Candidates struggle at microphone

Candidates for student body president and vice president, Student Fee Committee (SFC) chair and SFC member, appeared on the food court stage to present their platforms in what had been billed as a “debate” Thursday.

The elections are scheduled for this week.

First up was Ammar Shihab, running for student body president. He read a prepared list of his priorities for the 2003-04 year. His vice presidential candidate, Sarah Campbell, stressed some elements of their platform, which advocates Tri-Met passes for students, access to student evaluations of their professors and student influence on housing prices and tuition hikes.

Michael-Sean Kelley, presidential candidate, did not appear, but his vice-presidential running mate, Rebecca Pierce stated their ticket advocates a journalism minor, increased communication with administration and giving students a choice between university studies and general studies.

The ticket of Amara Marino, president, and Joe Johnson, vice president, stressed their interest in establishing a black studies major, better concern for accessibility for students with disabilities and more student influence in administrative decisions.

Johnson also stressed accessibility, along with affordability, which would include maintaining the financial support of the Oregon Opportunities Grant.

Tracy Earll, seeking a second term as chair of the SFC, emphasized her experience during an effective year and the need to have a trained chair to guide five new members on the SFC. She also stressed as SFC chair for the 2002-03 year, she was able to administer funds without raising student fees.

William Emminger, a sophomore and SFC chair candidate, has no experience in student government, but emphasized his deep professional background in accounting and budgeting. He believes students need a better understanding on how student fees are used.

SFC chair candidate Erin Watari is a graduate of Southern Oregon University. She is currently serving a two-year term as a student member on the State Board of Higher Education. She advocated what she called more student rights in the student fee process and more free speech.