Candidates clash over campaign proposals

Candidates clash over campaign proposals

Debate between IGA presidential candidates.

This article is about a debate sponsored by the Black Student Union (BSU). Michael Coly was asked by the IGA President Debbie Morries to resign his position due to the accusation that he was involved in too many other activities to give the IGA his undivided attention. Russ Raub thought Michael had too many other academic obligations. Then they discussed proposals for improving the IGA.

Carol Fisher Associate Editor

The Quad

West Chester State College, Special Collections, Francis Harvey Green Library, West Chester University

4-3-1979

Sarah Johnson

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A debate between IGA presidential candidates Russ Raub and Michael Coley became heated when Raub accused Coley of "spreading himself too thin." In the debate sponsored by the Black Student Union (BSU), Raub contended that Coley had been asked by IGA President Debbie Morris to resign his position as IGA rep at large this semester. Raub said Morris thought Coley had too many other commitments to handle die job adequately.When questioned, Morris stated Coley's resignation was entirely voluntary, contrary to Raub's accusation. According to Morris, Coley had a Tuesday night class and was working on an internship, so he could not be available for IGA meetings. Morris and Coley discussed the possibility of Coley having a permanent proxy to take his place at meetings. However, Morris and Coley decided that Coley's resignation would be the best solution. Morris did not threaten to impeach him, or force him to resign. Coley stated he resigned because of his academic commitments which he wanted to complete before his senior year so he could run for president. Coley suggested Raub "investigate before making accusations." Raub then criticized Coley's campaigning procedures by citing the standards for IGA campaigns. Raub stated some of Coley's campaign posters exceeded the established size and had not been properly approved. Coley responded, "In any organization some rules may be broken. But I don't think a few signs are what this election is about." Coley attributed the sign problem to the fact that his campaign staff is much smaller than Raub's, and thus has more work to do. Raub stated he was just trying to demonstrate that "I can work in the system in the proper way; within the guidelines." Raub cited his "rapport with leaders of the borough of West Chester, especially Councilman Mitch Crane." Raub hopes to work on the parking problem in cooperation with the borough. Raub also has met with the cafeteria staff concerning the quality of the food at Lawrence Center. He stated bids for the campus food service have been reopened partly due to pressure from himself. However, Morris said Cuisine, Ltd. (the present food service) wants the contract re-bid because it cannot afford to continue service at the present cost, and not because of Raub's pressure. They will bid for the contract again but at a higher price. More friction developed between the candidates when a question was asked concerning how the candidate would address the problems of Black and Hispanic students. Raub stated in the past IGA has dealt with these groups as "groups to be reckoned with."' Raub stated he would not reckon with anyone but "work with them towards a mutual goal." He cited the budget problems of the Spanish Student Union (SSU) and said they "had not gotten a fair shake.'' Coley then inquired why Raub had not spoken up for SSU when they appealed their budget at a recent IGA meeting at which Raub was present. Raub stated, "I lacked the expertise in IGA to address them at the time.'' Coley retorted, "You don't have to have expertise to stand up for what you believe." Coley revealed he had not been aware of SSU going to IGA until after the meeting had taken place. Coley cited that last year he had opposed an IGA motion to eliminate reps from BSU and SSU. Raub then commented on IGA, stating he would like it to become "more representative of the students." Coley outlined some proposals for improving IGA. One proposal is to send invitations to IGA meetings to arouse interest and get more student input. He also suggested "Blue Ribbon Committees" which would consist of students not in IGA who would research issues and bring proposals to IGA. This would increase student input, said Coley. Coley also proposes restoring the IGA assembly back to its original 52 members. Last year its membership was cut to 34 and Coley believes the workload is too heavy for such a small group. Raub stated, "Idealistically, a larger assembly is good." However, he contended it would be difficult to get 52 volunteers. Coley hopes to keep student input in IGA strong by "accomplishing goals" and thus keeping students interested. He proposed abolishing the now-required office hours of IGA reps so they would have less work and still be available to students at IGA meetings. Raub stated, "By providing strong leadership and accomplishing goals in the first semester, people will stay in IGA for the rest of the semester. Both candidates were questioned about their motive in running for president. Raub commented, "I am not on an ego trip. I just want to help the students." Coley answered, "I've been in IGA for three years and I've gained a lot from it. I feel I owe something to the assembly."