ASG debates rage in the mall

By JILL AHO

The Associated Student Government (ASG) presidential candidates faced off Thursday in the Main Mall, voicing opinions ranging from book prices to the November bond measure.

The debate was moderated by Elections Committee member Cynthia Mershon, with the assistance of Elections Committee member Jennifer Summering. The questions came from students in the audience, current ASG President Stephen Emery and the Elections Committee.

Candidates Jay Sabin and Stephen Floyd began by introducing themselves and enumerating their experience in the student government. Sabin is currently a student life senator and Floyd is the director of communications for the ASG.

Sabin stressed his plan to provide term checkout for books, which was met with applause from the crowd. Floyd pointed out the plan would only help one student per book per term and the $5,000 of proposed money would not be enough to keep current with new editions. Floyd said, “In reality, it can’t work.” Sabin’s plan would purchase books from students to provide for the checkout.

Both candidates discussed the efforts they would make to get more students involved with the school. Sabin said, “I don’t want to be another government that makes decisions without talking to you.”

Communication was a big part of both candidate’s platforms. Floyd said his experience working with the student newspaper had helped him break out of his shell and get to know the ins and outs of campus. “You are our leaders, we simply do what we’re told,” Floyd said.

About leadership, Floyd expressed a reluctance to take on leadership roles, but that he would do whatever was required of him, including going to meetings early in the morning. Sabin responded, “I’ve always wanted the responsibility.”

In response to a question about what improvements they would like to see in the school in the next three years, Floyd discussed the elements of the proposed bond measure such as greater safety for parking lots and facility upgrades. Sabin stressed student awareness about the bond measure. Floyd responded that “most students are politically outspoken, few are politically active.” Sabin said the student government will attempt to register student voters during the Rites of Spring.

Mt. Hood’s lack of a football team was raised in a question to the candidates, both of whom were informed about why there is no team. Both agreed the team was cut because it was a drain on the student budget, which pays for athletics. Sabin said it would take the entire student body to rally for a team and to fundraise in order to resurrect MHCC’s football team.

Asked how the MHCC motto “Be your dream” was being played out in their lives, the candidates praised MHCC. Floyd has switched majors several times. Floyd said, “Mt. Hood helps you find your dream. You may not know what your dream is until you know what it isn’t.” Sabin said, “My dream is to be in politics and it starts right here with you guys.”