SGA elections… Get out and VOTE!

With campaigns in full swing, the UNCW Student Government Association is looking for a new group of leaders. Morgan Wyand, Megan Jelley and Daniel "Tango" Thorpe all hope for your vote this Tuesday, March 27 through Thursday, March 29.

Wyand is a junior double-majoring in history and political science. One of her initiatives if elected president is to continue the work SGA has already begun on the Wrightsville Beach Pass.

Wyand said the program works with the Wrightsville Beach community in establishing a parking area especially for students in exchange for a flat fee. Although the project is in its early stages with talks just now beginning with Wrightsville Beach, she hopes it will help students and build a better relationship with Wrightsville Beach.

Daniel "Tango" Thorpe is a junior studying geology, oceanography and leadership studies. One of his main proposals includes the "Teal Taxi." This service would provide a form of public transportation from the campus to downtown and back on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Thorpe said, "The 'Teal Taxi' would be funded both through Auxiliary Services and also through grants."

Megan Jelley is junior studying Communication Studies, Leadership Studies and Spanish. One of her platforms is concerned with environmental policies in construction and energy consumption on campus. Jelley wants work on the construction of more "green buildings" which are significantly lower in energy use than the average building on campus.

The past SGA administration began working on a plan to expand the REC center. This plan would raise tuition rates, which all three candidates are against. Each had different ideas about the expansion.

Morgan Wyand said, "We wouldn't see the increase until 2009."

She went on to say she supported the addition and that it is a "necessary increase" because of the overwhelming student support as revealed through surveys.

Daniel "Tango" Thorpe said, "The SRC has recently received a grant from Harris Teeter for, I believe, $300,000 toward the expansion of the recreation center."

He did not say whether he supports the expansion.

An issue plaguing most students today is parking. Most wish the problem would disappear, but the SGA contenders realize it won't go away on its own.

Jelley said, "Short term, I'd like to see shuttles running more frequently, and on routes that are most convenient for students. Long term, I'd like to see enough parking spaces for the number of students that purchase permits." She also would eventually like to see a parking deck built for students.

Thorpe takes a firm position on the parking dilemma. He said, "The stance I have taken on the parking problem on campus is to mandate the university has a "plan" for dealing with parking and other related issues that have time and time again been tried to be tackled."

Wyand is considering more shuttles that are more efficient and possibly changing the routes.

Voting begins Tuesday, March 27, at noon and ends Thursday, March 29, at 5 p.m. In the past, SGA voter turn out has been low. The platform of each candidate can be found online at www.uncw.edu/sga. Regardless of who you support, let your voice be heard and vote.