By Amanda Free
Eleven University of Louisville students debated in front of 200 people in the Floyd Theater on Thur., Feb. 17.
The students are running for the positions of Student Government Association’s Student Body President, Executive Vice President, Academic Vice President and Services Vice President.
The lead members of slates The Cardinal Connection, Dark Knights and Team 2010 and one independent candidate were moderated by SGA Supreme Court Chief Justice Timothy Brauch.
“I’m running as a student, not as part of a slate or so that I can put this on a resumé. I actually care about this university,” said Joe Grossman, the independent candidate running for Services Vice President. Grossman talked about his experience on the Residency Review Committee and his desire to make sure that students’ opinions are heard by SGA.
The “Dark Knights” Kirk Laughlin and Kurtis Frizzell discussed the changes they want to bring to the SGA as President and Services Vice President, respectively.
Frizzell described ways he planned to improve the routes of communication between SGA and students as Services Vice President before discussing his opinion of the mandatory meal plan.
“Robbery: It’s happening here,” Frizzell said.
Laughlin wishes to bring about big changes in the SGA.
“It is not the purpose of SGA to market their positions to students,” he said. “It is the purpose of SGA to market the positions of the students to the university and to Frankfort.”
The Cardinal Connection slate discussed their plans to restore accountability in SGA.
“I want to turn campus health services into a place that promotes pro-active health, to make it more visible and available,” said Services Vice President candidate Levi Shanks. His plans are to improve campus health services.
“This election is about results. It isn’t about what I think I can do. It’s about my track record,” said Michael Rolf, an Academic Vice President candidate.
“We need to pull RSOs (Recognized Student Organizations) in and allow them to have a voice in SGA,” said Robert Works, an Executive Vice President candidate.
“We need to stop blaming the administration,” said OJ Oleka, the Cardinal Connection candidate for President. What can we do together?” he asked.
“We’re not here just to be in government,” said Team 2010 presidential candidate Ahmed Awadallah. “We’re not here because of politics. We’re here because of what students want and need.”
Awadallah said should he become the next SGA president, Team 2010 wants to create a 5-year plan to improve many aspects of the university.
Stephanie Bonenberger, candidate for Executive Vice President said, “I really want to work on educating our senators on how to communicate with constituents.”
When describing the diversity of his slate, Team 2010, Academic Vice President candidate Sam Jones said, “To represent the students, we have to reflect the students.”
Their Services Vice President candidate Krista Walterman said “Services Vice President is a multifaceted position… I bring forth a fresh passion.” Her plans are to make campus greener and improve security.
