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Presidential debate reveals ASG platform
The Advocate
Despite the usual competitive nature of the MHCC Associated Student Government elections, presidential candidates Bradley Best and Danielle Pannell didn’t “bash each other” during the presidential debate Wednesday, according to Pannell.
“We both genuinely care,” Pannell said. “That’s important.”
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The debate was moderated by political science instructor Janet Campbell in the College Center. Each candidate had the opportunity to share their ideas by answering questions posed by both Campbell and the audience. Before the debate, audience members were asked to fill out a form that asked: “What would you like to ask the candidates? What issues at MHCC concern you?”
Campbell gave three minutes to each candidate for an introduction before asking questions.
Pannell talked about her history in student government as the director of state and federal affairs, as well as her goals for the future.
“I’ve spent my entire ASG career fighting for the issues that affect students,” Pannell said. She said she hopes to become “a voice for every student.”
As a part of the ASG Senate, Best said he has “learned how the budget works” and wants to “enhance programs that have given to me.” These include programs such as TRIO Student Support Services and Soar.
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“It’s been a journey so far,” Best said. “I come from a very diverse background. I got to see what diversity is at its best.”
Best said he believes he understands the demographics of the college and where things are heading.
Asked about the three most critical issues at MHCC, Best said he “will increase funding for diversity programs” and said the college has “to keep retention high.”
Pannell said that she, too, is “very committed to diversity” and would like to see “cultural competence” increased at MHCC when it comes to knowing about other cultures.
Having lobbied in Salem before, Pannell also wants to see that “our (student) voices are heard at a legislative level.”
When the question was raised about how they would encourage ethical behavior from the ASG staff during their term as president, both Best and Pannell said it was important that each member of ASG be held accountable.
“Everything they (the staff) say or do is reflected on ASG,” Pannell said.
As for banning smoking on campus, both candidates said a compromise must be struck between smokers and non-smokers when it came to the location of the kiosks. “I’m not against smoking,” Pannell said. Best added, “We need to isolate it; that would be the best fit.”
Both Best and Pannell have worked with current President Janine Johnston or Vice President Andrew Fries.
“I’m going to implement his (Fries) qualities,” Best said, having gotten to know Fries during the ASG retreats earlier this year.
Pannell said, “I started to see their work ethic and dedication, and it’s starting to rub off on me.”
For students looking for extra-curricular activities, Pannell felt there was a problem with the marketing, while Best wants “to assign (ASG) senators to clubs and different parts of the campus.”
Given the fact that ASG is seeing some restructuring, the audience asked how the candidates would seek to alter ASG if they were elected.
“FDR (Franklin Delano Roosevelt) said the president’s position is efficiency engineer,” Best said. “We have to find ways to lean on each other.” He added that the inefficiency comes from a “disconnect” between the ASG and the student body.
During his presidency, he would like to see the ASG get into the student body as much as possible.
Pannell focused on motivating the staff and said she and Vice Presidential candidate Rae Peres are “not afraid to light a fire under someone.” This includes monthly evaluations of the staff with both Peres and herself.
Both Pannell and Best felt fixing the disability flaws on campus are important. Pannell said she “will listen to you (the students,)” while Best said he hopes to get the awareness out. “we just need to spread the word,” he said. Best added that his vice presidential candidate, L. John King, would be a big help in that.
Pannell and Best each expressed an interest in promoting diversity and international programs.
“We want to make the minority the majority,” Best said. Pannell added that she hoped to “create partnerships with community organizations.”
Best said he would like to “earmark” funds for multicultural events. Pannell agreed, as long as “we feel it’s going to affect a large amount of students and promote education.”
Asked what made them passionate, Best said, “I am passionate about improving myself and those around me,” as well as working to “improve the infrastructure of communication.”
Pannell said she was passionate particularly about the students. “That’s who we’re passionate about and that’s who we care about.”
With the economic crisis, the audience wanted to know what each candidate would do to improve the financial aid situation at the college.
“Students feel they’re looked over,” Pannell said when it comes to the issues surrounding financial aid. Pannell said she organized Balloonapalooza this year, an event to teach students about the inner workings of financial aid.
Best said, “We’ve got to get them (financial aid) out of the office” and “getting them more in front of the campus.”
The final question of the debate asked the candidates what about their personalities have made them a better leader.
“I’m a very happy-go-lucky person,” Pannell said. She also said her motivation is key in her leadership. “Without motivation, you cannot lead.”
Best said “Not having fear of stepping in front of people I don’t know” has helped him, as well as being “analytical,” paying attention to detail, and listening.
This was the first debate for both Pannell and Best, but each said they thought it went well.
“It’s a good learning experience. We got to see what the opposition’s going to press and they got to see what we’re going to press as well,” Best said. Best also liked the original ideas that were coming from both Pannell and himself.
Pannell and Best enjoyed the fact that students got to ask questions. Pannell said, “The students had great questions. The people there were very receptive.”
Regardless of the election’s outcome, Pannell said the students would benefit from the election of either candidate.
“I really liked that we feel the same way about certain areas,” Pannell said. “No matter who wins, the students will be taken care of.”