By Michael Freeman, Managing Editor
Six students are vying for the top positions in the 2009-10 Students’ Association Congress during the rest of this week and early next week. The Executive Officers Election will be Tuesday and Wednesday, and the candidates are beginning to campaign for the student body’s votes.
Daniel Burgner, junior political science major from Yorba Linda, Calif.; Charles Gaines, junior criminal justice major from Cedar Hill; and Jordan Hancock, junior political science major from Abilene, are running for the position of SA president.
Scott Adrian, sophomore political science major from Glendale, Calif., and Tony Godfrey, junior English major from Burleson, are running for SA vice president, and Luke Cochran, junior finance major from Round Rock, is running unopposed for SA treasurer.
“I think the candidates are very promising,” said Sarah Pulis, president of SA Congress. “They all bring different viewpoints and different leadership styles to the table, and I’m excited to see next year’s Cabinet. I think they’ll do great things.”
Students will have the chance to hear from all of the candidates next week. On Tuesday at 7 p.m., the candidates will participate in a debate in Moody Coliseum, discussing their plans and vision for next year’s SA Congress. Two Chapel credits will be given to attendees.
“The forum is a great opportunity for students to get acquainted with the candidates,” Pulis said. “It’s a more informal environment than a Chapel speech. I think it’s a really good chance to see their personalities come through. It’s always a lot of fun.”
Until the forum, candidates are campaigning through myACU advertisements, advertisements on the Campus Center televisions, Facebook groups and YouTube videos. They are not allowed to post fliers around campus except on residence hall bulletin boards.
“We’re working hard to increase visibility while keeping with the administration’s new policies,” said Blake Penfield, senior political science major from San Antonio and elections co-chair.
Each candidate also will get a chance to give a 3 1/2-minute speech during Wednesday’s Chapel, outlining their platforms.
No early voting opportunities are available this year. Voting will be from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Campus Center on Tuesday and Wednesday. Students will need to bring their student ID to vote.
If no presidential candidate wins 50 percent of the vote, a run-off will be scheduled Thursday. Vice presidential candidates only have to capture a simple majority.
“I encourage everyone to come to the debates and come to Chapel on Wednesday and listen to what the candidates have to say,” Pulis said. “They all have great visions for the future of SA.”
