The three Student Government Association slates presented their platforms and answered a few questions for about 30 people in Botsford/Swinford halls Tuesday evening.
Student Honors Council presented the town hall-style meeting, President William Jay said. A member suggested having the event at the council's meeting Monday. The council discussed whether it would be able to book all the slates on such short notice, Jay said, and he was happy with the turn out.
Each slate addressed the crowd separately with the others not present. Each outlined a few points from their respective platforms before fielding questions. Students asked each slate to address, among other issues, diversity, parking and dining on campus. Slates were also asked what points they liked and disliked from their opponents.
Jay said he was happy with the audience's questions and particularly enjoyed when it asked slates about their opponents.
Every presidential candidate said the meeting went well.
Kerri Cropper, presidential candidate from University Coalition and resident of Botsford Hall, said she was happy to see so many people there because getting information on all three slates is important to casting an educated vote.
Junior telecommunications major Brian Bauman said he couldn't distinguish between the slates. They presented "interchangeable" platforms, he said, and didn't seem to be well informed of each other's ideas.
"I was incredibly underwhelmed," Bauman said. "I found nothing on their platforms that were particularly inspiring."
Nathan Meeks, presidential candidate from Cardinal Collaboration, said he was happy with the presentation, and students seemed enthusiastic. He said the audience seemed to like the platform and was receptive to the slate's laid back style. Cardinal Collaboration probably gained a few supporters, he said.
Beth Cahill, presidential candidate from Cardinal Impact, said she was proud of her slate. It went through its entire platform and received a good response from the crowd.
She said the platform is well researched and hoped students would recognize that and give their support.
J. Ashley Smith, a senior sociology and women's studies major, said she was disappointed that Cardinal Impact didn't address the controversy surrounding the slate in the past week. She said it should have given some reassurance that the members know what they are doing.
She said the slates didn't sound like they researched what past SGA administrations have tried to do and has heard the same ideas from previous slates. Most were denied, she said.
Bauman said the presentation enforced the idea that SGA is impotent and serves as a think tank for the administration rather than a legislative body.
Cropper said she thought University Coalition gained support from the audience. She said students have faith in the platform.
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