President and vice president candidates for the Student Government Association speak on campaign pro

With the Student Government Association elections just one week away, the three teams competing for the top spot are ramping up their campaigns.

Joseph Stefanov and Raymond Cousins are running on a platform of input, improve and involve.  Stefanov said they want to increase student participation in student government so they can better represent the student body.

"We want to hear suggestions and ideas from the student body as to how we can make Marshall a better place for them," Stefanov said.  "We firmly believe we are elected by the students to represent them, and the only way we can do our jobs effectively is if we have an in-depth understanding of what their issues are. Only then can we create solutions to their problems."

Patrick Murphy, candidate for student body president, and his running mate Samantha Turley are running on a platform of advocacy, fun and pride. Murphy said that advocacy is the most important thing student government provides for students.  The team is looking into the issues of budget cuts and student fees.  They want to be sure student fees are not wasted and are going to the right places.

"The student body president meets with President Kopp on a regular basis," Murphy said.  "He really does listen to what we have to say."

Murphy and Turley are planning to continue the student tailgates and free bus rides to some games.  They are also hoping to work with Create Huntington to hold a block party in the downtown area to familiarize students with what Huntington has to offer.

"I'm from out of state," Murphy said. "I have found that Marshall and even the whole city of Huntington is such a unique place to get an education and a place that we should all take great pride in."

Randy Tomblin and Josh Sime are touting some new ideas, while emphasizing the importance of tradition.  Sime said an all-day event they have named Herdstock is being planned.

Herdstock is geared toward Marshall students and alumni, Tomblin said.  The event would occur near the beginning of the school year and would feature local bands, food and activities.  Campus organizations would be encouraged to set up information booths at the event.  This would help with recruitment and would bring current students together with alumni.

"We want to establish a spirit of community between students and alumni to help students understand the importance of tradition," Tomblin said.  "We think a connection like this could play a role in the retention of students as well."

This team is also touting the creation of a council to work in conjunction with the SGA. Tomblin said every student organization would have one voting member on the council.

    "This allows us to tie organizations in with the SGA without them having to attend SGA meetings," Tomblin said.  "I hope to make it possible through this council for the representative for each organization to be able to speak to President Kopp or even to Mayor Wolfe."

Another issue Tomblin and Sime want to tackle is the need for senators to represent each college.  Tomblin said having the appropriate senatorial representation for each college is essential for all students to be represented in a fair and equal manner.

Student can vote in the SGA elections on March 16 and 17.

Alyssa Salyers can be contacted at salyersa@marshall.edu.