SALEM -- It's that time of year again when young students minds turn to thoughts of submitting their nomination forms for student government positions that will empower them to improve their school.
Those who wish to become candidates in the 2010 election to gain positions in the Student Government Organization (SGO) must enter their paperwork by Friday, Mar. 19 at the reception desk. Dates for debate and election will be set after the nomination deadline. Incumbents must fill out forms also.
There are seven positions for which to run: president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, web officer, communications officer, and historian. The last two were not elected positions previously, according to Kristen Toothman, director of enrollment and student services.
Brad Heckathorn, SGO member, Smokin' Aces Club senator and candidate for president, urges people to become involved and strive for positions of leadership. He sat down with Eastern Flash to discuss the importance of student government and the ways that a student can make a difference.
Heckathorn said: "This is our campus, and we want to make it the best it can be. The SGO is one of the major players of all the clubs because we, as a whole, are the ones in the middle. We act as liaisons between the clubs, the students and the business office. We [SGO members] exist as an entity for the single purpose of speaking for every student who comes to us with ideas or complaints."
"Some people may think they can't make a difference. Well, everyone has something they can give, whether ideas or leadership, and everyone has the ability to to make this a stronger organization. It is said that you are only as strong as our weakest link and we believe that holds true with the SGO. It is important that everyone knows that we are not involved for our own benefit, the office, or the money. We became officers to better our school and the quality of it for the next generation."
Contact Heckathorn at bheckath@kent.edu with questions about the functions and responsibilities of the positions. You may also contact the SGO office by phone at KSU-Salem.
