The annual SMU Student Senate Student Body Officer Candidate Debate was held in the Hughes-Trigg Student Center in the Oren Auditorium on Wednesday, April 1. The debate featured five candidates running for student body officer positions. The three candidates running uncontested used the debate as an opportunity to explain their platform and introduce themselves to the SMU community. Voting opens April 6 at 8:00 a.m. and closes April 8 at 12:00 p.m.

The event started by giving student body secretary candidates Keaton Steen and Kellen Phair the floor to explain their platforms and intentions for the positions. Senator Steen explained that he plans to be the “communicator, the coordinator and collaborator of Student Senate,” while Senator Phair plans to prioritize his duties as a support person for the president and vice president of the Senate.

Each candidate was then asked to provide a one-minute answer to a series of questions, and given 45 seconds to respond to their opponent’s response afterwards. Steen was asked to explain the role of the student body secretary both on and off the senate floor.

“I will enhance the way that our director positions work together with our senators to pass legislation,” Steen said. “[As the secretary] you’re the coordinator. It means you get everything ready. You get the legislation templates ready. You get every roadblock out of the way for student senators to be able to advocate for the student voice.”

Phair was then asked to answer what specific systems he would implement if elected to ensure meetings, records and communication are consistent and reliable. His answer reflected his intentions to maximize efficiency through thoroughly reviewing legislation before it is presented and encouraging senators to have brief summaries prepared when advocating for new bills. He stressed repeatedly his intention to fulfill the role as it is described, not to “reinvent the wheel.”

Both candidates were given 45 seconds to respond to each other’s statements before moving on to the next two rounds of questioning.

Phair was then asked what he considers to be his greatest accomplishment during his time in senate. He explained he was proud of how vocal he has been, and if given the opportunity, he would continue to advocate for the student body as secretary.

Steen was asked about an election transparency bill he worked to pass earlier in the semester, and if clear communication is something he will prioritize as secretary. He answered that he plans to apply his commitment to transparency to “every single piece of my responsibilities.”

In the last section of questioning, Steen was asked how his standing as a freshman would impact his ability to represent and engage with upperclassmen. He encouraged the audience to look at what he has accomplished in his time as senator, rather than the classification on his transcript. He also mentioned that his time as student body president of his elementary, middle and high school has prepared him to take on more responsibility in Student Senate.

Phair was asked what differentiates him from his opponent and what makes him qualified for this position. He said his leadership experience as senator for his high school, time as rush chair of his fraternity and finance background have all prepared him for more strategic work. He emphasized his strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skills, two necessary skills for the secretary position.

After accepting questions from the audience, they moved on to closing statements. Both candidates largely emphasized their qualifications and passion for the position.

After the debate period was closed, the treasurer, vice president and presidential candidates were invited to the stage. Although they are all running uncontested, the purpose was to educate voters on all candidates before election day.

Jazmin Darjean, current student body vice president, is running for student body president. Cox Senator Owen Bartosh is running for the vice president position and Cox Senator Ryland Davis is running for treasurer.

They each were given an opportunity to explain what they intend to bring to the role and how they will continue to serve the SMU student body in their new positions. Vice President Darjean explained her goals are to create a symbiotic relationship between senate and the student body. She wants all SMU students to be familiar with senate’s role on campus and informed on its developments.

“Success looks like students feeling comfortable with the students in [senate],” Darjean said. “What this tangibly looks like is that students are more involved with our elections. [I] want them to be involved in senate itself, more people campaigning for these positions that we’re here for, and also just ensuring that students know what we do and how we can help them.”

Senator Bartosh presented what he deemed the “Bartosh Blueprint,” a projected outline of his agenda and objectives he would adhere to during his vice presidency. He plans to address the most pressing issues facing SMU’s student body by practically approaching them with realistic goals. He listed parking as his number one concern and briefly explained how he will continue to address this through collaboration with SMU Parking Services.

Lastly, Senator Davis outlined the intentions she has as she prepares to step into the role of treasurer. Davis expressed her goal to become the “number one advisor for all students on campus”.

“I want to help the entirety of the student body get the funding that it not only needs, but the funding that it deserves,” Davis said. “I want to make the process easier for you to where you don’t have to shake down one person and one person responsible for the all 200 plus organizations here.”

All three candidates then went through a similar question-and-answer process where they specified certain aspects of their platform and applicable ways they plan to better our community.

The night was ultimately successful in displaying five strong leaders with bold ideas for how to better the campus we call home. While three candidates are running unopposed, it is still essential that votes are cast next week. Make your voice heard, Mustangs! Cast your vote via SMU360, starting this Monday, April 6.