Ahead of the student government elections to be held on April 9, four candidates for executive positions participated in a debate on April 7 to convey their platform to the student body. Moderated by Electoral Commission Chair Claire Hopkins, attendees were able to ask candidates questions about their qualifications and goals.
Six students debated for four executive positions, including sophomores Shelby Ballmer and Mika Bozkurtyan for treasurer, junior Bayla Sheshadri and sophomore Blake Sterling for secretary. Juniors Wyatt Strassman and Hannah Ellul had uncontested debates for Speaker of the House and Student Body President, respectively.
Before beginning his conversation with the audience, Hopkins asked all candidates three pre-written questions.
- How do you define the position you are aiming for?
- What are your goals for this term?
- If elected, how would you like to engage with student organizations and university departments?
Audience member Lily Davenport asked treasurer candidates Mr. Ballmer and Mr. Bozkurtyan how their previous experience in student government will help them work effectively with other members of the executive team. I asked.
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“My experience at SBAC [Student Budget Advisory Committee] “Serving as Deputy Treasurer taught me how to navigate relationships between senators, committee chairs, and board members,” Ballmer said.
Recognizing that strong leadership is characterized by transparency and accountability, Mr. Bozkurtyan spoke of his goal to increase his accessibility if elected as Treasurer.
“It all depends on strong leadership, and that requires clarity and communication,” Bozkurtyan said. “I want to be as open as possible not only to the senators, committee chairs and committee members, but also to the student body.”
After the Treasury debate, Mr. Sheshadri and Mr. Sterling took to the stage to discuss their platform. When asked, “How would you define the role for which you are running?” both candidates answered that student government's more ambiguous role is because secretary does not have as clearly defined responsibilities as other executive positions. I admitted that it is one of the most important jobs.
“I define the Secretary as an internal communicator who acts as a bridge between voters and the governing body,” Sterling said.
Mr. Sterling emphasized the importance of student government leaders building trusting relationships with the student body, recognizing that mutual respect is essential to effective decision-making.
Sheshadri shared similar sentiments about the Director's role as an outlet for advocacy and said the position would be a passion project for her. She expressed her determination to use her previous experience as Co-Chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee (DEI) to fulfill the Secretary's administrative responsibilities with integrity and inclusiveness.
“In my work as DEI co-chair last semester, I found that many of our campus organizations were unaware that we had the resources to help them,” Sheshadri said. . “Wake He wants to work with the Forest Service to properly disseminate information and ensure all students are aware of our support services.”
Mr. Strassman ran unopposed for Speaker of the House, using his time on stage to expand his position and credentials. He shared his vision to strengthen communication efforts between the student body and its representatives.
“As Speaker of the House, I would like to have office hours for senators to address constituent concerns in their official residences,” Strassman said.
Elle, who is running unopposed for student body president, outlined action items on her agenda. She said elevating student voices, promoting diversity, equity and inclusion, and encouraging “pro-humanity” will be her top priorities after taking office.
Elluru recognized the value of fostering an environment where all students are heard, valued, and represented by familiar faces.
“Bridging the gap between student government and student organizations, whether through senate office hours, feedback forms, or tables on campus, is critical to giving students greater access to those who can help them.” said Elle.
As part of her diversity, equity and inclusion agenda, Elluru will establish a council of affinity organizations where leaders can build relationships with student government and build connections between different groups. I'm planning something. She also emphasized the importance of connecting with the Winston-Salem community.
“I would love to see community service programs sponsored by the student government, partnering with local nonprofits to get more Wake Forest students involved in the community,” Ellul said. I did. “I am constantly strategizing ways I can step out of the Wake Forest bubble on campus and engage meaningfully with the greater Winston-Salem community.”
Attendee Quinn Flout said she was confident that her classmates would demonstrate leadership with integrity and make positive contributions to the campus community.
“I am optimistic about the changes this new executive team will bring to campus,” Fraut said.
Voting is now open and will close on April 10th at 11:59am. The Student Government Association will announce the election results after noon on the same day.
