In a town where many people believe that there is a great divide between students and residents, there are conflicting views on the consequences of political candidates labeling themselves as students.

Despite being shut out in borough elections, some members of the Student Party do not feel that the label contributed to their defeat.

"The town and the university view us as a collective group of students," mayoral candidate Justin Leto said. "Therefore, it's better for us to organize as students."

However, others feel differently.

"The Student Party lost primarily because of its focus by labeling itself as a student party," said incumbent Mayor Bill Welch, who won his reelection bid. "If students are running, they should do it as a Republican or a Democrat."

He pointed out that many forget that students are also residents.

"Student shouldn't be the primary definition of yourself," he said. "You're a citizen."

While running on a major party ballot was an option for Leto and some members of the Student Party, Leto cited too many problems for students to get on the ballot, resulting in the formation of the group.

Other people also said the label of the party was not the only factor for the party's defeat.

"The Student Party ran on the kind of issues that students care about," said William Bianco, associate professor of political science.

Welch agreed. "In order to be successful, they probably need to develop a broader platform," he said. "I don't think that there is wide spread support for their platform."

While support for the goals that included less alcohol enforcement, students' rights and a focus on downtown housing and parking may have been strong among students, student voter turnout was very low.

"People are talking about getting young people to vote, but they don't help," Leto said. "They need to do something more than throwing voting into young people's faces."

Leto feels that the problem needs to be addressed by the university by getting the Office of Residence Life involved in a voter registration campaign.

As a result, until more students register to vote in Centre County, the Student Party must rely on the votes of residents to be victorious.

"In order to gain the support of local residents, I think they have to work on issues that are not of issue to the students," Bianco said.

In addition, members may also have to work on their connection to the community.

"People that win local elections have strong ties to the community -- students don't," Bianco said.

Welch said that his two terms as mayor also helped him win.

"Students have no name recognition, that's why incumbents have done so well," Welch said.

While finding solutions to these issues may take some time, Leto is not worried.

"This was more of a building year," he said. "We got our issues out there more than in the past."