Page 3 OSCAR DOUGLAS by Lee Nell As I approached Oscar Douglas for this interview, he was reading through the SGA constitution. His running mate, regretfully, was student teaching and could not be reached. Oscar agreed to tell me about his platform and about Pat, and notes that their platform, in final form, will be presented to the students very soon. This then is the background, platform and goals of Oscar Douglas and Pat Williams. Pat, a native of McKeesport, Pa. attended Allegheny County Community College, South Campus, where she held student offices before coming to Capitol. She is a cheerleader and a member of the Black Student Union here. In addition to her pursuit of a degree in Elementary Education, Pat is a member of the Social Committee and a Resident Student Council member. Mr. Douglas, who hails from Harrisburg, attended HACC where he was Vice-President of Alpha Beta Omega fraternity. He was a forward on the basketball team here and is a member of the Black Student Union. Oscar is Chairman of the Black Cultural Arts Committee which presented Black Odyssey last term and will sponsor Black Arts Festival Week later this term. A Social Science major, Oscar also aided in bringing Vinnie Burrows to campus last term. The candidate prefaced his remarks about his team’s platform by saying, “We are not trying to degrade the present SGA administration. However, we realize that while some ——“"programs did become operative, others failed. We feel that our platform is sturdier and that we are prepared to get programs passed and working for the students.” The platform points are as follows: *Snow will be removed more effectively and will be taken off the lot where it will not take up parking spaces. *A mini-bus will be proposed to bring students to school. The bus will be free to all students and will make regular trips through Meade Heights and the dorms either every hour or half-hour. This bus is to be funded solely by SGA with a paid student as driver. *SGA will set up a steering committee with representatives from every committee on campus. This committee will meet with SGA at least twice a month to air grievances and to introduce and discuss programs. *SGA minutes will be printed and distributed to all students. •The SGA minutes will be available in the Student Affairs Office and in the SGA office. •Copies of the minutes will be posted at conspicuous points in Meade Heights, the dorms and hall bulletin boards. *A more varied menu and an increased supply of food will be proposed in the dining hall. The atmosphere of the hall and of the dorm lounges will be enhanced with better decorations. *At least one member, a member of the executive board when possible, will be present at the SGA office from 8 to 5 daily. Students will be able to express a problem or to question or learn about SGA actions. *Social life will be augmented by encouraging more activities and dances. More and bigger-name groups will be sought *To eliminate overcrowding at certain events, proposals will be made to enlarge both the student center and the auditorium or to construct new building facilities. Commenting about the platform and candidacy, Oscar summed up with, “We feel that our platform reflects many of the problems on campus that need immediate attention. The social life should be expanded, the mini-bus can be provided, the food problem and the decoration problem in the dorms must be corrected and the snow will be removed if we are elected. The SGA should be more receptive to student needs and should work harder for the students. If we are elected, our aim will be to fulfill that goal. Our platform points such as the steering committee and the distribution of the SGA minutes indicate that the SGA, with our leadership, will be a more student-oriented organization. Through working with the students, we can enhance student life and Capitol’s image in the community. Hi there, this is your roving reporter Clyde Botts of the New York Times, and I am now interviewing “the” candidate for Treasurer of SGA, Russ Matthews. Clyde: “Russ, just what are your qualifications?” Russ: “Well as you know I have been Treasurer for the past two months since the old Treasurer left office. I also was the President and Treasurer of SGA at my previous school, which will help if I am elected to this office.” Clyde: “Russ, I realize that these are just a few of your qualifications, but time and space has to cut you short. Also what are your plans if you are elected?” Russ: “First of all I will try to adopt a policy of informing, as many people as I can, about the financial progress of SGA. This will be done by having office hours, so people can question me, a telephone number, so that I can be contacted at ANYTIME for problem solving, and correspondence with all clubs so the clubs will not be left in the dark about finances.” Clyde: “Well thank for this information and I hope that you can get the support and votes that are needed for your election.” Russ Matthews Candidate—Treasurer For the last three terms, I have served as Junior Social Science Senator in the S.G.A. On May 11,1 shall again run for the office of Social Science Senator. I can only say that once again I will try to represent ALL THE STUDENTS i.e. dorms, Meade Heights, commuters, and even the ravine dwellers, from ALL THE PROGRAMS. A history of my college activities include: 2 years Senator on S.G.A., 2 years Chi Gamma lota, 1 year President Psychology Club, Representative at National Student Convention, Representative at National Vet’s Conference, S.G.A. Representative to Faculty Council, member Student Affairs Committee, Carnival Chairman. Thank you, Len Thompson Candidate- Social Science Senator THE CAPITOLIST MEET THE CANDIDATES. ran inn Interviewer, Tom Hagan First' of all, why are you running for President of the S.G.A.? I’m terribly concerned about two major problems besetting the campus. The first one is the frightening and ever-growing communication and “credibility” gap between the students and the administration. Secondly, the Student Government is virtually non-existent and non-functioning. What then, do you think are some of the faults of the present Student Government? Generally speaking, the S.G.A. is just not functioning on behalf of the students’ welfare. Any specifics? Well, I think we can go back to the Pat Murphy thing. All that the Student Government bothered to do was to send a letter to Mr. Herpel. It was students like myself, Lee Nell, Becky Ruhl, Chuck Albert, to name a few, who were fighting on Pat’s behalf. Also, there is the current problem involving student participation in the selection of the Provost. The articles that I have written for THE CAPITOLIST have defined my position on this issue quite adequately. Would you care to reiterate? My primary bitch is that students are not allowed to have the “full and direct role” that