A closer look at the candidates

4/6/2010
By Tony Potter
Staff Writer

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The University of Wisconsin-Superior Student Government Association (SGA) hosted its annual presidential debate on Mon., April 5 in the Yellowjacket Union Shippar Atrium. The debate was between two parties running for student government president and vice president.

The candidate pairings are Melissa Sparks with Brandt Devich, and Jessica Duffy with Katelyn Bauman. The debate was set to allow both parties to address their issues and try to gain support before the election being April 6 and 7.

Approximately 25 to 30 students were present for the debate, along with several staff and faculty members.

Sparks and Devich both feel that their biggest weakness is their lack of student government experiences.

On the other hand, Duffy feels that her biggest weakness is not having her running mate, Katelyn Bauman, here due to her studying abroad in Scotland through the spring 2010 semester.

The Sparks-Devich duo focused mainly on student involvement as they believed that it was one of the most important issues on campus.

According to Duffy, the main issue on campus is the decrease of financial aid.

In regards to smoking on campus, Sparks wants to enforce designated smoking areas that are convenient to non-smokers and also environmentally friendly.

Duffy wants to take a more drastic approach.

“Within the next couple of years I want to see this campus be entirely smoke-free. If UMD can do it, then so can we,” stated Duffy.

Both feel they are up to fill Presidential Incumbent Logan Campa’s shoes.

“I feel that our experience as a student on this campus and seeing the issues from a student’s stand point is what makes us the best candidate,” explained Sparks.

Duffy, however, felt that her experience with SGA and other organizations makes her the better candidate for student body president.

In the closing statements, Devich stated, “I want to make sure that every students voice is heard and let them know that I greatly appreciate what they have to say.”

Duffy’s remarked in closing that she wants to continue to push the student government as a whole to continue to address issues that are currently being worked on.