–by Arnold Charles, SGA executive president candidate

I was saddened that the Optimist was not able to endorse me this year, but I am comforted that I chose to rely on different measures that determine the impact of my campaign. As said in my speech today, the inherent needs of the student body are not so much tangible as they are systematic. As such, I advocate for reforms in Congress and in the constitution rather than a well laid out and specific Six-Point Plan (to Lauren’s and Tsion’s credit).

I apologize, that it seems I only advocate for minorities; however, my intentional advocacy stretches to minorities and the entire student body, including the Optimist Editorial Board, as I value all perspectives. I cannot, however, apologize for advocating for minority issues as it’s very clear that minorities are the community that requires great amounts of advocacy, as they are the least likely to graduate and retain at ACU. When I speak about the minority condition I’m referring to ethnic, gender, socioeconomic, sexual, disabled, and religious minorities.

I apologize for the misinterpretation. The $8,800 figure was an annual estimate for a $2.50 reduction, not a $2 reduction per semester.  I hope this is communicated more clearly in my published manifesto with accurate calculations. Furthermore, I am willing to lower the executive wage to as low as $9.00/hr but it truly depends on the willingness of my supporting cabinet. Conclusively, I see $3,520/sem ($7,040/yr) as a significant amount for our student needs.

I apologize that my policies seem vague and not as practical as Lauren’s thorough Six-Point Plan. I see the importance of the innate disconnection between our divided community and SGA. I encourage students to read my manifesto, as policies are more clear and comprehensive on there. The changes I advocate for may not be as enticing or tangible but result in a direct student cohesiveness within the community.

Finally, I apologize for the interpretation of mimicking Lauren’s answer in planning to work more with the Optimist. Our methods in this regard are rather similar. I am glad the Optimist asked for a more detailed response from me via google sheet, in which I am more clear about my intended methods, including working with The Optimist to address issues of disconnection between SGA and the student body through my policies as I think the Optimist is essential to the student experience.