Presidential hopefuls answer student concerns

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by Anne Kimbol

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The political atmosphere for the Student Association presidential race took shape Wednesday night at the candidate debate. Five of the six candidates gave statements and responded to questions in an attempt to spread and promote their election platforms.

The debates began with each candidate giving a two-minute opening statement. This was followed by a question-and-answer section in which candidates responded to questions both from the moderators and from the floor. All of the questions, however, were asked by the moderators. Moderators were Baker College senior Andy Campbell from KTRU and Hanszen College sophomore Drew Bagley from the Thresher .

In his responses, Sid Richardson College junior George Hatoun emphasized his views on how the SA enacts policies.

"Resolutions are passed very hastily," he said. He also emphasized his experience with student organizations, especially the Thresher , and his desire to introduce more polls and direct questioning of student opinions.

Baker sophomore Hrishikesh Lotlikar voiced his platform as one of change.

"The Student Association is not one in which the students run it. That's what I want to change," Lotlikar said. He spoke of his interest in making SA meetings more interesting for students in order to increase activism and interaction between students and the SA.

Will Rice College senior Jeff Halladay stressed that he was a serious candidate before describing the issues he would address as SA president. Changing the structure of introductory courses, improving the identification card system and increasing student voice on professors' teaching styles were three of his main concerns.

"I want to improve the quality of education here at Rice," Halladay said.

Wiess College junior Todd Haskins and SRC junior Stephe Gallagher, who are co-candidates for the position, decided to run due to problems they saw in the SA's priorities.

"We want the SA to become a voice of the students," Haskins said. He also addressed the need for greater student interaction through polls, mass mailings and on-line input from students.

Wiess junior and current SA President Maryana Iskander stressed that she never framed anything she was doing as "reelect me for next year." Rather, she stated a desire that people vote for her because of what they think she will do in the future. She did, however, mention the importance of being informed as to SA structure in order to be an effective leader.

Attendance at the debates was somewhat low. About 20 to 30 people attended. The main cause of this low attendance was the Rice-Texas Christian University basketball game, the last Southwest Conference basketball game to take place in Autry Court, which took place at the same time. Gallagher was unable to attend the debate since he is Sammy the Owl.

Will Rice College junior Mo Bawa, also a contender, could not attend due to extenuating medical circumstances.

Many audience members and candidates addressed concern over the timing of the debates. "It was a good forum. I just wish it was at a more convenient time," WRC senior Anjali Tripathi said.

Laura Moodey, SA secretary and head of elections, described the scheduling as "kind of an unfortunate mistake."

"I wish more people had come, and there had been more allowance for interaction both between the candidates and between the candidates and the audience," Iskander said after the debates.

Students from the audience said it was a good forum.

"A better turnout would have been great, but it showed a great division between insiders and outsiders," WRC junior Jason Tumlinson said. "I think it's a better idea to get fresh ideas."

The candidates discussed issues including jacks, the blanket tax, student activism and campus safety.

This item appeared in the News section of the February 23, 1996 issue.

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