Harrod and Halpin

The new ASMC leaders

By Marisa Kratochvil
Editor-in-Chief

During the Scots’ Day Honors Convocation Tues-day, April 25, Associated Students of Monmouth College (ASMC) President Brandie Miller announced Richard Harrod and Paige Halpin as the newly elected ASMC president and vice president, respectively, for the 2006-2007 year.

During an interview with the winners, Harrod described himself as being “ecstatic” upon hearing his name announced.

“I am very happy and very excited,” he added.

As for Halpin, she stated, “I’m ready to start the year!”

Power was officially turned over into their hands at the last ASMC meeting of the year Tuesday, May 2 as they assumed their positions.

According to Harrod, their executive staff has yet to be determined, but applications have been sent out and are due Sunday, May 7.

In looking at ways to improve the ASMC, Harrod stated, “I realize change comes slowly,” and he further added he wants to “improve and strengthen the existing organization, while branching out.”

In regard to “branching out,” Harrod is seeking to create a new cabinet level position, director of publication, which is intended to help promote the ASMC to the student body.

The person elected to this new position will be responsible for helping in redesigning and updating the organization’s website, maintaining the ASMC bulletin board and posting flyers around campus. 

“This position may also require a committee,” Harrod added.

His platform, while leading the ASMC, includes his intent to meet with President Ditzler and have him speak to the senate.

Harrod would like to hear President Ditzler’s ideas and get him more involved with the student body.

As for Harrod’s third idea, which is more complicated, he would like to work with the faculty on possibly creating a student representative position on the faculty search committee.

“We will also talk to Jane Jakoubeck, the newly ap-pointed vice president of academic affairs, and get her on board.”

Harrod’s credentials that helped earn him the presidency position include his experience as a career politician, where he has been involved in student government since his second week on campus.

In his progression along the political ladder, he began as an associated member, was then appointed senator and held a place on the constitution reform committee, was the senate’s Parliamentarian and, just recently, vice president.

As for Halpin, who will be a sophomore when she assumes her position, her age will not prevent her from handling unfamiliar issues.

“I am not afraid to ask questions,” she stated.

In hindsight regarding the controversy surrounding the election involving the ineligibility of junior Silvia Fabela running for president, Harrod said, “I do wish there had been some competition; I am someone who enjoys competition.

“It was not something personal,” he added, “I have great respect for Ben and Silvia.”

In regard to the tally of write-in votes, Lauren Swanson, student elections commission chair, stated, “Because of the guidelines set by Roberts Rules of Order, the write-in votes were not counted toward the overall total for president and vice-president.”

As for the election results, 89.6 percent of the votes were “yes,” 8 percent were “no” and 2.4 percent were abstentions, she added.