Final presidential debate in the books
Candidates discuss new ideas, issues
Candidates for student body president faced off in the final debate at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 27 in the Memorial Union Century Theatre.
While student involvement and acting on platform ideas were emphasized again, new issues were also presented at the second debate.
Each ticket discussed its stance on campus expansion downtown, the smoke-free campus campaign, student government accountability, Greek life, Tier III organizations and budget philosophies.
Presidential candidate Andrew Knox said he doesn’t want to see the college of agriculture separated with the expansion of the downtown campus.
He suggested moving the entire business or architecture college downtown.
His running mate, Adam Little, expanded on the idea by explaining that keeping colleges unified should be the focus.
“Students are very concerned about the thought of part of the college going downtown and transportation issues,” said presidential candidate Adam Montgomery. “We were not even aware of this problem before talking with agriculture students.”
Presidential candidate Josh Reimnitz said that he and running mate Clara Presser agree splitting the colleges would be a bad idea.
“The college is full of so many different facets, including the classrooms and barns, that mass transportation would be hard to provide,” Presser said.
How student government funds various organizations was another topic of debate, and several different perspectives were offered.
Reimnitz pointed out that NDSU is one of the leaders among other larger universities.
“Obviously things need tweaking in the guidelines to fairly serve students,” Reimnitz said. “Student senate needs to be able to make objective decisions.”
Montgomery explained no other university senate is responsible for allocating $2.66 million.
“This is a huge responsibility. The new reimbursement-only policy works good to safeguard funds and make sure they are used for the right purpose,” Montgomery said.
Running mate Frank Michael attended a conference in Texas where he talked with other much larger universities who were impressed by the current system.
The Knox/Little ticket disagree about the positive effects of the current reimbursement only policy.
“This process does run smoothly, but there are issues we don’t believe are fair,” Little said. “It is not flexible and takes a long time.”
“This is not a fair policy … it is the reason we changed our platform to quarterly disbursement,” Knox said. “This is the reason why organizations don’t have higher memberships.”
Reimnitz responded to these comments by saying the problems are already being taken care of.
“This philosophy is new, but it is working,” Montgomery said. “It makes sure funds are safe and used properly.”
Candidates discussed aspects of NDSU that could be changed.
Montgomery and Michael agreed that dead week should be followed more consistently.
“NDSU is a great institution and there are not many things wrong with it,” Montgomery said. “All of the changes made in our platform are solid plans ready for progress.”
Michael said PeopleSoft needs work, but he and Montgomery have ideas of how to correct the problem.
“Our ideas are complete and we will work until they are finished,” Michael said.
Knox emphasized people working more closely together.
“Greek life and residence life need to work on their relationships and have strong communication,” Knox said.
“NDSU is a unique institution,” Little said. “We don’t disagree that it is great but it needs to improve its unity. Our ideas are progressive and different.”
Reimnitz and Presser look to change the climate of NDSU.
“It’s great but it can be better,” Reimnitz said. “All of the things that are happening with the History and Traditions Council and the Stampede — which is led by students — are the first steps.”
Presser talked about how painting the water tower, which Reimnitz mentioned at the last debate, and having tickets paid for at sporting events are things that make NDSU unique and great.
Each ticket was given the chance to explain what impression they hope to leave on NDSU one, five or ten years in the future if elected.
“We are addressing issues right now that will have a major effect in years to come,” Reimnitz said. “Establishing that foundation right now should be the focus.”
Presser agreed.
“Campus progress is slow when looking at long term changes but the changes do happen,” Presser said. “Distance and continuing education is making changes right now … they’re going to get done.”
Montgomery and Michael are confident about positive results.
“We have six plausible platforms that will be accomplished … when my kids are little bison, I hope they can say, ‘My dad did something,’” Montgomery said.
Michael talked about future generations at NDSU.
“Giving the freshman a solid foundation and continuing to grow as a D1 institution will be important because those freshman will be running campus in a few years,” Michael said.
Knox and Little offered reasons why their motto reflected long-term results.
“Knowledge for today, legacy for tomorrow,” Little said. “Making it happen is what we want to do.”
Knox referred to his platform issue of a five year plan.
“Our five year assessment program is a long-term program that can be repeated,” Knox said. “It promotes unity and progress.”
Voting April 3-4 can be done online at the following site: http://vote.ndsu.nodak.edu