Ponton, White say they have set realistic goals

Student Government Association presidential candidate Tony Ponton enters the room laughing. His latest campaign effort, a Monday morning parade, complete with police escort, has been fun as well as successful, according to Ponton.

"We had a lot of stunned looks and a lot of people cheering for us and smiling at us," Ponton says. "People definitely knew who we were."

This is just the latest effort of a whirlwind campaign for the current SGA vice president.

Tony Ponton, Martinsburg senior, says he decided to run for SGA president to ensure the university continues to move forward and keep the interests of students in mind.

"Multiculturalism is one of our main issues," Ponton says. "We have a fairly diverse campus here but we have a lot of students from less diverse areas.

"We want to make sure that students have a chance to realize how other students live and to learn about other people who aren't like them."

Ponton's running mate, Charleston graduate student and Public Relations Director of SGA Patricia White says, "If Tony and I are elected, we're planning on having a series of educational forums about gay and lesbian issues, gender roles, racism, sexism and other issues."

Ponton says he'd like to see speakers spread over the course of a month instead of jammed into a week.

"I'd like to bring in speakers and give students the opportunity to talk about what they think and discuss their feelings," Ponton says. "I think this is one of the best things we can do in this situation."

Specifically, the Ponton-White team would like to see the parking problem on campus addressed.

"I think the administration needs to closely examine the parking situation and be made aware that students are very unhappy with parking on campus," Ponton says.

Ponton says he thinks one possible solution is to re-allocate the faculty parking lots for student use.

Ponton and White say they have set realistic goals.

"Some campaigns over the course of the years have made promises that, realistically, the SGA has no control over," he says.

"We can't build a parking garage or new housing, but we can talk to the administration about these issues."

Ponton says he and White's experience is one reason students should vote for them.

"Patricia and I hold executive positions and know how Student Government works," he says.

"We know what students want because they're the same things we want," Ponton says. "I want to make sure students are happy and well- represented."

White says she and Ponton have the qualities that will make them effective student leaders.

"We are dedicated, hard-working, truthful and genuine," White says. "We're here for students' rights as students. That's our main priority."