Spartan TV hosts SGA candidates

What was meant to be a presidential debate turned out to be more of a discussion last week with SGA members Sen. Michael Tuso and Sen. Andrea Schronce speaking about the qualities and experience they feel they embody, enabling them to become the leaders of the student body.

Spartan TV hosted the debate shortly after SGA announced there would be a do-over in the election process. The television station invited all the presidential and vice-presidential candidates to attend the event, however, due to a decline of the request and a failure to show, only two candidates were available to answer questions.

Sen. Tuso, running for president, and Sen. Schronce, running for vice-president, are running mates in the election, making it difficult to hold an actual debate with just the two. Instead, Chris Brown, a Spartan TV anchor, moderated more of a question-and-answer discussion, asking the team what makes them the better candidates.

The questions began with an inquiry into why the candidates were running for their positions. Schronce made it clear she is interested in building relationships with the student body and stated she has a "passion for government." Tuso feels students need to be assured their opinions are being heard, and this is not being done at the present.

Other questions ranged from the candidates' experience in politics to their views on campus safety and crime.

"My experience goes well beyond my opponent's," said Tuso when asked about statements made by Sen. Michael Boglovits, the other candidate running for SGA president, claiming Tuso was less experienced. "As far as I know we are on the same platform…[yet] I feel my experience is far more extensive."

In regards to crime on campus, both candidates expressed their concern for students' safety. Schronce explained their attempts to lobby administrators to address the safety problems.

"Michael [Tuso] and I worked on legislation for a campus safety walk," stated Schronce. "But I've noticed when I walk alone at night I haven't seen any police officers."

"The policies need to be extended," explained Tuso. "I think the students feel the SGA appropriates finances only. They don't know we're a channel to change policy … there needs to be a direct link between students and the SGA."

In addition to the normal questions asked of presidential candidates, Brown asked the pair something a little more personal.

"It was implied earlier this week in no uncertain terms that an SGA member shouldn't be expected to answer emails while on vacation," began Brown. "Considering that the school pays their salary and for them to have a cell phone, do you think that SGA members should be expected to communicate with their constituents even though school is not in session?"

The candidates answered without hesitation.

"I will be here for the student body at all times," declared Tuso. "Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, and 12 months a year."

"People would like to have jobs they can walk away from at any time," responded Schronce. "But not all jobs are like that … this job isn't like that."

Finally the candidates gave their opinions on the election do-over when asked what they would do to ensure not only that elections are held once, but also that they are valid and every voice is heard. Schronce made it clear the present problems are unacceptable.

"We need firm, consistent rules that are enforced," said Schronce. "Even if it means disqualifying people."

"It's a question of leadership and a lack of communication," added Tuso. "But ultimately it's a question of leadership."

The new SGA election dates have yet to be determined.