thebattalion asks
thebattalion
Q:
What’s the most important issue the SBP should focus on?
● monday,
february 21, 2011
● serving
texas a&m since 1893
● first paper free – additional copies $1 ● © 2011 student media
Gig ‘em, Mr. President Student body president candidates dish their views
The fact that they pick so many construction projects and prolong them. Kathryn Roussel, sophomore history major
I don’t like the idea of guns on campus. Peyton Abernathy, freshman biomedical sciences major
I would like to see the candidates focus more on students losing touch with tradition. Andrew Nguyen, junior communication major
Parking for north side residents due to the construction of the new building that will be taking up part of Lot 30 Chase Jones, sophomore mechanical engineering major
F
ive candidates are vying for the prestigious job of leading Texas A&M students as the 68th student body president. Sixty-seven students served as president since the founding session in 1947. With the University of Texas shooter sparking student groups to push for concealed carry on campus, budget cuts laying off professors and the immigration bill sparking controversy regarding in-state tuition for illegal immigrants, the candidates are opening up about their positions on these issues as well as their aspirations if elected. 2011 Election ◗ General voting begins Feb. 28. Primary results will be announced March 1. ◗ If necessary, run-offs will take place March 3 and 4, and the final results will be tallied March 4 at the Sul Ross statue in Academic Plaza. ◗ Candidates share more about their campaigns. Albrecht, page 2; Bowen, page 3; Pickering, page 3; Pulliam, page 4; Tucker, page 4.
Hilary’s take on...
Marshall’s take on...
◗ In-state tuition for illegal immigrants: “As SBP, I would discuss the issue with senate. I believe the student body should be united in such important decisions. I personally believe that Hilary Albrecht it is unfair for senior political science major those who entered the country illegally to receive in-state tuition while those from out-of-state pay exorbitant prices.”
◗ In-state tuition for illegal immigrants: “In regard to the immigration bill, I stand behind the decision to veto the bill. I believe that the real issue is the need to better define who is for eligible in state tuition.”
◗ Concealed carry on campus: “Personally support concealed carry, but as SPB, I would take the same position on the bill as the majority vote from the upcoming referendum.” ◗ Budget cuts: “Understand that budget cuts are necessary, but I believe that they should be done fairly.”
Chris’ take on...
◗ In-state tuition for illegal immigrants: “Drafting up a bill in support of the Dream Act or against the Dream Act is a waste of a Wednesday night in Senate. I think we can be more effective with our time.”
◗ In-state tuition for illegal immigrants: “It’s not right that Aggies from out of state who want to live and work in Texas can’t afford to go to school here, while our money is going to pay for Justin Pulliam someone who can’t senior animal science major legally work in Texas after they graduate.“
◗ In-state tuition for illegal immigrants: “This isn’t really an issue we can address at Texas A&M. It’s a federal issue. Senate doesn’t have the ability to pass a bill that will Chris Tucker affect that, senior university studies major it’s just not in our jurisdiction.”
Jeff Pickering junior communication major
◗Concealed carry on campus: “That’s another issue that’s going to have to be solved with our state legislature. But in my personal opinion I don’t think it’s the safest thing in the world. We have the 2nd amendment for the protection on private property and I don’t own property in the classroom.”
◗ Concealed carry on campus: “This is an extremely
important issue. Gun free zones guarantee criminals that college students are left defenseless against theft, assault, rape, murder or worse on campus.”
◗ Budget cuts: “Students should be put first when making budget decisions. If anything, administrative positions and salaries should be reduced.”
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Recent meningitis case sparks investigation Josh McKenna
The Battalion The Brazos County Health Department is investigating potential cases of bacterial meningitis following the death of Nicolis, “Nico,” Williams. The junior economics major died Feb. 11 of bacterial meningitis. His funeral was Saturday in Houston. Kevlar, a protective high strength fabric, was invented in 1965. Centuries before Kevlar, through elegant biological structures, the human body developed a tough and protective membrane of its own, made for the brain and spinal cord — the meninges. When infected, the meninges —the last line of defense for
◗ Concealed carry on campus: “I will act accordingly to the students’ opinions. It is my job to represent the student body in everything that I do.” ◗ Budget cuts: “In the short term, I think President Loftin has done a great job with making appropriate budget cuts without sacrificing too much from students. I do believe we can lobby to get those budget cuts decreased or eliminated.”
SBP photos by April Baltensperger, Tyler Hosea, Stephanie Leichtle, Paul Mezier, Jeremy Northum and Samantha Virnau
health
Michael Dror, staff writer
◗ Budget cuts: “As SBP, I will work hard to make sure that A&M students are treated equally and ensure that we receive fair treatment during these tough economic times for our state.”
Justin’s take on...
college to get an education and the most important aspect to that education is faculty.”
Shelbi Hubnik, freshman kinesiology major
◗ Concealed carry on campus: “I believe that concealed carry on campus is an issue in which we need to put students’ needs and opinions above anything else.”
Jeff ’s take on...
◗ Budget cuts: “At the end of the day you and I are in
Traditions. I would absolutely hate to see those leave and wish they were as strong as they used to be.
Marshall Bowen junior political science major
Springing into Aggie athletics
the central nervous system — swell, pressuring the brain and spinal cord to fatal levels. Such inflammation is referred to as meningitis. “Really, our investigation focuses on close contacts with the individual. We’re looking at trying to protect the population that has been exposed,” said Kate Jackson, an epidemiologist for the health department. Those who lived near Williams and were in contact with him present higher risks of developing meningitis; the incubation period for bacterial meningitis spans a full week. “It’s very rare that we find someone like that; they’re not See Meningitis on page 6
— THE BATTALION
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Tiffany Cornelius — THE BATTALION
Krey Bratsen (left) stands on second base during the a game against Le Moyne. The baseball team won three games against the Dolphins. Sydney Colson (top) passes to a teammate at the game against Oklahoma State Saturday. The women won 76-67. Check out game coverage at thebatt.com.
2/20/11 9:28 PM