President Oswald has prescribed. Once again, all that the S.G.A. did was to send a letter to President Oswald which said, in part, that after consulting with Director Herpel, they agreed with the way the matter was going to be handled. Either the Student Government has been appeased and snowed under by Herpel’s and Oswald’s comments, or there’s a secret plan as to how the students will take a role in the selection of the Provost. It seems that, once again, the S.G.A. has not given a damn about the people they represent. If there is a “secret plan”, why haven’t the students been informed? I think these two examples clearly show that the Student Government is nothing more than a sandbox—with a lot of wet sand. How would you achieve that major voice for the students regarding the Provost’s selection? It’s easy to say that one would travel to University Park and storm into the President’s office to demand a seat on the Search Committee. It might become our only alternative. But, I would initially work with the Faculty Council and Senate with the hope of convincing them of the students’ absolute right to have a seat and a vote on the Search Committee. Getting back to your point on the communications problem. How do you propose to lessen this situation? First, when 1 say “the administration,” I’m including not only the Director’s Office, Student Affairs, and so on, but also those committees which are involved in decision and policy formations concerning students. I’d hope to establish equal student voting membership on those ten committees. How do you hope to keep the whole student population informed? What will prevent student representatives on those committees, for example, from becoming as bad as you feel present S.G.A. members are? First, there’s a Reporting Committee which is supposed to keep students up-to-date. I would also ask the Student Affairs Advisory Committee to submit a bi-monthly summation of events to THE CAPITOLIST. And, I hope to continue my column in the newspaper to show what the S.G.A. has done, as well as any future plans. As for the second question, I would not be afraid to dismiss any student who was not fulfilling his or her obligations on a particular committee. One of the major gripes of the Commuters is that they are virtually students of second status. Do you have any ideas on a solution for them? I was thinking of some problems which are peculiar to them. For example, their limited accessibility to some courses and activities due to unavoidable time and distance commitments. Very simply, we have to know all of their problems, and the S.G.A. has the obligation to do all that it can to benefit ALL the members of the student body. As for the specific problem you mentioned, I would charge the Committee on Academic Affairs with the responsibility of investigating their plight and, in turn, making recommendations to the S.G.A. and Faculty Council and Senate on methods of coping with this problem. This is one of my major points. We have the ways to bring about change, if we, the students, are sincere in providing the means. Harvey Brown is not a household name, but neither was Spiro Agnew. This is where the similiarity ends. I am a candidate for the office of Social Science Senator. If elected 1 will wholeheartedly concentrate all my efforts for the benefit of the entire student body. I leave you with my favorite saying, “Be informed, get involved, and don’t let them grind you down.” Thank you. Harvey Brown Candidate - Social Science Senator A non profit ABORTION that is safe legal & inexpensive can be set up on an outpatient basis by calling The Problem Pregnancy Referral Service 215-722-5360 24 hours—7 days for professional, confidential and caring help. PREGNANT? NEED HELP? YOUR QUESTIONS ON ABORTION CAN ONLY BE FULLY ANSWERED BY PROFESSIONALS CALL (215) 878-5800 2*4 hours 7 days FOR TOTALLY CON FI D ENTIAL INFORMATION. Legal Abortions Without Delay Wednesday, May 5, 1971 Steve Wesley Interviewer, Doug Megla Doug: “What is the Action Party?” Steve: “The Action Party is a group of interested students that have gotten together to try to strengthen the S.G.A. Gary Gold, Patrice Nelson, and I are hoping to get some student participation in this election. “Patrice Nelson is a graduate of Cedar Cliff High School and H.A.C.C. She was very much involved with students and was a senator of the S.G.A. Her efforts at H.A.C.C. got her named to Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges. Patrice is an Elementary Education major. “Gary Gold is a 1965 graduate of Moravian Prep, and a 1970 graduate of "Northampton Area Community College. He was a senator and vice-president of S.G.A. and a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Fraternity. Gary received the Wall Street Journal Student Achievement Award and was a co-recipient of the outstanding student award. Gary was also named to Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges. He was in Germany with the Army for two years and is currently a junior business senator at Capitol and a member of Chi Gamma lota. “I am a 1965 graduate of Lancaster Catholic High School. I’ve spent three years in the U.S. Navy, and graduated from H.A.C.C. in 1970. At H.A.C.C. 1 was senator and treasurer of S.G.A. plus treasurer of Chi Gamma lota Fraternity. 1 organized the Vietnam Moratorium at H.A.C.C. and also had the honor of being named to Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges. At Capitol Campus 1 was junior business senator and then appointed as treasurer, but due to financial difficulties, 1 resigned.” Doug: “Why are you running for S.G.A. President?” Steve: “I’m running because I know 1 can do the job. If I’m elected, S.G.A. will be an initiator and contributor in terms of service to students and in relation to its position on campus. The S.G.A. will also be a coordinator of the actions on campus. If the S.G.A. was a strong body, people could come to us and get things done.” Doug: “If elected, what are the Action Party’s goals?” Steve: “The first thing we will do is run S.G.A. by one constitution which in itself will strengthen S.G.A. We’d like to sec an active President’s Council and also active clubs. We’ve endorsed the All College Council which is contributing to student power. Capitol Campus could use more autonomy from “Mother Main”. Naturally the parking fee is still a pain somewhere and we think there should be a sidewalk along the road by the dorms.” Doug: “Is there anything you would like to add?” Steve: “Certainly, Doug. I would like to thank you for your time. And to the students, don’t forget to get off those cheeks and vote. We’ll get things together. Ed. Note: All candidates were contacted April 29, by the election committee for announcements. Space was provided by THE CAPITOLIST, and offered to all candidates.
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers