Story by ABIGAIL SHEARER Photos by PARKER NISBETH
Tiger Media Network
Ahead of this week’s Student Government Association elections, members of each ticket had the opportunity to discuss their platforms and sway voters at the inaugural SGA debate on Thursday. All three candidate pairs were asked a series of predetermined written and verbal questions followed by a student-question section.
Tiger Media Network candidate profile
In the president’s section of the debate, candidates were asked what makes them qualified for the position.
Mickey Mason, current SGA senator representing the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
“My experience in the senate, representing you to the faculty. I believe I am very transparent and always willing to have a conversation with you.”
Grace McCord, current SGA Legislative Affairs Director.
“My representation advocating at both faculty, but also state levels. Also, our passions for civil engagement.”
Jackson Sinsel, current SGA Student Body Treasurer
“I have been a part of SGA since my freshman year. I transitioned to treasure my sophomore year along with my junior year. I also spend the most time on staff and also have been on most committees.”
They were then asked what they believe is the biggest challenge FHSU students face.
Mason – ”I believe that issues that students have often change depending on the season, but one that is always there is parking. Another one is snow we don’t want to have students falling because of snow, administration needs to focus more on the first snow. Whether that be having more snow days or a budget for salt.”
McCord – “Knowing that college students are busy we want to make sure that there will be little to no overlapping activities so everyone can get the best experience possible from FHSU.”
Sinsel – “There is not necessarily one problem, but a bunch of smaller problems that can be solved. Small items really add up but the bigger items like food quality are also important.”
Later in the Vice President’s section of the debate, candidates were asked what they envision FHSU in 10 years and where SGA might be.
Marcel Dely, current SGA senator representing the International Student Seat.
“I believe it will be more open in the next 10 years and hopefully go global.”
Madison Albers, current SGA senator representing the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
“I see us keeping our creativity and keeping affordable rates; I also hope that it goes around the globe and expands. For SGA involvement I see this being very important to make sure that the students are being heard.”
Brenna Schwien, current SGA Public Relations Director.
“In 10 years I hope that FHSU is better off than it is now. Everything that we do not see as tangible right now I hope to see it happen in the next 10 years, so more people will want to come to FHSU. That also means keeping tuition affordable so people can come to Fort Hays. For SGA I see that being very important in that process.”
During the student question section, candidates were asked to respond to the topic of campus parking.
Mason – “There are several options on how to fix parking, one idea to get administration attention is to have faculty and staff fight for parking like the students. A place for parking is under Jellison bridge, move the bridge to a big creek.”
McCord – “This has come up many times in SGA it is important to note that the administration does understand. However, I don’t believe faculty and staff should fight for parking; they do a lot for us, but have it open after 4:30. There is parking around campus it just isn’t close by.”
Sinsel – “Like LAD McCord said I don’t want to take away faculty and staff parking, they do a lot for us, they have been here longer than us and will be here after us. The campus is very walkable I understand that everyone wants to be close, but I don’t see where we would put it.”
Voting will open at 8 a.m. Wednesday and will close at 4:30 p.m. Thursday. A link will be sent via email with voting information.