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Local candidates debate student voting, funding issues |
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Tuesday, 17 October 2006 |
by LILLIAN HOGAN
News Editor
As election time nears, local candidates are being put on the spot about college students’ voting rights.
The opinions of four local candidates, two running for North Carolina Senate and two running for North Carolina House, are split down the middle. The democrats think students should vote in local elections, while the republicans think they should not.
However, all four candidates pledge to fight for more state funding for Appalachian State University.
Student Government Association President Forrest S. Gilliam said voting is a personal choice.
“I’m not one to go out and push people to vote,” he said. “However, no
one’s denying students have a legal right to vote in Boone.”
Appalachian students are showing interest in local elections. More
students attended the candidate forum in Plemmons Student Union Oct. 11
than townspeople attended the candidate forum in the town council
chambers Oct. 9, Gilliam said.
Gilliam’s election advice to students is: “Don’t vote for anyone you don’t know.”
N.C. Senate
David Blust: Republican candidate for N.C. Senate
Student voting: Blust said students should not be allowed to vote in local elections, only statewide elections.
“Say you’re a freshman and you come up [to Boone] and within 90 days
you can vote,” Blust said. He does not think these students, after
being in Boone such a short while, should vote for local officials.
Appalachian funding: Blust said legislators need to work for the
economic well being of the entire western part of the state and the
university.
Steve Goss: Democratic candidate for N.C. Senate
Student voting: Goss believes students have a constitutional right to vote in all elections.
The constitution gives students “a simple guaranteed right to vote,” Goss said.
He said if students work and live in Boone, they should be able to vote.
Appalachian funding: Even before elections, Goss said he is making
contacts with government officials about Appalachian’s poor funding
situation.
N.C. House
Cullie Tarleton: Democratic candidate for N.C. House
Student voting: Tarleton said established residents should have equal voting rights.
“This is where students live; where decisions are made that affect
their lives,” Tarleton said. “They have part-time jobs, they contribute
to the local economy, they utilize local services – they’re entitled to
have a vote, period.”
Appalachian funding: Tarleton said one of his major campaign issues is
to be a strong voice for Appalachian since the university has no
advocates in Raleigh.
Gene Wilson: Republican candidate for N.C. House
Student Voting: “I think students should vote in presidential elections, but not local elections,” Wilson said.
He said there is a danger in letting students vote because Appalachian
students make up such a large percentage of the population.
Appalachian Funding: Wilson believes funding “needs to be picked up more for Appalachian.”
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