SALEM – All Student Government Organization (SGO) candidates submitted their nomination forms and all candidates but those for president are uncontested.
Brad Heckathorn, three-year member of SGO and senator for Smokin’ Aces Club, will oppose 2-year member Danielle Stewart in a debate April 15, at 2 p.m. in room 101.
These three uncontested candidates will automatically fill their seats: Michael Morgan, vice-president; Jo Broffman, secretary; Christina Pinatiello, historian. The three offices for which no one attempted to run, web officer, treasurer, and communications officer, will become appointed positions after the president has been established.
Stewart put forth her intentions if she wins the president position. She said, “If I am elected president of this campus’s student body, I will be sure to work on these issues and make the voices of the students heard. I have numerous reaso
ns for running for SGO President. One major reason is to ‘change the face’ of SGO because for a long time SGO has been made up of the same group of people. My goal is to get more people involved, and to do this, I plan on holding more activities on campus. I would like to see more academic help for students that need it- for instance, psychology tutoring. I would also like to see maybe some group study sessions with tutors or professors leading the sessions. This is something I have seen done many times on main campus, but not really thought about here.”Stewart continued: “Another outreach idea I would like to continue is to advocate having the community daycares in the area offer a discounted rate to students with children. This would be a great resource for single parents and co-parenting families with a need for daycare that cannot afford the high rates because of our suffering economy.”
Heckathorn discussed the importance of the SGO and how he
can work with others to improve the KSU-Salem experience: “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."
Broffman, a human development and family studies (HDFS) major and SGO secretary for the 2010-2011 year, said: “Being a student leader isn't about boosting your ego or getting a better job after graduation or looking good on your resume. It's about serving your campus, your community, and your fellow students. I look forward to serving the needs of the Salem campus students.”
Pinatiello, a justice studies major, said: “My plans as historian are to get pictures of important events and keep track of them.” The position requires her to compile visual documentation of school functions.
Michael Morgan, vice-president, declined comment Monday.
Voters can pick up election ballots at the reception desk between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. on both Wednesday, Apr. 21 and Thursday, Apr. 22. Everyone will learn the results at the Apr. 30 Awards Banquet.
East Liverpool's Council of Student Organizations (CoSO) will announce elections at a later time.
(Photos from top: Danielle Stewart with daughter; Brad Heckathorn; Jo Broffman; Christina Pinatiello with dad. Photos submitted by candidates.)
