Wednesday saw a war of words between three PSU Student Body Presidental hopefuls. Sean Greenlaw, Dustin Siggins and Trevor Chandler discussed and debated roughly a dozen questions from both a panel and from students in the Fire Place Lounge.
The questions ranged from time management’s impact on how the candidates could effectively hold office to their opinions on how to handle rising textbook prices.
One of the most important questions the candidates were faced with regarded the moratorium on Greek life. The audience heard both sides of the argument, for and against lifting the moratorium. “I believe that Greek life is an asset to this community and is essential to its success. I am in favor of ending the moratorium,” said Chandler, “but sororities and fraternities need to be held to high standards and must commit to a policy of no hazing.” Siggins was not in favor of lifting the hold on Greek life and said, “From what I’ve heard and what I’ve seen from the people who know, I don’t think we should lift the moratorium on Greek life. I know it may not be a popular view, but it’s how I feel.”
Another significant question was how the candidates planned on maintaining and increasing the positive relationship with the town. Chandler emphasized his plan to help the town and the school make a significant biodiesel conversion. Greenlaw’s focus was on helping the town and school become more informed partners. “Our goal is to let the town know what the school is doing and that much of it is positive. We need to meet with members of our community and make them aware that we are dedicated and caring individuals that we can all be proud of,” said Greenlaw. Siggins suggested potential zoning changes that could potentially benefit both the school and the town and that communication was vitally important.
In response to the question of how to maintain positive relations with the Administration, the candidates had a variety of opinions. “There needs to be a distinction between working with the Administration and no longer representing the student body. We need to operate on a platform of respect,” said Chandler. Siggins offered similar sentiments, but said, “When there is too much similarity in mindsets, we need to have someone who can shake things up.”
The candidates also fielded a brief set of questions from the audience regarding the discrimination of Red Cross towards people who lead alternative lifestyles and blood donations, if their professionalism had ever been called into question and what PSU as a whole means to them.
In response to the latter, all the candidates expressed positive sentiments and community was a major theme throughout. “This place is home, it has shaped me into who I am today. PSU has helped me develop as a person and well as helping develop other individuals,” said Greenlaw. Siggins said it another way. “It really depends on who you are. PSU has meant a lot of different things to me and it has changed significantly since my first days here.” Chandler talked a lot about the sense of community felt here on campus. “For me, PSU means community, a place that supports and welcomes everyone.”
Student elections will take place next week and ballots can be found in the HUB, Prospect Dining Hall and the Lamson Learning Commons.