year’s administration, an attribute our staff views as essential and to be expected by the student body. In the same way that omitting a crucial detail is still lying, transparency requires leaders to initiate communication with students when appropriate – not waiting until concerns have become too pervasive to ignore.
Burgner’s foresight and visible passion for service distinguished him from his opponents. He detailed specific ways he would keep students informed, such as weekly videos on YouTube or a table in the Campus Center where students can speak with senators or executive officers. He also has begun meeting with ACU staff and administrators to establish a Study Abroad scholarship to help compensate for its price tag. His self-admitted weakness, micromanagement, could hinder attempts at effective delegation; but we consider micromanaging low on the risk scale and a sign of acknowledged responsibility.
Charles Gaines left no room for interpretation of his mission as president: facilitate a Christ-centered environment for SA officers, congressmen and the entire student body.He described his dissatisfaction with the secondary role Christian values have played in recent administrations. Also, we believe his absence from SA Congress this year far removes him from any recent controversy. He plans to work as a residence hall assistant next year, and while it would be admirable to take on both responsibilities, we believe too many opportunities exist for scheduling conflicts. Although he clearly defined his attitude and values, we believe he lacked concrete ideas and specific strategies for fulfilling his objectives.
Jordan Hancock explained in detail his definition of a student leader, and as president, we believe Hancock would faithfully pursue only the interest of the students. His extensive SA Congress experience speaks to his understanding of congressional structure and protocol; his record of volunteering removes doubt that he is motivated by anything other than a desire to serve his peers. Although he expressed no hesitation to confront administrators, we believe his strong, quiet demeanor coupled with his meek attitude makes him ideal for leading behind the scenes. The SA president must be prepared to face constant criticism and scrutiny in full view of the community. We believe Hancock has the respect of many and can serve the student body more effectively in a role other than president.
All three candidates bear strengths and weaknesses, and each of them will participate in SA Congress next year, regardless of the election’s outcome. We believe Daniel Burgner would best represent the student body and would fulfill the duties of SA president to the highest degree.
Committment qualifies Godfrey for vice presidency
Following a year in which the Students’ Association Congress damaged its connection with the student body, it is more important than ever to find a qualified leader dedicated to serving the student body who will reach out with an attitude of openness.
Tony Godfrey and Scott Adrian have emerged as the candidates for SA vice president, each promoting a campaign of transparency and a goal of bridging the gap between SA Congress and student groups and organizations, as well as ACU’s student body by increasing and further developing relationships.
Despite the openness of both candidates and the similar ideals and opinions each share, one candidate has risen above the other and will provide the student body with the effective leader we are looking for: Tony Godfrey.
Godfrey is a highly driven candidate who displays a passionate goal of furthering the relationships with SA Congress and the student body. Godfrey stands out because he already has begun to build personal relationships as he expressed in an interview with the Optimist editorial board. Godfrey resigned from SA Congress before the impeachment of Daniel Paul Watkins, but this decision should not be viewed negatively. Godfrey made this decision after realizing he better served his constituents by stepping down and taking the opportunity to reconnect with the student body after studying abroad; his resignation was unrelated to the impeachment. His willingness to sacrifice a position of power to better assess his position as a leader on campus is a commendable act.
Adrian comes into the election with an overhead goal of increasing student-faculty relationships and realizes the impact the recent impeachment process had on ACU as a whole. Adrian was open in his interview and previously has displayed his willingness to let students know what is happening by his availability throughout the impeachment process. One body working toward one goal is Adrian’s desire, seeking to restore relationships with administration and provide students open forums, so students can advocate for themselves.
But while each candidate displays a sense of urgency to improve relationships and work in the best interest of the student body, Godfrey stands out with his genuine honesty and his commitment to working with the student body, as well as groups and organizations. Godfrey wants to organize forums and reach out to students in a more personable way and has a concrete plan for accomplishing his goals. He also presented several solutions for fixing the problems with SA Congress and the ACU community, understanding the importance of improving these relationships.
If the student body is looking for a candidate to serve in the best interest of the student body and help SA Congress win back the trust of the entire ACU community, Godfrey is a step in the right direction.
Cochran’s accountability crucial to treasury decisions
Luke Cochran, junior finance major from Round Rock, is running unopposed for the office of Students’ Association treasurer. His current position as chief financial officer and his work with this year’s SA Treasurer Spencer Hemphill have provided him with the experience necessary to understand exactly what happens with the distribution of money through SA Congress.
Cochran has formed relationships with Accounts Payable, realizes students need openness in regards to finances and is focused on a team-oriented leadership style.
He stresses that students need to know where their money is going, particularly in reference to a student activity fee. He said his intent is to proactively use the student activity fee to benefit all students – particularly those who are not involved in a social club or other large student organizations. Cochran’s financial intent is to help the individual student; he stresses the idea of open conversation and dialogue between students and Congress members to discover a positive way to distribute both a budget and student activity fees.
Cochran is the Executive Cabinet member who brought impeachment charges against former SA Congress President Daniel Paul Watkins. Regardless of whether students agree with his decision, Cochran realized something was not right and he did something about it. He stood by his decision to put the interest of the student body first. Such a quality would ideally mirror his decisions regarding the SA budget.
The Optimist is under no obligation to endorse any candidate, and although Cochran is running unopposed, we still fully endorse him because he stands as a potential leader who is focused on placing the financial distribution of students’ money in the highest regard.
Students must evaluate their relationships with SA Congress and its current reputation on campus and realize that the only way to see a change in SA Congress is to become involved and participate in the voting process. In regards to the position of treasurer, Cochran stands as a worthy recipient of student votes.
