tl20020422-000 ".1111!, Miller'',glib Baltimore's #1 College Paper - Published Twice-Weekly - www.thetowerlight.com Monday, 4/22/02 Student research celebrated at expo 3 'Player' Bellamy is stand-up guy 9 Reppert leads TU to Senior Day win 15 Tigers fall 6-1 in CAA quarterfinals 16 Departments News 3 Taking Stock 4 Nation 5 Arts 9 Sound Bites 10 Backstage Pass 11 Entertainment Briefs 11 Sports 15 In This Corner 15 Athlete of the Week 19 Classifieds 20 Opinion 22 Students compete for SGA spots Parties debate safety, student involvement; independents join fight for 17 positions Cailin McGough The Towerlight Campus safety, student involve-ment and cooperation with a new University president were some of the key topics discussed Thursday during a debate between SGA can-didates, preceding this week's elec-tions. Members of the Millennium and Renaissance parties participated in the two-part debate. Several inde-pendent candidates, who were not allowed to participate in the main debate, campaigned outside the Susquehanna Terrace where the forum was held. The debate was intended to inform students of candidates' plat-forms while allowing them an opportunity to ask questions prior to the election, which is being held today and tomorrow throughout campus. Despite advertising, the debate drew a small crowd, mainly consist-ing of the candidates themselves. Mediators requested several times that the crowd quiet down so that candidates could be heard. Junior business administration major Michael Margolis, a member of the Election Commission and a debate moderator, said he was dis-appointed in the turnout, but hopes that students will take the time this year to vote. Only 1,820 students, out of Towson's approximate 17,000-mem-ber student body, turned out at the polls last year to cast their votes. ""Not enough students under-stand the impact SGA has, and I hope with all the incentives that we're offering that people will come out and vote,"" he said. This year the SGA is offering a number of promotions for students who vote, including free ice cream, giveaways and a chance to win vari-ous gift certificates. Thursday's debate began with executive board candidates from each party answering questions, while a second debate featured four senatorial candidates from each party. Millennium party members listed improving academic advising and class selection, expanding library hours and resources, and increasing student involvement in the SGA as their top three priorities if elected. Millennium treasurer candidate Jackie Cochran said stronger stu-dent outreach is a main goal of her party's ticket. She added that Millennium is trying to close the relationship gap between students and the SGA. ""We're trying to build a stronger bond with the Greeks because although they put on a lot of pro-grams, these programs could be greater if they were incorporated with the SGA,"" said Cochran, who is currently an SGA senator. ""We're trying to reach out to commuters and let them know that there are things here for them to do at Towson."" Renaissance candidates respond-ed by stating that improving cam-pus safety, hiring more qualified professors and implementing a study day before exams are their top priorities. Both parties addressed the distri-bution of funding for student organ-izations with the onset of budget cuts. Renaissance candidates said that because funding would not come easily to the SGA, student groups would have to speak up and ask for the money they needed. ""We're going to try to be more selective to the amount of money we're giving out, but make sure groups get the money they need if it's available"" Renaissance presi-dential candidate Jon Sharp said. Millennium vice presidential can-didate Troy Hopper pointed to poli-cy revisions made under the current administration that pertain to how much student groups can be given. He added that if elected, See SGA, page 7 SGA Election Preview, Page 6 # failb 1 1 A 44111 k4;til r.1111' At!! 4�. #4kt? Saul Steamily. aid Los Adman 77). Towffirhght Presidential candidates Mark Crusante of Millennium (left) and Jon Sharp of Renaissance lead their parties in this year's SGA elections. Students can vote online or at polling locations until 4 p.m. Tuesday. Today High 60 Low 42 Tuesday High 59 Low 36 Wednesday High 65 Low 36 Thursday High 62 Low 42 Friday High 66 Lou' 43 "
