Mercyhurst Student Government (MSG) hosted the Executive Board Debate for those running for student government Thursday, March 15, at the Carolyn Herrmann Student Union.

The annual debate provided candidates running for MSG president, vice president and treasurer an opportunity to answer questions about their campaign for Mercyhurst students.

This year juniors Richard Molloy and Brian Lombardo are running for president and vice president against juniors Jeremy Dickey and Joseph Reinhard. Junior William Page is on the ticket for treasurer.

Many students came out to support the candidates and listen to what they had to say in order to see what candidates would represent the student body best.

The debate was opened and run by MSG President Meghan Hess and Vice President Reed Garetto.

After the opening, candidates were given a chance to explain their platforms before answering questions from MSG and the students in attendance.

Molloy and Lombardo explained that their platform includes two main goals. They want to bring MSG to the student body and spread school spirit and pride.

“I think we did a good job, and we got our points across,” Molloy said.

Dickey and Reinhard’s platform involves improving conditions on campus so students are able to show off where they attend school.

Issues discussed included leadership styles, Recognized Student Clubs/Organizations, representing the student body, working with administration and the budget.

Questions from students involved the candidates’ number one goal, how they hope to improve campus, their biggest concern, what experience they can bring to the table and if they are able to set aside personal thoughts and stances for the good of the university.

The candidates agreed that the debate was successful.

“We were able to show that several people can get together and discuss real issues that affect Mercyhurst,” said Dickey.

“We were very happy to see the amount of people that came out to watch and listen to us.”
Lombardo agreed with Dickey about the positive attendance at the debate.

“It was really good for MSG as a whole that there was so much interest in an election,” Lombardo said.
Reinhard explained that the support has not been exclusive to the debate.

“I’m a little bit surprised about how excited everyone is about the election,” said Reinhard. “Everyone has been getting in on it on both sides. It’s been very competitive and very exciting for us.”

MSG Executive Board elections will be on Wednesday, March 21, and Thursday, March 22. Students should receive an email from MSG when the polls open Wednesday at 12:01 a.m. with directions on how to vote.