Although the president and vice president of the Student Government Association are campaigning against each other for the presidency, they said the election will not interfere with the student government.
In January, SGA President Jayson Manship's vice president Adam Ittenbach stepped down to study abroad. President pro tempore Ben Tietz became vice president.
Manship said the transition was smooth, but Ittenbach and Tietz have different leadership styles.
"We lost a lot of chemistry the slate had," Manship said. "There were clear bonds between the four of us."
At times, Tietz said it has been awkward in the student government office because he is not an original member of the Manship slate.
"I think it's unavoidable," Tietz said, "but we've been professional about it. There's nothing that's hindering us from doing our jobs."
Kay Bales, associate vice president of student life, said the Student Government Association's by-laws are written for a smooth transition from one office to another.
For example, when Ittenbach resigned and Tietz became vice president, Meghan Newlund was elected president pro tempore by the Student Government Association.
"Ben also trained Meghan," Bales said. "They've had a good working relationship. I think he knew the role and was able to step in."
Bales said anytime someone comes into an established group, it can be difficult to adjust.
"It's very normal for people to get used to someone else's style," Bales said.
Manship said the transition went well for both Tietz and Newlund, but there have been some communication problems.
"We've handled things in a very professional way," Manship said. "There were some issues like this person might be stepping on this person's feet, but that's because I didn't really understand the different leadership styles."
Tietz said the officers and he have had miscommunications about executive meeting times.
However, both Manship and Tietz said they will continue to work together even though they are campaigning for the same position in SGA.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
