2008 Woodie Awards
Student candidates duel during debate Tuesday
Jason Morrow
Issue date: 4/18/08 Section: News
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The event began with statements from each candidate running for treasurer, secretary, vice president and president. The candidates for president then set up for a question and answer-style forum.
The crowd submitted questions for the forum. One of the issues brought to the presidential candidates was how they planned to address rising costs around campus, specifically the cost of meals at Winslow Dining Hall.
Jonathan Burdon, sophomore from Marion, Ky., was adamant about this issue.
"I'm actually the only candidate up here that's come up with a proposal to work with tuition and how we can come up with options to lower tuition," Burdon said. "It's very important that we look for alternative ways."
Aaron Butler, senior from Owensboro, Ky., said he believes there are ways Murray State can try to take advantage of rising costs.
"On the tuition, it's almost inevitable that it's going to rise," Butler said. "But we've got to find what we can benefit out of each time it is raised." He suggested lowering laundry costs and funding sports clubs as examples.
Kara Mantooth, junior from Owensboro, Ky., spoke about how she has been working with Food Services Director Richard Fritz. She said students should be getting more meals next semester.
Another member of the crowd asked Mantooth to explain her proposition of a student-adviser contract.
"You make up a calendar of what classes you need to take when, whether it be by semester or by years or by all four years," Mantooth said. "If for some reason you drop or fail a class, the contract would be breached." She went on to explain if a senior has taken the contracted classes and is not allowed to graduate due to scheduling conflicts, then the fault would fall on the University and the student would be allowed to graduate.
Jonathan Burdon was asked to explain his plan for the iTunes U. program.
"It allows the professors to upload video or audio of their lectures, so if you miss class you'll be able to watch them," Burdon said. "It would allow you to learn in a non-traditional way." He also explained it would help students who have jobs and live off campus and cannot always attend class.
By the end of the forum, all of the candidates thanked the crowd and addressed the other candidates.
"I want to thank my competition because they've run excellent campaigns," Butler said. "And regardless of who wins, each one of them is perfectly qualified to make a great president for SGA."
Jason Morrow can be reached at jason.morrow@murraystate.
edu.
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