CCSG candidates release platforms

By MICHELE E. JOHNSTON
Collegian Staff Writer

Jeffrey E. Butler and Bryan W. Beck will announce their election platform for Council of Commonwealth Student Governments coordinator and vice coordinator, to all campuses today.

Their platform, based on knowledge, leadership and experience, is centered around initiatives to improve the productivity of CCSG meetings and improve communication between all Penn State campuses. Butler and Beck hope to establish student services common to all campuses, conduct random surveys of Commonwealth Campus students to gauge students' needs and establish a transition plan to facilitate transitions in CCSG administration and Student Government Association elections.

One aspect of the transition plan is implementing a "Student Leader Alumni Network" to keep in touch with previous leaders so that projects started by one CCSG administration may be continued by the next. The plan would also allow regional directors to give guidance in SGA elections to ensure campuses don't falter during transitions.

Butler said he is still examining the viability of the random surveys but added that, if implemented, CCSG staff members would make calls once a month to Commonwealth Campus students. He said that conducting these surveys, in addition to keeping CCSG informed of student concerns, would authenticate requests made to the University by CCSG.

The only other candidates to begin campaigning for CCSG coordinator and vice coordinator are Matthew J. Plocki, CCSG activities committee director, and J. Benjamin Faulds, SGA President at Altoona Campus. Candidates have until April 7, the day of elections, to announce their intentions to run.

If elected, Butler said, one advantage he and Beck will have is that they already established work relations and contacts through their current leadership positions. Butler now serves as CCSG Student Affairs Committee director, Pittsburgh region co-director and CCSG's representative to the University Board of Trustees. Beck is Berks Campus SGA President.

Butler said he chose Beck as his running mate because of his leadership background at the Berks Campus.

"I chose Bryan because, in my eyes, he is the most qualified," Butler said. "I wanted to get someone from the eastern part of the state because I am familiar with the western part -- to give everyone fair and equal representation."

Butler said it is important for students to choose the candidates who will best convey their ideas. "This job entails more than meeting with student leaders. It is important (students) go with the person that is right -- look at facts and figures and not at the fluff."