Issue date: 4/15/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Howard McCullough Dale W. Lyons candidate for USGA Vice President, Sean Fuller-Presidential Candidate, Christina Prue-Presidential [Click to enlarge]

    Candidates running in this year's USGA elections took center stage in the 4.0 Lounge for what was supposed to be a debate. However, in place of argumentative banter and rebuttals, the candidates proceeded to lay out their platforms through a series of mini-speeches. While we all know that talk is cheap and costs very little (as the saying goes), the prospective leaders actually proposed a variety of ideas, as well as plans of action, that might help the student body propel UDC into a purpose-filled future.
    The session was moderated by Colin Touhey, coordinator of the UDC Debate Society. Despite the fact that not all candidates were present, the session went off without a hitch. As the crowd settled down in the 4.0, each candidate wrapped up a rehearsal of their proposals. The debate's main event began with USGA presidential candidate Lorenzo E. Sanders III. Sanders stood alone as the only candidate that did not have his vice-presidential running partner beside him. Ashley Spitzer, the "write-in" vice-president hopeful behind Sanders, was booted out of the race due to a record of insufficient credits earned at UDC. Despite this drawback, the crowd seemed to receive Sanders favorably. "I want to bring back a sense of pride to our school," he said. "The firebird is one thing that unites all of us, whether you're disabled, unable, enabled, or whether you're Black, White, Hispanic, or Asian. We are all firebirds, and we must thread the school back together with that mentality."
    Following Sanders was Sean Fuller, UDC's 2007-2008 Mr. Freshman, who stated that he was an advocate for change within the UDC community. "Students have a voice on campus and are the main reason for having things changed on campus. After all, students are the ones that the USGA works for," he said. Once Fuller had completed his speech, his running mate Racqual Layne, French Club President, told the crowd her plans for what she believes is best for UDC. "We need a buddy system," proposed Layne. "When I first came to UDC, I was greeted very nicely, but left alone afterwards. If there are more people working together, then together we can get the job done."
    Christina Prue, the current Secretary of the USGA spoke next. She focused on improving UDC's status in regards to the local media. Highlighting that her previous experience as a USGA officer was key, Prue stated, "I would like to reach out to the media so that they can see what a great school UDC really is. We already have a bad rep in the media, but if they could come inside and see what we really are all about, then their perspectives would really change."
    Prue's running mate, Dale Lyons - president of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., as well as the UDC History Club - elaborated on his and Prue's platforms, while also touching on the current condition of the university parking garage and the Cleveland Dennard Plaza: "When we walk across the plaza, we take our lives into own hands, because the plaza is sinking. Christina and I want to work with the President and his staff, not work against them, to get the job done. To get it fixed."
    Lyons also responded to comments directly challenging the nature of his campaign. "I heard someone say the other day that they did not feel like our campaign was personable. Well, we are personable, but what's more important - being personable or getting the job done?"
    The energetic Antonio Marin-Dietens, proceeded to take the microphone, following Lyons' inquiry. The USGA Secretary candidate called for change as well, more specifically in the type of leadership USGA officers provide. "We need a stronger and a better organized student government," he stated.
    The next candidate to voice her ideas, Veronica Alcantara, declared that she was one of us. "When it comes down to it, I am a student just like you. I am just like you," she said. Alcantara went on to explain how her years of experience in student government were a strength, as well as how her experience honed the outstanding organizational skills she possesses today.
    At the end of the speeches/platform proposals, the candidates were kept on their toes for thirty-three minutes care of an intense Q&A session. Initially scheduled as only a ten-minute segment, tension filled the room as the candidates responded to several questions. The issues varied from the support of the student body and the pressure of being a rookie running for major office, to getting the student voice heard and re-establishing UDC's credibility in light of recent negative media.
    While the afternoon's session was informative, we are still left with a variety of questions. For instance, if Prue and Lyons stay true to their word and win our votes, will they really "get the job done?" And just because Alcantara is, indeed, like us, how will that shape her actions if she is elected to office?
    With these queries, there is certainly no question that this is one of the most critical USGA elections in UDC history. As always, the students must choose who they want to represent them. However, with the future of the university in serious jeopardy, our final choices will definitely be a significant factor in either putting UDC back on the map or wiping us off the radar completely.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools