USG candidates debate policy concerns, qualifications

Incumbent USG president Michael Yaroshefsky ’12 and his challenger, Polly Korbel ’13, answered questions posed by the moderator and student spectators for 30 minutes, followed by a session of the same length with the four vice presidential candidates: Catherine Ettman ’13, Carter Greenbaum ’12, Austin Hollimon ’12 and Anthony Pappenfus ’13.

Yaroshefsky and Korbel voiced many similar concerns for student government to address, with Yaroshefsky touting his achievements in his first term and Korbel arguing that the USG does not currently address the needs of students.

They did, however, emphasize different priorities. Korbel said that the most important problems confronting undergraduates are a lack of cohesiveness among the student body and a student government that does not fully represent students.

Yaroshefsky said that the major needs of students center around academic issues, such as precept structure, student participation and preceptor feedback.

Both candidates said that after getting elected, they would survey students to crystallize their priorities. Korbel said that these surveys should be better implemented than those conducted in the past.

Yaroshefsky said he has enjoyed his position, adding, “The idea that we can stipulate changes or prevent changes that we don’t want to happen and that we can voice that to the administration is a good feeling.”

But Korbel said she hopes to unseat Yaroshefsky because student government does not sufficiently represent the full student body. “I felt that the USG did not serve me,” she explained.

The four candidates vying for vice president each cited experience in student government and called for a more unified campus with more school spirit.

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Ettman said she would build on her experience working in the USG senate and planning activities. Beyond improving relationships among students, USG officers and administrators, she said, the USG should focus on academic issues.

Pappenfus, the current USG communications director, said he has the experience, personality and commitment to advance a platform of bringing social groups together. He also said the USG should prioritize its efforts to address grade deflation. Pappenfus is also a member of The Daily Princetonian design staff

Hollimon, the former treasurer for the Class of 2012, called for the USG to more directly impact students through initiatives such as providing free cable television in dorm rooms, setting a goal of increased community service and addressing grade deflation.

Greenbaum, a U-Councilor, said he would also focus on grade deflation if elected. He said the USG should focus on improving the meal exchange program, installing printers on the 100-level of Frist and other small things that would be meaningful to students.

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The vice presidential candidates also cited experience working with current campus leaders.

Each candidate also noted experience working alongside Yaroshefsky. Pappenfus helped launch the new USG online events calendar and publicize other USG events. Greenbaum said he works well with Yaroshefsky and communicates with administrators with ease. Ettman helped launch the new website for incoming freshmen.

Hollimon, who worked with Yaroshefsky to promote the men’s basketball game against Penn last spring, also said he has a good working relationship with Korbel.

Roughly 75 students turned out to listen to the debates, many of whom were there supporting friends on the ballot.

Maseray Kamara ’12, one of those in attendance, expressed concern about the debate’s low turnout. “I feel like it was very good, but I was worried about the publicity because I feel like a lot of people didn’t know about it,” she said.

Voting begins today at noon and will end Wednesday at noon.

For more election coverage, see the profiles of Korbel and Yaroshefsky.