Students have the opportunity to analyze candidates’ platforms and voice campus concerns at the 2013 Student Government Association (SGA) Executive Elections Debate.
Candidates running for president, vice president and chief justice positions will present platforms specifically addressing the possibility of making Southeastern a smoke-free campus. The debate will be held in the Kiva Theatre in the Teacher Education Center at 6:30 p.m. on March 20.
“The debate is to give students an opportunity to decide what candidate they want to vote for when it comes to the election, if they haven’t already decided,” said Hunter Robinson, election board chair of SGA. “Focusing on this one issue will give us a chance to see if we can actually do something about it. If the majority of students say they would like a smoke-free campus, then we can take steps to go there.”
The Executive Elections Debate is held every spring before elections. Due to time and relevance issues, the 2013 debate will focus solely on the input of the three executive candidates.
“Last year we switched to where everyone running for a position had to debate,” said Robinson. “We felt like it was a lot of wasted time when the main focus should be on the three main positions.”
The two presidential candidates are Kayla Turner, a senior biological science major, and Gregory Crovetto, a junior communication major. Turner will be running with Chris Simoneoux, a junior marketing major, for vice president and Mary Takewell, a junior general studies major, for chief justice. Crovetto will be running with Jeff Simmons, senior accounting and business management major, for vice president and Adonica Reed, a sophomore criminal justice major, for chief justice.
“Students should vote for me because I’m experienced and innovative, and I know how to have fun while still taking care of business,” said Turner. “I really want to focus on progression and pride when it comes to being a Southeastern Lion. I want people to be excited and proud to be here, not just seeing it as a last resort.”
Crovetto failed to respond to The Lion’s Roar questions before deadline.
After the candidates present platforms and answer questions, the floor will be opened to the audience.
“Students should come because this is a chance for their voice to be heard,” said Robinson. “If anyone has any questions about something they would like to see changed on campus, this is an opportunity for them to come in and ask those questions to the people for whom they have an opportunity to vote for.”
The Free Speech Alley will be held the same week and will also focus on the topic of a smoke-free campus.
Flyers and SGA Facebook updates will be used to advertise the upcoming debate. Robinson expressed his excitement towards the changes in leadership.  
“Every year, you have people coming in with different ideas that the student body might like more than the last group did,” said Robinson. “It’s always exciting to see how SGA and the campus will change going forward.”
For more information regarding the upcoming debate contact SGA at (985)549-2296 or [email protected].