S.A. Elections online, votes released to students
By Kate Kozlowski
Staff Writer
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| Junior Allan Smith is doused in beer by (from left) juniors Chris Marzi, Mike Drescher and friends while learning via cell phone he will be the next S.A. vice president. Smith defeated Nikia Murchie, 740 to 258 votes. Photo by Michael DeGrandpre. |
“We wanted to have the largest turnout ever and we did that,” Walker said. “This is a great day in the college’s history.”
The elections were held online for the first time. The process allowed students to vote from their rooms and at computer stations in Alliot and St. Edmund’s halls. The votes were released to the student body for the first time in years.
Scully defeated junior Greg Tobey, 724 to 277 votes, and Smith defeated Nikia Murchie, 740 to 258 votes.
“It’s really nice to see that the students at St. Mike’s supported
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| S.A. President Tyronne Walker, S.A. President-Elect Arly Scully and S.A. presidential candidate Greg Tobey. Scully defeated Tobey, 724 to 277 votes. Photo by Michael DeGrandpre. |
Tobey, was disappointed but optimistic.
“Everything happens for a reason,” Tobey said. “Now I’ll be able to have a chance to help the S.A. in ways the president wouldn’t be able to. There’s a good and bad in it.”
Smith, who has never been to an S.A. meeting, said he hopes his being elected will show students anyone can become involved in school events.
Walker said he is confident in the duo’s governing abilities.
“Arly and Allan are going to do a hell of a job,” Walker said. “They are going to do what is in the best interest of the college and the students.”
The officers for each class were also elected.
The Class of 2007 elected Lauren Remmes as its president over Hunter Gaiotti. Remmes said she was relieved the election was over and she is anticipating a great year as president.
“It’s really exciting,” Remmes said. “I’m glad to have everything over with and I’m really excited for next year.”
Michael DeGrandpre, who ran unopposed, was elected vice president of the Class of 2007.
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| Students listen to speeches while eating dinner in Alliot Hall. Photo by Michael DeGrandpre. |
The Class of 2008 elected Trixi Schmied, who ran unopposed, as its president.
Schmied said she would have preferred the experience of winning a contested race to running without opposition.
“It was comforting to know I was the only one running,” Schmied said, “but it would have been more interesting with some competition.”
Justin Foy, who ran unopposed, was elected vice-president of the Class of 2008. Tim McPherson was elected treasurer, Jill Ohrenberger was elected secretary, and Niki Siciliano and Lila McCormack were elected senators.
The Class of 2009 elected Steve O’Neil, who ran unopposed, its president. O’Neil said the election process and the way the candidates and voters handled themselves impressed him.
“There was a formality to it,” O’Neil said, “but it was casual and fun as well.”
Liam Danaher defeated Shawna Wood to be the vice president for the Class of 2009. Mariah Dukeshire was elected treasurer, Joe Flaherty was elected secretary, and Chris Gosselin and Sarah Ryan were elected senators.
The S.A. voted March 21 to change its constitution and release the number of votes each candidate received to the student body.“We wanted to be more transparent and have no ambiguity,” Walker said. “There is the argument that people want to know where their votes are going and the impact they have.”
Senior Nancy Winters, co-chair of the Student Elections and Oversight Committee, said voting online allowed more students to vote quickly and easily.
“It’s definitely better than in the past,” Winters said. “The biggest thing we heard was that it was so easy.”
At about 6:30 p.m., March 30, the S.A. sent an e-mail to students that said voting would be extended an extra hour to allow students more time to vote. Candidates received calls on the results at about 11 p.m.