Student Assembly presidential candidates sounded off at the first debate of the election season, as Greek issues dominated a pointed, hour-long discourse at Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.
Juniors Jim Baehr, Ralph Davies, Julia Hildreth and Dave Wolkoff answered heated questions concerning the Assembly's Greek relations and College policies towards houses, among other issues.
Davies, Hildreth and Wolkoff are members of Phi Delta Alpha fraternity, Kappa Delta Epsilon sorority and Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, respectively. Baehr is unaffiliated.
The candidates proved most divisive on the issue of behind-the-scenes versus vocal action to raise awareness of College policies, in particular those affecting Greeks.
"Silent action is really important. If people are making noise on campus, then that's helpful, but we need to echo that," Hildreth said.
Davies, Baehr and Wolkoff appeared to disagree. They all said that vocal responses to College policies are more effective than silent action, especially with regard to Greek issues. Davies advocated gaining alumni support in order to raise awareness.
"If you want to get stuff done, you need to scream," Wolkoff said.
Another main source of contention was the debate over the relationship between the Assembly and Greek houses. Davies said he doesn't believe the Assembly should have a large role in the goings-on of the Greek system. While advocating meeting with Greek leaders and attending GLC meetings, Davies added, "I hesitate to say that SA should take a direct role" in Greek-related issues.
On the other hand, Davies said, "I think it's important we find an appropriate balance."
The most criticism of the current relationship between the Assembly and the Greek system came from Wolkoff, an Assembly outsider who criticized its policies and leadership.
"I am disappointed with the Assembly's stance on the Greek system," Wolkoff said, emphasizing his role as the publicity chair of the IFC and in writing the Fall term rush proposal. "If you want real leadership, you gotta talk to the presidents on the IFC."
"SA offers solutions that aren't appropriate," Wolkoff said. "Assembly doesn't take the time to figure out what Greeks want."
"I think it's a dubious claim to make," current Assembly president Janos Marton '04 said of Wolkoff's remarks. "Considering that I've been president of my fraternity and that I've appointed more Greek members to the Executive Committee than any president before me."
While Marton has not officially endorsed a candidate, he praised the performance of Davies in particular.
"Ralph Davies came across as the person with the most reasonable and creative ideas," Marton said. "I thought Julia and Jim also spoke well."
Throughout the debate, the candidates took heed to highlight their own achievements, both within and outside of the Assembly. Baehr made sure to mention the Assembly proposal he sponsored for a pro-Greek celebration, Davies brought up his work on the Student Bill of Rights more than once, Hildreth alluded to her committee work and Wolkoff frequently dropped the names of fraternity presidents with whom he has worked.
The debate was moderated by Ian Sarr '05, with Michael Beilstein '05, Claire Superfine '04 and Brad Tavares '05 serving as panelists.
