The future of the NC State Student Government was discussed during the Student Government Debate hosted by Student Media on Tuesday evening. Candidates for chief justice, student body vice president and student body president discussed their concerns and hopes for future of Student Government and the student body of NC State, prompted by a panel of Student Media members.
The evening began with an introduction from Kelly McNeil, a senior studying communications, managing editor of Technician and time-keeper of the debate, followed by the introduction of chief justice candidates Jess Hansen, a senior studying aerospace engineering, and Landon McKinney, a junior studying political science.
“Most important job of the student Chief Justice is to ensure that the board gives students a fair and unbiased trial,” said McKinney.
Hansen and McKinney focused on platforms that included an inclusive student Conduct Board that is more active in the student body.
“I don’t want to be somebody who’s sitting up with a gavel and a wig and saying ‘Don’t come back to State,’ I want to be somebody who says ‘I want you here, let us help you stay here,’” Hansen said.
Diversity and inclusion on campus facilitated by a change in the body of Student Government was a major focus of the debate.
Vice presidential candidate Jayna Lennon, a junior studying political science, emphasized her and Quiroga’s platform of diversity, sustainability and the facilitation of the relationship between Student Government and the student body.
“We want to see [people] coming to this table and having a conversation,” said presidential candidate Alberto Quiroga, a senior studying aerospace engineering. “Let’s see how we can move forward on resolving these problems … All students are included in this, no matter your background or where you come from, you belong here at this university and you belong as a part of the Wolfpack family.”
Vice presidential candidate Mia Connell, a sophomore studying sociology, and presidential candidate Jackie Gonzales, a junior studying political science, focused on inclusion on campus and improving the current Student Government’s shortcomings.
“A lot of the time, it seems like our programs are obsolete because they’re falling short,” Connell said. “They’re not necessarily reaching the target audience … and that’s a shame … We need to blame Student Government as a whole because Student Government isn’t providing those departments what they need to be successful.”
Presidential candidate Meredith Biechele, a senior studying mechanical engineering, and vice presidential candidate Alex Mitchell, a junior studying meteorology, focused on their platform of student health and improving the operational aspects of NC State.
“We are united, not divided and this campus can get so much more done together,” Mitchell said. “We can conquer a lot more than being divided because we are more involved.”
Jack Pashby, a senior studying nuclear engineering and vice presidential candidate, and Brad Barbee, a junior studying statistics and presidential candidate, focused on affordability, improved student life and engagement within the NC State community, with an emphasis on the impact Student Government has on individuals at NC State.
“Next time this year, I really want every single hand to go up when I ask ‘What is student government doing for you,’ and ‘Is it improving your experience,’” Barbee said.
Matthew Yanik, a graduate student studying physiology and poultry science, believes the debate was extremely influential among the voters within Student Government and the student body as a whole because it informs the voters.
“I think the debates have a strong impact on the election,” Yanik said. “Students care about what the candidates think and what they plan to do. I think the debate gives a really strong indication of what we can expect from candidates if they were to be elected.”
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Presidential candidate Meredith Biechele takes a question during the Student Government debate on Feb. 21 in the Student Senate Chamber in Talley Student Union. The debate allowed candidates for Student Body President, Vice President, and Chief Justice to answer questions and speak about their campaigns.
