The Iowa State Student Government Vice Presidential candidates discussed their platforms and how they plan to make Iowa State a better and safer campus Tuesday night. 

The first candidate, Will Vlasek, is a junior studying agriculture systems technology. He recently served as a vice president for the Iowa FFA. The Iowa FFA is the largest carrier and technological association in the state of Iowa. Vlasek believes that his experience through FFA will provide him with a foundation for the vice president position despite not having prior experience in Student Government. 

“Leadership here at Iowa State, for [him], has looked like being a good friend and advocate for others,” Vlasek said.

Vlasek is running alongside Colby Brandt, who is currently Student Government’s director of government affairs.

The other candidate is Sen. Erik Rolwes, a junior in industrial design with a minor in political science. He has served two years as a senator for the College of Design through Iowa State Student Government.

Rolwes is running alongside Vice Speaker Josie Pursely, who has represented the College Panhellenic Council for two years.

Rolwes emphasized the importance of hearing the voices of Iowa State design students. 

Because of Rolwes’ previous participation in Student Government, his campaign’s goal is to “expand upon [their] previous knowledge and experience [and] to build upon that and make student government the best it can be.” 

The ideas of diversity, equity and inclusion and recent federal and state law changes were brought up multiple times throughout the debate. Both candidates were asked how they would address this on campus. 

Vlasek said that while there is not much that can be done because of laws, he wants to ensure that every student on campus can meet their student leaders and interact with them often. 

“Showing up for other people allows us to be more diverse and ultimately a more representative Student Government,” Vlasek said. 

Rolwes recognizes the issues on campus and how some students might not feel at home on campus. He wants to ensure that “students have a safe space, regardless of if it’s at the university level.”

Overall, Rolwes said he wants to make sure that any new laws and regulations don’t affect how safe and comfortable students feel on campus. 

Both candidate’s campaigns also have points about student transportation and the problems surrounding it.

Both candidates see misuse of Safe Ride as an issue and plan on working with the Iowa State Police Department to improve the service. 

One of Vlaslek’s campaign points includes the creation of a campus-wide Homecoming event involving the entire Ames community and the students of Iowa State. He believes that this will allow more people to come on campus and support Iowa State.

Rolwes’ campaign is focused on sustainability and improving recycling initiatives at Iowa State. He aims to enhance knowledge about recycling and how to sort your items.

The Pursley-Rolwes campaign also wants to focus on mental health resources and helping those in need. They plan to work with university mental health resources to share their options with students. 

To watch the vice presidential debate, click here. The presidential debate is scheduled for Feb. 27.