ASG candidates face off

By RACHEL KRAMER

The Associated Student Government (ASG) vice presidential candidates answered a variety of questions Tuesday at the second set of debates. As well as outlining their platform, each candidate answered a variety of questions, ranging from diversity to their weaknesses.

According to Cody Bakken, his priorities as vice president would include bringing the community together and taking steps to increase enrollment.

Brandon Van Bibber echoed the desire to bring the community to MHCC, making events on campus more enjoyable. He also expressed a desire to listen to what students want and inspire them to get involved. To help with the upcoming bond measure in November, Van Bibber said he would keep students informed.

Sean Robinson advocated the purchase of approximately 100 textbooks for term checkout in the library using funds in the senate budget. He also expressed a desire to be proactive in voter registration, as a way to help with the bond measure. Robinson also suggested arranging times for demonstration in downtown Gresham to show student support for the bond.

On the topic of diversity on campus, Bakken said, “I love diversity.” According to Bakken, he has applied to be diversity director in the past and had a plan to celebrate different types of diversity each month. “I grew up loving diversity,” Bakken said. “This college needs more diversity.”

Van Bibber mentioned a cultural event he helped organize for Sam Barlow High School. He also encouraged students to go to a Student Organizations Council (SOC) meeting to see the groups on campus. “We need to push them to do more,” Van Bibber said.
Robinson expressed his support of great ideas. According to Robinson, he would work with the organizations that run multicultural events.

Asked to address their weaknesses, Van Bibber said he can be passive and understanding. He said he would work to be passionate and speak up more. “[MHCC] has empowered me in many ways,” he said.

Robinson said he could be too tenacious in issues he believes in. “I keep pushing, pushing, pushing,” he said. “I need to sit back and go to Geno’s more often.”
Bakken said his weakness is that he likes to goof off. “I have started clubs so I wouldn’t have to do my homework,” he said. “I take too much on my plate.”

In their closing statements, Robinson said students should look at what he and presidential candidate Jay Sabin have done.

Van Bibber said he will strive to keep students informed and will try to inspire them.
Bakken expressed how he has been involved with persistence and recruitment. “We are all here for each other,” Bakken said. “If not, we are here for nothing.”