Over muffled chatter and clanging dishes in the University Student Center, student body presidential candidates Jimmy Richards and Mark Lombardi-Nelson voiced their campaign platforms before a politically divided student audience on Feb. 27.
Among the debate’s big ticket items were Sodexo meal plan changes, the potential for Greek life on campus, the preservation of USF St. Petersburg’s small campus culture and student organizations’ access to Student Government funding — all of which both candidates plan to tackle similarly.
Lombardi-Nelson emphasized the need for lower commitment meal plans and suggested using a student referendum to choose a food vendor for the Coquina Club.
Acknowledging Sodexo’s binding five-year contract, Richards said, “You can’t just change the contract and, poof — meal plans are there,” explaining that SG has to use its influence to get what the students want.
Richards said he supports Greek life but will side with the student body majority regardless of its stance. “Greek life will happen; it’s only a matter of when,” he said.
Preserving the school’s culture is a key aspect of Lombardi-Nelson’s campaign. He feels population growth will bring students closer and campus expansion, like with the College of Business building, will provide more opportunities for students.
Richards said expansion, when done properly, will not affect the school’s culture, though he doesn’t believe in growing the student population beyond 20,000. He feels the fact that Bill Hogarth, USF St. Petersburg’s chancellor, regularly eats lunch with students in the Reef is something unparalleled by any other institution.
Richards promised easier access to Student Government funding for clubs and organizations, which he said many club leaders do not know how to obtain. Lombardi-Nelson attributed this issue to yearly changes in the funding process.
The majority of SG’s executive cabinet sits on Richards’ campaign staff. Lombardi-Nelson said though he respects the students’ right to side with the candidate of their choice, he is ready for the fight.
Lombardi-Nelson was criticized for a lack of punctuality and tendency to be a “yes man,” giving students unrealistic perceptions of what can actually be done. Lombardi-Nelson acknowledged his punctuality is an issue, attributing it to his busy schedule, and said he is working to become more punctual. He also said he has learned to say no.
“I will not be a ‘yes’ man,” Richards said, adding that he will not make empty promises and will do what he says he’ll do.
After being called out multiple times for not following through on his word, Lombardi-Nelson closed his side of the debate with, “It’s not about what is said, it’s about what is done.”
Richards’ availability and preparedness to lead the student body was questioned. He admitted his internship with the Tampa Bay Rays and heavy course load occupied much of his time this semester. He said he would take on less outside responsibilities if elected, providing him with “ample time.”
Lombardi-Nelson criticized his opponent for his inability to empathize with the roles of clubs and organizations, since he has never been actively involved in any other than SG. He emphasized his own level of experience in contrast with Richards’.
Though Richards lacks the year of presidential experience his opponent has, he has followed Lombardi-Nelson’s path to presidency identically, as senator his first year of school and vice president his second year.
Before the debate, SG encountered a potential issue with the constitutionality of the election’s timing. Before it was resolved, Lombardi-Nelson suggested the constitution be “ignored,” according to Richards, so the elections could be carried out on time. When Richards asked his opponent why he felt overlooking the constitution was appropriate, Lombardi-Nelson said it was a matter of priority and he had to stand up and make a decision in time of emergency, regardless of the rules.
Seemingly the most controversial question of the night was whether Lombardi-Nelson’s previous romantic relationship with his running mate Christa Hegedus would affect the duo’s ability to successfully work together. Hegedus was not elected as senate president last year due to conflict of interest.
Richards saved this one for last, preceding it by saying, “This is the question I didn’t want to ask.”
Lombardi-Nelson said that he and Hegedus have been best friends “from the beginning” and have always been able to keep business separate from their personal lives. He sees no conflict of interest in their political partnership. In returning to his podium, he said, “That felt good to say.”
Despite the heavy nature of some topics, candidates kept the mood light and acted courteously. When the audience complained about not being able to hear Richards, Lombardi-Nelson switched microphones with him. Richards even stopped mid-response to thank his opponent for getting him involved in Student Government. And during the heated one-on-one segment of the debate, Lombardi-Nelson looked over at Richards and said, “I like this. This is fun.”
Both men are proud of what they’ve accomplished as president and vice president, in joint and individual initiatives.
“We’ve turned a year of failure into a year of success,” Lombardi-Nelson said, who is proud of doubling the size of Student Government this year. He’s also proud of his role in creating a petition to keep Hogarth as chancellor and his work on the SG scholarship fund, a need-based program beginning this fall.
Richards is proudest of bringing the bronze bull and the USF athletic logos to campus — two things he guaranteed at the beginning of his term.
Voting begins Monday March 4 and ends Thursday March 7 at 5 p.m. Students can access their ballot through Blackboard.
Tyler Killette is news editor of the Crow’s Nest. She can be reached at news@crowsneststpete.com
