2008 Woodie Awards
SA Candidates Debate in Kessel
Samantha Egan
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On April 10, the candidates for Executive Board (e-board) positions in Student Association (SA) gathered in Dining Room A of the Kessel Student Center during common hour for a debate.
Gabriel Tanglao, a Pace alumni, and John Agnelli, Director of Student Development and Campus Activities hosted the debate and read questions. Although every position but President of SA is running un-opposed, each candidate was required to answer questions.
To start off, each candidate was granted a three minute statement to introduce themselves to the audience. The candidate for Vice President of Administration, Vanessa Dones, a junior communications major, went first.
"As a junior at Pace I really have focused on my academics this semester, but next year I hope to take a more active leadership role."
James Bolz, a junior political science major and candidate for SA President, described plans he said he would pursue if elected, such as appointing an ambassador for the New York City campus to foster shared programs between the two campuses, and holding regular meetings for students to be able to voice their concerns.
"I'm stressing that I will serve each individual Pace student so that no complaints will be shoved under a mattress," he said.
Jarrett Perry, a junior accounting major also running for President, stressed his belief that he could identify with many students by being a former Pace athlete, a member of the Greek community and a regular student.
"I feel that I can relate to a lot of groups," he said.
The last presidential candidate, Chiara Travia, a junior communications major and marketing minor, went next.
"I'm not going to sit here above you and promise anything," she said. "We have problems… us students need to change this university and I want to listen and act on the students' behalf."
Lizardo Uribe, a sophomore finance major with a minor in Italian studies and the candidate for Vice President of Programming told the audience, "It is my number one priority to make sure programs keep growing and succeeding."
The candidate for Executive Vice President of Judicial and Compliance, Dinetta Sprolling, a sophomore philosophy and religious studies major, spoke of bridging the gap between the administrators and students.
"I am here to be the link, the liason…I could stand here and tell you my merits, but that's what a resume is for," she said.
Jonathan Soto, a junior finance major and candidate for Vice President of Finance spoke last, sharing with the audience some ideas he would plan to execute if elected, such as having monthly seminars for the treasures of clubs in order to help them manage their finances.
After each of the candidates opening statements, the question and answer period began.
Agnelli asked Sprollling what she would do in the absence of the President.
"It is my job to be the backbone of the president…To do that I would continue to be a support system to the President." She said she would do this by continuing to chair meetings and performing other necessary duties.
Agnelli followed up by asking her how she would support the president in the case that the candidate she is endorsing, Perry, does not win.
"I would continue my job…to work as efficiently as possible," she said. "We have to work together to serve the students of the university."
Tanglao then asked Travia her reaction to some critics who state her leadership can be over aggressive and un-unifying to members.
"What's happened in the past is the past," she responded. She stated the time she spent studying abroad in Italy helped her to gain some perspective on leadership, specifically on playing the role of a follower, rather than a leader, at times.
"I learned to step back and take everything in," she said. "I'm learning and growing along with everyone else…I'm willing to make that change."
Agnelli then asked Dones to describe the "legal lens" needed for her position.
"My job is to really reach out to organizations and let them know what is expected of them," she said.
Tanglao then asked Perry about his reaction to some critics who state he has little experience.
"I don't think so…" he stated, listing his roles as Vice President of Residence Association and Senator for the Black Student Union, among other positions.
"I can relate to each member of the e-board….I have worked side by side with many of the members."
To answer the follow up question, Perry listed past events he played a role in, such as being an announcer for Nikki Giovanni, who came to Pace during homecoming week, hosting the Relay For Life Auction, Take Back the Night and other events sponsored by Black Student Union and the Residence Hall Association.
Tanglao then asked Bolz to respond to criticism that he has not been active in student government, and asked how his experience with Model United Nations (U.N.) will assist him, if elected.
Bolz first explained how Model U.N. works, stating that many students are unfamiliar with it. He stated that participating in the organization has strengthened his skills in conflict resolution.
"We have to make decisions [as to] who is effective in each committee and who isn't," he said. "I have a few S.A. meetings…I don't think that's my flaw. I have a very busy schedule along with everyone else in the room."
Agnelli then asked Soto his opinion on whether or not to increase the student activity fee.
"I do think it should be raised," he responded. "The only way to get programming is to get funding."
"So you are in favor of increasing tuition?" Agnelli asked.
"Yes. By twenty dollars," he responded, causing laughter in the room.
Agnelli then asked Uribe what he thinks is the definition of a successful program.
"It depends on the program," he said. "There are programs that can change the life of one person. That's a success."
Agnelli then asked each presidential candidate how they would advocate for peers of different demographics.
"I have many friends of many different races, ethnicities and sexual orientations," Bolz said. "Through my major I learned that equality is my utmost principle."
"I can advocate for my peers through my versatility and my motto: 'For us, by us,'" Perry responded.
"Although we're all different at this university, we all have one thing in common: we're here. We're all striving for that degree from Pace University," Travia said. "It doesn't matter who you are."
Agnelli then addressed Sprolling, asking her how she would control the ethical behavior and leadership of the other e-board members.
Sprolling responded by stating she would take measures to properly train the senators in these areas.
"Without training and information no one can do their job the right way."
Agnelli asked Dones how she would use her judgment in her role of taking notes on the weekly S.A. meetings.
"Everything discussed at a meeting is important," she said. " I believe I'm very capable."
He then asked Uribe how he would manage a $500,000 budget.
"The budget is meant to be used and with your help I intend to use it," he told the students.
Agnelli asked Soto how he would deal with inflation and high gas prices as VP of Finance.
"I have no control over the situation. I don't want to take money away from the students, but I can't control inflation."
Tanglao asked Bolz what role he thought an advisor plays in S.A.
Bolz said the advisor's role was "making sure S.A. works effectively and efficiently."
Agnelli then asked each of the candidates to describe a conflict they've experience where they had to make a decision.
Bolz described an instance in Model U.N.'s trip to Mexico over spring break, where he had to choose between his good friend or "another qualified candidate" who would go on the trip. In the end, he said he supported his supervisor's decision to choose the other candidate.
Perry said he had to make a decision when he was asked to host the Relay For Life auction, when he did not want to. He ended up hosting the event, which he said turned out to be a positive experience.
"They saw a student that they recognized….it was a great decision and it made me think about not being so selfish and taking one for the team."
Travia described her experience working with students from the New York City campus to put on the event "The Best of Both Campuses" concert and dealing with the differences between the two campuses.
"It was about stepping back, stating my platform and discussing it with the New York City representatives," she said.
The debate ended with Agnelli asking each of the candidates what they would want their legacy to be after they left office.
Bolz answered with "Unity, honesty and [providing] a sense of dignity and pride for every student that comes to our school"
Perry answered: "I will not have a legacy…we will have a legacy of the efficient, effective e-board to come through. We will be remembered as a group."
Travia stated she wanted her legacy to be "A good time, a good education, and that I benefited from a student as well as each student benefited from me."
Sprolling responded: "Something that you remember that made a difference."
Soto responded: "Innovation….and preparing the next people to take the reigns."
Uribe responded: "I want the students to remember me for me, Lizardo Uribe, the person that devoted all of his time, skill, and attention to provide the student body with programs [they] desire."
Dones responded: "Inspiring other students to get involved and make the university a little better, having students stay on weekends."
The elections will be held on April 16 and 17 via Blackboard, or by going down to Kessel.
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