SGO candidates compete for votes at debate

By Melody Gustafson
SALEM -- Candidates for various Student Government Organization (SGO) posts competed in a debate Tuesday led by director of enrollment and student services Kristin Toothman.

All candidates had the opportunity to deliver opening and closing remarks, and as both candidates stood before the audience, Toothman asked a question that they, in turn, answered at the podium.

Toothman began with the treasury candidates, Sarah Henry and Jo Broffman. Henry opened by saying that she knows she can handle the job, and a that she'll bring her fundraising strengths to the office. "A full schedule keeps me going, and I'll be working for you, the students," she said.

Jo Broffman was unable to attend the debate, but contacted Eastern Flash
with her comments. She said: "If elected to Treasurer , I will follow the budget plans of the Student Government and use my years of fundraising skills to enhance our income. Courage is your ability to try new things and you will never fail because you tried."

Ashley Gilbert, running unopposed for Secretary, was too stressed out and unable to speak to the audience because of personal problems.

Next Toothman called the prospective vice-presidents, Heather Grunden and Suzy Merryman to the podium, and asked them what their greatest challenges would be as vice-president, and what plans have they made for when they occupy the post.

Grunden said that as an experienced SGO secretary she knows what each officer's duties are and would be able to act as president in his or her absence. "I have leadership qualities that will help the whole oganization run more smoothly, and I would follow the constitution and get tips from the former president if I need to take charge. Also I like to help people and I do talk to everybody."

Merryman, present communications officer, felt that recruitment is one of SGO's biggest problems, partially due to misconceptions of what the club is and does. "It's not a politics club," she said. "If anything, I would be recruiting and boosting student involvement. But I know that when the president is gone, its my job, and I can do it," she said.

Finally presidential hopefuls Brad Heckathorn, justice studies major and current, elected historian, and Evie Spence, who majors in early childhood education, minors in human services, and is presently the the elected secretary, approached the mike.

In his opening remarks, Heckathorn promised, "If you have an issue, bring it to us, and we'll try to make it happen." He described the importance of working together to achieve results, and the value of his tenacious leadership. "I don't take no for answer; I'll follow through to the end."

Spence described her strength during a rocky period in SGO history and addressed several organization weaknesses in her opening remarks. She said, "Last year, SGO was a roller coaster. I had to step up and be acting president when the elected one left, yet we still managed to have successful food and coat drives." She said that she'd like to boost student involvement next year and get the community involved in KSU events.

Toothman asked the contenders if they will argue for students interests even if it is inconvenient to do so, and Heckathorn replied that he "will fight a losing battle, if it is for something that the students feel is necessary."

Spence promised to stand up for student interests, even if she doesn't personally agree with the majority decisions, because if it weren't for the student body there would be no SGO.

Toothman urged the competitors' classmates to come vote and introduced Lucian Clewell, standing president, to say a few words to his constituents:
"Thank you for coming everyone. Your participation is very important to this process. Good luck to all the candidates, and may the best humans win. It's been a great ride."


(Photos from top: Enrollment management director Kristin Toothman at podium; Sarah Henry; Jo Broffman; Heather Grunden speaking; Suzy Merryman; Brad Heckathorn; Evie Spence; President Lucian Clewell addresses the audience. Photos by Mike Canaday)