Overcoming the stereotype of being a shadow to the president and how to efficiently run the Senate were issues for five students running for Government of the Student Body vice president at Friday’s noon debate in the Memorial Union.

The debate drew about 35 people.

Ryan Flaugh, GSB election commissioner, moderated the event and questioned the candidates.

Perception of the vice president

Candidates were asked how they would change the perception of the vice president as someone who is in the shadow of the president to someone who is a recognized leader on campus.

Melissa Cross, a junior in child and family services running with Brad Lozan, said the role of the vice president is to monitor and oversee the Senate.

Rob Ruminski, a sophomore in history who is running with LaRhonda Potts, said the vice president should be a vocal, opinionated figure on campus but remain neutral when presiding over Senate meetings.

“I’m an opinionated person; I’m going to let my opinions be known on campus,” Ruminski said. “However, when presiding over the Senate meetings, I will be objective.”

Amber Powell, a junior in dietetics running with Todd Swanson, said it is important for the vice president to have an opinion on issues.

Jeff Halliburton, a junior in construction engineering running with Rory Flaherty, said one of the most important roles of the vice president is to act as an adviser to the president.

Matt McLaren, a junior in agriculture business running with Rob Wiese, said the GSB vice president can get out of the shadow role by becoming involved in the community.

“The vice president needs to get out and needs to get their voice heard,” McLaren said.

Minority/international seats

Candidates were asked if they agreed with two GSB senators, Casey Powers, intrafraternity, and Mark Nimmer, off-campus, who are running for the international and minority Senate seats. Both senators have received criticism for running for these seats. Powers was born and raised in Iowa. Nimmer, a white male, has said he is of Arabic descent.

McLaren said even though it is legal for them to run for these seats, he does not agree with their motivations for doing so.

Halliburton said GSB should concentrate more on recruiting minority and international students to run for these seats. “People in the minority seats weren’t even aware of when they could get on the ballots,” Halliburton said.

Powell agreed. “They have every right to run for the Senate, but I don’t think they would be representing these students,” she said.

Ruminski attacked the two senators’ claims that special Senate seats give triple representation to some students. Ruminski said people need to understand that students have to give up votes in either their colleges or residences to keep Powell and Nimmer from winning the seats.

Cross said everyone has the right to run for any Senate seat. “This is their right to run for any seat they want,” she said.

Leading the Senate

Candidates were asked what past experiences they have that could help them lead the Senate and what they would do to lead the Senate successfully.

Powell said her two years experience on the Senate have educated her on meeting procedures and the rules that govern the Senate. “Senators must be respectful to each other in the meetings,” she said.

Ruminski said his Senate experience and experience with Model United Nations in high school give him the experience he needs to run the Senate. “Good decisions only come after a good debate and a strong discourse,” he said.

McLaren said he knows parliamentary procedure fairly well, and as a former GSB senator involved in the Towers Residence Hall government, he said he has the experience. “In order for the Senate to work together they have to be confident with themselves and their constituents,” he said.

Cross said she has experience through her sorority where she has chaired several committees. “I’ve held several leadership roles in my house that have prepared me for this,” Cross said.

Halliburton said even though he does not have any direct leadership experience with GSB, he has had other leadership roles that qualify him for the position.