The three parties seeking office in the 2003 SGA elections each held kickoff events Monday trying to attract voters with everything from free food to live music.
“We just wanted to provide a personable atmosphere because we’re personable people,” presidential candidate Tony White said at the Truth’s kickoff party at Clement Hall. “By getting people here and mingling with students, we can show them what we’re all about. (These events) are the perfect opportunity to deliver our goals and having a good time.”
Monday marked the beginning of campaign week, with elections to be held online April 1 and April 2. The Truth held its first party meeting Sunday night in Presidential Courtyard, followed by another event in Clement courtyard Monday. White said the event Sunday was convenient for both the students and the party.
“We caught several people moving back in from Spring Break,” White said. “The dining halls weren’t open so it worked out for both of us. They got free food and we got our points across – we had a good time.”
Volunteer Pride also held its kickoff event Monday afternoon. Presidential candidate Matt McDonald was pleased with the turnout and said the positive start was a plus for his party.
“It’s critical that we get our ideas across anytime we can,” McDonald said. “Our ideas are what we’ll win with because they’re good ideas. Having everyone out for some social time is a good way to do that.”
At the event, McDonald and vice-presidential candidate Doug White discussed the issues they felt student government should focus on, such as red tape, connectivity, student skills utilization and parking.
VP campaign manager Chaz Molder said the event showed the need for diversity in SGA.
“We had a large group of people show up, some of which have no idea what SGA does,” Molder said. “We have a diverse group, and having parties like this allows us to show the students we can represent their needs.”
The last SGA party to hold a kickoff party was Volunteer Voice. Both the party’s presidential and vice-presidential candidates agreed first impressions were key to a successful election.
“You have to start out putting your best foot forward,” VV presidential candidate Sarah Keeton said. “These (events) are the first chance students get to see what your party is all about, so it’s important to make a good impression.”
Adam Prater, VV vice-presidential candidate, agreed and said providing an enjoyable environment was also important.
“We want everyone to have a good time,” Prater said. “Everybody needs to just have a good time this week – enjoy it. SGA elections are for the students, so they should take advantage of all opportunities to learn about us and get some free food in the process.”
Of those in attendance at the party mixers, students enjoyed the atmosphere and looked forward to the rest of election week.
“I’m definitely having a good time,” said Curtis Sanderfer, a freshman running with the Truth. “People should get out more and do stuff like this all the time. It lets you see how diverse the campus is … Everybody likes free food.”
