ASG candidates pitch platforms in presidential debates

The candidates at the Associated Student Government (ASG) presidential debate Wednesday spoke about student representation, safety on campus and relating to the student body — but Mother Nature interrupted the event with rain showers.

The rain came 35 minutes into the debate, where the candidates were asked various questions, some from students who were offered pizza for submitting a question. The rainfall required that the debate be moved to the Student Union where the candidates gave their closing statements.

The candidates were asked why they want to be president, what experience they have, what their weaknesses are and how they plan to balance being president with the rest of their commitments.

All the candidates talked about how much they loved the college and wanted to make MHCC a better place.

Jeremiah Lee Whitfield started by explaining his attire and how dressing casually in a t-shirt and pants is his way of showing the students that he is one of them. He said, “A student once told me, why should I listen to you since your wearing a suit, so that’s why I am dressed like this.”

He admitted that his biggest weakness is that he has no experience in this type of position and has never done anything like this. “It’s a huge leap for me,” he said.

Whitfield’s main message was that he accepted everyone and wanted to be a friend to the student body. “I just want to make it known that the president is around here and that you can talk to him,” said Whitfield. “I don’t care what you wear, what association you are, or the color of your skin, I am here to talk to you guys.”

He closed by saying, “I am a radical thinker with some new ideas.”

Brett Slaughter talked about how he has heard a lot of complaints that can be easily fixed. “There are so many simple solutions to these big problems,” he said.

Some of the key issues he talked about was the lack of safety in the parking lots and the lack of awareness about the book exchange on the MHCC website.

Slaughter also talked about how he was inspired to serve people by going on a Christian mission trip to Arizona. He also served as a shadow for the Sandy City Council. “I learned that I just love to serve people and hear their concerns,” he said.

Slaughter said he realizes what a big job this is and that he is willing to commit all of his time to it. “If I have to work Friday night and Saturday morning, it will be worth it,” he said.

Steven Page said he wanted to make sure that every student had their voice heard and that everyone felt accepted. He explained how he was a nerd in high school and knows the feeling of being left out, but that things are different here.

“When I came here I felt like I belonged and I want everyone to feel that they belong,” said Page. “I want to make sure everyone feels tall.”

Page also touched on the textbook issue, saying he wants to have a book exchange event two times a term where students can buy and trade books. Page also wants to put a system in place that would give each student $10 per term for printing costs that would “make printing easier.”

Page noted his work as a public relations representative for the Gamers Club that he said helped give them a better image.

Page said his main weaknesses are that he is too much of a people pleaser and that he talks too much. “I am always saying yes and trying to make people happy,” he said.

Laura Aguon praised the support areas in the college, such as academic advising, saying how well they represent MHCC and how the ASG president should be supportive in this area. Aguon also talked about her various experiences working in ASG and how they would prepare her for the role of president.

She said her weakness is that she likes to take the reins on a project and see it through to the end, when she may not necessarily have to.

Aguon said she wants to focus on giving better service to veterans who come to MHCC. “With all the veterans coming, we need to give them a safe and secure place,” she said.

The polls for voting will be open online May 6 at 12:01 a.m. and close May 9 at 11:59 p.m. The winner of the election will be announced May 11 at the Spring Dinner Dance