RHA presidential candidates declare
The first day to declare presidential slates for the Residence Halls Association was Monday, and more slates may be added to the election until Feb 12. Voting will commence on Feb. 26 and the winners will be announced at the Reshall Ball that finishes RHA week.
As of Monday the chair of Board of Elections and Vice President Nate Ballance sent petitions of support and letters of intent to five slates.
“I don’t think we’ve ever had this many slates run together.” Ballance said.
On Dec. 1, RHA voted to split $1,000 evenly between the slates for campaign money. Last year slates were given $300 each, but RHA expected more slates this year.
The following five slates have shown interest in running, but must be approved by the Board of Elections. In order to be approved slates must have their petition of support verified and meet all requirements in the constitution such as minimum GPA and living in the residence halls.
Current Treasurer Rachael Feuerborn is running for president with current National Communications Coordinator Lauren Thomas.
"We want to facilitate positive change in RHA and improve resident turnout and productivity at meetings. We hope to reach out to residents and encourage more involvement in RHA. We plan to work to see more of what all the residents want and need to have the best experience on campus as possible." Thomas said.
Current President Robbie Wood is rerunning for president with Michael Crawford.
“I think we’ve made a lot of great steps this year and I think another administration of mine could continue in the correct direction.” Wood said.
“I’m a freshman and running could get me a lot of experience to continue in this organization and possibly run for president in the future.” Crawford said.
Secretary Patrick Anderson is running with and Representative Kyle York. Anderson has ideas from his two years of RHA experience to make RHA great again.
“I’m full of ideas and I feel that I’m a great representation of the residents in the halls.” York said.
National Communications Coordinator in training Doug Cowing is running with Parliamentarian Mike Madden. Both are freshmen.
“It’s been run by upper classmen for quite some time and we want to bring back the freshman perspective. Attendance is big thing we look at. We need more events and more involvement.” Cowing explained.
“I’m looking to take RHA in the direction that I’ve envisioned for it for quite some time now," Speaker of Congress Blake Lawrence, running with Jon Cleair, said. "I’ve been involved since I was a freshman and I’m a junior now. RHA has a pivotal role making policy decisions with regard to residents and I’m here to give those residents that voice. I believe Jon and I have the best slate for that goal.”