Blue and white balloons swayed in the wind Friday afternoon at the Student Gates of Tiger Stadium as “The Foundation” kicked off its campaign.
Student Senate Speaker Colorado Robertson and mass communication junior Shannon Bates formally announced their candidacy for the upcoming Student Government election as president and vice president, respectively. Their motto: “Building from the ground up.”
Some campaign staff members touted “Robertson-Bates ’08” posters and lined the gates. Robertson spoke loudly to get the attention of students passing by. He explained why he chose the football gates as the location for the announcement.
“Every Saturday night, students gather and put aside their differences at these gates,” Robertson said. “It is that passion that we want to apply to Student Government.”
If elected, Robertson and Bates plan to generate an estimated $3.3 million in student savings. He said they want to develop “Blueprint LSU” – a five-year student-driven plan to take effect after the University’s National Flagship Agenda expires.
Their platform includes five campus aspects, with safety listed as the top initiative.
The two said they want to increase walking patrols, implement security for residence halls on game days, increase evening library security and improve campus lighting.
With academics listed as the second priority, the pair said they want to allow the number of W’s a student is allowed per semester to rollover. They also want to lobby the state legislature for a 9 percent textbook tax exemption, implement a textbook rental program, extend library hours and establish online counselor appointment scheduling.
Robertson said they want to improve campus transportation, starting with the bus system. They want the system to include more routes and implement a complaint hotline.
Robertson said he also wants to work with the Athletic Department to give priority points to students attending away games without student tickets.
The campaign also announced big plans for campus dining. They want to create an on-campus farmer’s market similar to the one located downtown, extend hours for 459 Commons and allow dining halls and the Tiger Lair to accept debit and credit cards.
Other things Robertson and Bates want to do include creating a public feeding for Mike VI, provide free hot chocolate and snow cones during finals week, free emergency rain ponchos and $250 no-questions-asked student loans.
Bates said communication between Student Government and students must improve. Bates said her experience as a U.S. House of Representatives intern will help her be a capable servant and communicator to the students.
“With [Robertson’s] capability in planning and my ability to coordinate, we will be a very complimentary team for you,” Bates said.
Robertson echoed her communication focus.
“We want to make sure everyone gets out and has a conversation with us before April 2,” he said.
—-Contact Natalie Messina at [email protected]