SGO Debate and Election Slated

By Melody Gustafson
SALEM – Seven students are running for 4 posts in the Student Government Organization (SGO) election that will decide officers for the 2009-10 academic year, and 3 additional posts have no candidates to fill them.

The SGO candidate debate will be Apr 14 from 12-2 in the student lounge, and Kristin Toothman, director of enrollment and student services will mediate the event and pose a few questions to each candidate, and they will have the opportunity to deliver opening and closing remarks to the audience. Refreshments will be available.

Voting is on Apr. 15 and 16 at the reception desk.

Brad Heckathorn is vying against Evie Spence for president; Heather Grunden and Suzy Merryman are competing for vice-president; Joe Broffman and Sarah Henry face off for treasurer; and Ashley Gilbert is running unopposed for the position of secretary.

Three positions have no one running for them, so the elected members have to consult the constitution of the SGO to determine the course of action necessary to fill them, said standing president Lucian Clewell. “Regarding the officer positions that no one ran for, the resolution is still in debate. The constitution may contain provisions for these circumstances,” he said.

Clewell went on say he tried to lead by example this year and share his knowledge about how to run a student government and he’s really proud of all the members for pulling it together. “I wish the best of luck to all the candidates and look forward to the Awards Banquet in a few weeks,” he said.

Heckathorn believes that he is the best candidate because he has demonstrated already his effectiveness at getting things done around campus. He points out that he has gotten energy drinks put in the vending machine and courtesy phones in the halls. His influence helped to get lighting for the back parking lot, a new camera purchased for the SGO and the pool table refurbished.

Spence is an early childhood education major who has experience with fundraisers and organizing large events that involve hundreds of people. She believes her dedication makes her stand out as the better candidate.

Heather Grunden feels that her 2 years of experience in the SGO makes her the better prospect for vice-president. “I was the SGO secretary for the 2007-08 school year” she said. She added that she always participates in the organizing of activities and fundraising as much as possible.

When asked why she would be a worthy vice-president, standing communications officer Suzy Merryman said, “I have the qualities of honesty, loyalty and dependability and have a better grasp as to how to contribute as my freshman year is ending. I would benefit a great deal from this experience.”

Sarah Henry claims to have the upper hand in the competition for treasurer because of her background of Accounting I and II in high school and experience helping her father who is president of an American Legion chapter balance his books. “I’ve been an active and loyal member of the SGO this past school year,” she said. Organizing events such as community dinners at the American Legion and last fall’s winter coat drive at KSU-Salem that was featured in Eastern Flash has prepared her for this.

When asked why she would be the better cvandidate for the treasurer position, she said, "My qualifications for treasury are from my experiences coordinating numerous fundraisers for Summit County Children's Services and 10 years of being quartermaster for all supplies and ordering of equipment for the non-profit organizations Rolling Thunder and Paladin Knights -both are Veteran organization's."