2008 Woodie Awards
MEET THE CANDIDATES
SGA presidential hopefuls await student voting polls
Robin Phelps
Issue date: 4/18/08 Section: News
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As the polls open Monday, three candidates will race to become Murray State's next SGA president in hopes of improving the University.
Jonathan Burdon, sophomore from Marion, Ky., said he has several plans to better the University.
"I have a platform and a way to support my platform," Burdon said. "Too many times (candidates) have promised things, but they have no plan."
Along with Burdon's aspirations of making tuition more affordable, he said he also would like to incorporate the service provided by iTunes U, a Mac resource designed to allow faculty to upload multimedia files used in class.
Burdon said he not only plans for assisting faculty as they become more technologically savvy in teaching methods, he also said his platform to make tuition more affordable through reviewing the use of University funding.
"I'm trying to get more bang for your buck," Burdon said. "It's cost verses yield analysis."
Though Burdon mentioned his former online proposal with the suggestion of evaluating paid student-worker positions, he said this factor would be key in decreasing unnecessary spending.
"Every time the University puts people on the payroll, it costs money," Burdon said. "We need to fund areas where students, faculty and administrators are willing to fund."
With his platforms including the University's budget, iTunes U and student unity, Burdon said his plans have the potential to positively affect Murray State.
Aaron Butler, senior from Owensboro, Ky., said his past experiences within University organizations inspired him to run for the position.
"I realized, one day, that I was successful at leading the projects that I was in and I saw that I had new, innovative acts," Butler said.
With five years experience at the University, Butler said commitment to student organization makes him an exemplary candidate. "Being a rower, I've had dedication through my athleticism, I'm well-rounded and I have the most-established platform," Butler said.
As well as a member on the University's rowing team, Butler said he is an active member of the New Clark Residential College Council and has assumed several leadership roles within a number of student organizations.
With reducing residential college laundry machine costs, an increased number of parking lots for students, increased funding for sports clubs and more support among student organizations on the top of Butler's "to-do" list, he said these steps will translate into an effective plan to advance the University.
Using his light-hearted, but serious campaign slogan to convey his platform Butler said, "I can't buy your vote, but I can offer some change."
Though Butler said he is a good candidate for SGA president he also felt secure in his competition, Burdon and Mantooth.
"Whoever wins will do a good job," Butler said.
Kara Mantooth, junior from Owensboro, Ky., said a quality she possesses which is important for SGA president is forthrightness.
"One quality that I'm always conscious of is integrity-that my action and values are always aligned," Mantooth said.
With the primary goal of bettering the Univerisity and its students through the collaborative efforts of all SGA units, Mantooth said her platform will achieve these goals.
"I've put myself in the majority of organizations on campus and I think it's important to be in touch with those people you're going to help," Mantooth said.
On the SGA level, Mantooth said she would like to empower the Senate body and educate the group on the importance of the position and what it can do.
With plans to revitalize SGA as well, Mantooth also said she has been working to make living on campus more convenient and enjoyable for students.
With ideas for working with Waterfield library's budget to extend hours, negotiating ways to allow ten-minute parking areas within the residential college parking area and bridging the communication gap between students and their advisors, Mantooth said these adaptations to the University structure would better accommodate students.
"This is the best way to make an impact and be the voice of the students," Mantooth said.
Since April 13 when the race for SGA president began, the three candidates, combined, have spent approximately $1,200 for campaigning purposes, but with less than a week left, students will soon see which candidate will rise victorious as the next SGA president.
Voting is online through links on Racernet or msusga.com, and begins a 9 a.m. Monday. Voting will end at 9 a.m. Wednesday. Winners will be announced Wednesday at the conclusion of the Beau Bristou concert sponsored by the Campus Activities Board in the Curris Center Dance Lounge.
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