Image provided by: Texas A&M University
About The Battalion. (College Station, Tex.) 1893-current | View Entire Issue (March 26, 1985)
voters 9 guide/!? Six vie for student body pres. Sean Royall junior economics My candidacy for student body president at A&M is not the culmination of a life-time dream; it is simply the result of serious consideration of what I have learned in my three years of involvement with Student Government, and in turn what I have to offer through experi ence, leadership and commit ment. Aside from the administrative responsibilities, I view the stu dent body president as an advo cate on part of the students with the faculty and adminsitration. For this reason it is essential that the president be someone who not only understands the concerns of students, but one who can effectively deal with the policy makers of A&M. As student body president, I would attempt to further de velop communication at both ends of the spectrum. Through Sean Royall seeking the direct input and par ticipation of concerned students and by using the experience and credibility I have attained to pursue policies that are benefi cial to the student body. Brett Shine junior finance In these elections, we have the opportunity to restore true stu dent representation to Student Government. As student body president, I will combine experi ence and accomplishment with a service-oriented attitude to achieve this goal. My experience as a student senator, LSG member, and vice president for external affairs have prepared me for the re sponsibilities of the student body president. I plan to work on the following goals: • To build a more efficient, more productive Student Gov ernment; • To promote better commu nication within Student Govern ment and encourage more Stu dent Government interaction' with other student groups and the student body as a whole; ‘To not only work effectively with the administration, but to identify and protect students’ needs and interests in the relationship. Brett Shine I would apreciate your sup port on March 27-28. I will en sure that the voice of Texas A&M students will be carried by a conscientious and responsible representative. I will also remain commited to the goal of giving Student Government back to the students. Jeff Danzinger junior political science While the student life pro gram here at A&M is excellent, many improvements are needed. Student Government exists to serve the student body, and these areas of concern must be addressed by student political leaders. One matter of concern is tea ching: The increasing emphasis on research may be leading to a tenure and promotion system which pays little attention to quality teaching. The registration system should be reorganized so it is less inconvenient and time con suming for students. The Uni versity also needs to work harder for the acquisition of a special events center. ' Mike Cook junior economics The overriding question asked during this campaign is “Can student government get things done?” I answer yes; it has great potential, but it lacks one thing — effective lead ership. Student body elections have in the past been beauty contests where the smoothest talker, the sharpest dresser and the most effective issue-dodgers win. We’ve seen the results of such elections. If the beauty contest ap proach to choosing presidents hasn’t worked how snould we choose a candidate? Patrick Henry said: “I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided and that is the lamp of experience. I know no way of judging the future by the past.” In this election, the voter must judge a candidate on his record. I run on a record of leading oth ers and of getting things done. I’ve held three executive-level leadership positions as a vice president of the senate and a member of MSC Council. In these positions I’ve: • Supervised the MSC bud get process which included 32 committees. • Increased student input into fee allocations. • Fought for low intramural fees. • Supported extramural sports clubs. • Secured funding for study abroad and University art pro grams. • Was named outstanding legislative vice-president by the senate awards committee. Anyone can, in the heat of a campaign, make promises. The Mike Cook point is not talk but actually solv ing problems. I run on my re cord. Elect proven leadership — for a change. Madelon Yanta junior finance Through involvement in the Legislative Study Group, the chancellor’s student advisory board, and as assistant to the stu dent body president, I have ob served areas in which Student Government is making progress. However, there exists a two pronged challenge for Student Government to strengthen itself from within, so that it can reach out to the student body and of fer responsible representation. From experience and obser vation, I have designed a plat form that meets this challenge. My primary goals are three-fold. First, student input must be enhanced through the 54 Uni versity committees ranging from traffic appeals to recreation. Through presidential appoint ment of responsible people from all sectors of the University, in cluding those presently outside of Student Government, stu dents can be more effectively represented in the many facets of campus life. Secondly, internal commu nication between the branches of Student Government must be strengthened to utilize the orga nization’s potential. For example, the census and research committee of the exec utive branch of Student Govern ment randomly surveys the cam pus every semester to locate problem areas. These survey re sults should be reviewed more closely and acted upon by the legislative vice-presidents of the Student Senate. Lastly, and most importantly, an overhaul of aca demic advising is essential for enhancing the quality of educa tion at A&M. By presenting credible information to the proper faculty and administra tive committees, Student Gov ernment can ensure that student Madelon Yanta opinion is not overlooked. With experience, initiative and the desire to improve stu dent life, we can make a differ- Bob Stephan senior mechanical engineering I can make Texas A&M a more prosperous University through a more active Student Government and better rep resentation to the administra tion, faculty and community. Student Government has the po tential to effect daily student life, yet often times strong leadership and motivation is not readily ap parent. For example, 56 percent of the senators elected last spring are out of office today. Are these people representing you? What kind of continuity does this leave in Student Gov ernment? Through chairing traditions council in the executive branch and membership as senior engi neering senator in the legislative branch, I’ve shared a diversified view of Student Government. I’ve developed communication and leadership skills through the Corps as a cadet major, student leaders’ speakers bureau, MSC hospitality, student engineers council and Student Y peer ad vising. If elected as student body president, I will add direction to Student Government by requir ing increased commitment and creativity, and broadening the information base of Student Government in order to provide stronger representation of the student body in Aggieland. A vote for Bob Stephan is a vote for action in Student Govern ment. Jeff Danzinger