The campaigning has begun, and the candidates are working harder than ever to get your vote.
On Tuesday night, Mike Kilbride and his running mate, Taylor Lochrane, held a meeting at Brooklyn Pizza to release their platform. The event, called “Time to Meet: The Difference is You!”, brought in dozens of students who were eager to hear what the candidates had to say, not to mention enjoy some free pizza.
After introducing themselves and socializing with many of the students, Kilbride and Lochrane enthusiastically took the floor. The platform, comprised of three sections, began with Campus Life, and covered topics like fighting for tailgating rights, creating graduate housing and improving regional campuses. Lochrane also advocated for supporting a greener campus through solar powered buildings, recycling and LED lighting. “These LED lights save over ten thousand dollars a year,” Lochrane stated. Additionally, Kilbride talked about the importance of multicultural education and recognizing Greek accomplishments. “We just want to highlight all the great things Greeks are doing,” Kilbride said.
Following campus life, the two talked about the next platform point: Advancing Scholarship. Primarily, Kilbride emphasized the importance of increasing study space and implementing a two-day break, or study days, before finals begin. Also, Lochrane added that they would work to raise awareness about SGA scholarships and form a post-graduation program to help students get jobs.
Finally, the candidates stressed that “the difference is you.” “Our best initiative is your best idea,” Kilbride said. He went on to explain that students need a way to make suggestions to SGA in order to quickly fix any issues on campus. Moreover, though, they discussed many current issues on campus that are important to students. Kilbride noted the significance of increasing safety on campus through S.E.P.S and KnightDrive, which is a program designed to prevent drinking and driving, and Lochrane talked about creating a carpool parking system. “We can definitely promise to help congestion in our parking lots,” he asserted.
Afterward, both were very excited to take any questions and they handed out cards for students who want to get involved with the campaign. “We’re here working for you, and this is all about you,” Kilbride said.
For more information on the candidates and their platform, visit their website at www.differenceis.com
