Four GUSA executive tickets argued their platforms and other campus issues before a crowd of approximately 50 students Wednesday evening in Sellinger Lounge marking the midway point of the campaign.
The candidates briefly outlined their most important proposals and then fielded questions from the campus media and audience members.
Three tickets have initiatives that have been proposed and advocated by the current administration of Brian Morgenstern (COL ’05) and Steve de Man (COL ’04) and all tickets remained supportive of the administration’s current goals, although the level of praise differed. While Adam Giblin (SFS ’06) said he considers Morgenstern “a close personal friend” who has “been very good at building working relationships with administrators.” But his running mate Eric Lashner (COL ’05) suggested that Morgenstern and de Man have not been as open as they could have been.
With regards to free-speech issues that have surged in recent months, the responses were somewhat more varied.
Chris Schmitter (SFS ’06) and Kelley Hampton (SFS ’05) suggested that the entire campus should be designated a “free-speech zone” instead of only Red Square as under the current policy.
Giblin proposed contractual obligations for graduation speakers to address only certain subjects in order to prevent a repeat of the debate generated by inflammatory comments made by Cardinal Francis Arinze at last year’s College Commencement.
Josh Green (SFS ’06) said that the university has the right to preserve its Catholic identity however it deems necessary.
The candidates also responded to charges that the campaign was developing along the lines of GUSA insiders versus GUSA outsiders.
“GUSA right now is the Leavey 400,” Lauren Butts (SFS ’06), Green’s running mate, said. “It’s almost passed on from generation to generation. Students don’t feel affected.” Neither Green nor Butts have direct GUSA experience. But Green emphasizes that because he has worked in President DeGioia’s office, he is well acquainted with the upper administration.
Schmitter and his running mate David Hartzler (COL ’06) also billed themselves as outsiders willing to listen to the student body.
Hampton has worked on SAC for two years and her running mate Luis Torres (COL ’05) is currently the longest-serving member of the GUSA Assembly.
Giblin and Lashner have both worked in GUSA. Giblin currently serves as Morgenstern’s Deputy chief of staff and Lashner chairs GUSA’s Community Relations Advocacy Committee. Giblin says his experience is pivotal because he is already familiar with GUSA operations and avenues for change.
Lecture Fund Chair Stephen Glaser (SFS ’04), who has endorsed Giblin and Lashner, asked how the candidates would balance issues where Georgetown’s Catholic heritage conflicted with beliefs held by members of the student body.
“People have to feel comfortable living and bringing their own heritage to campus,” Schmitter said.
Green advocated the position that Georgetown sets an example for the larger world community and must be granted the right to uphold its heritage and beliefs.
Torres said the university should be open to all ideas even when in conflict with Georgetown’s heritage. “We can disagree, but we can’t disrespect,” he said.
Giblin said that he sees little conflict between the two. “To think that this is GUSA versus Rome is ludicrous.”
None of the rising juniors said they would run again if defeated, however all would continue to work for their ideas and effect positive change.
Addressing recent conflicts between the students and residents of Georgetown, all the candidates advocated finding common ground between the two sides.
The debate was moderated by GUSA Election Commission member Nick Ennis (SFS ’04).
Several minor violations have occurred in recent days and fines were imposed by the election commission, most because of banners and posters in improper places. There are strict regulations on where candidates can post materials and the size and quantity of posted materials.
Election Commission member James Shea (COL ’04) said, “GUSA campaigns are about getting out and meeting people and talking about ideas. We really encourage face to face communication.”
Two campaign banners were also torn down Wednesday afternoon during an unrelated protest in Red Square.
Campaigning will end at 11:59 p.m. this Sunday evening and voting will be on Monday. Results will be announced that evening in Sellinger Lounge.