By Jen Cardone | The Duquesne Duke
He envisions “Hogwarts seating” with long rows of tables, hopefully closer to power outlets. He foresees it as similar to the law school library.
Samson said he would also like to bring back the Greek tables in Towers Dining Hall and in the library during pledge week.
Vice President of Finance Attila Mihalik will work with the tight library budget to get more money, Samson said. He will utilize funding in an attempt to keep the Power Center and library open another hour.
Samson would also like to accommodate for residents who return after longer breaks when the dorms close. He said they will use funds to pay desk aids for the extra hours.
“Sometimes when the dorms are only open the day before, there’s bad weather and it’s hard for students to get back,” Samson said.
In regards to SGA, Samson said there is a “lack of emphasis on situations and positions within SGA” in their constitution. He said that because some wording is unclear, it causes issues with running meetings effectively. Some members are not always allowed to speak at meetings for certain reasons listed in the document. He and his party plan to find the “loop holes” in the constitution so roles of the members are more clearly explained.
Mihalik, the current SGA president, asked Samson to consider running for an executive position.
“With any leader, they have to show initiative first, and Pete was very curious and showed interest,” Mihalik said.
Mihalik, who will be on pharmacy rotations next year and unable to attend the necessary five to 20 meetings per week, said he believes Samson is well-suited for the position.
“I want to stress that he is diplomatic and open minded in regard to a wide variety of opinions and suggestions. In my opinion, that makes a good leader—[the] ability to take into account everyone’s ideas,” Mihalik said.
During campaign season, the platform of the Spirit Party included maintaining a good relationship with campus facilities, amending the SGA Constitution, facilitating a more flexible meal plan and improving school spirit.
Samson said he was immediately excited when he and his fellow Spirit Party candidates won the elections.
“I was happy to see that all of my ticket was with me and we all have worked with each other before,” Samson said. “Even though I could have worked with anyone, we already have a relationship that will make it easier for us to work together.”
Samson said the Spirit Party campaigned by speaking to Greek Life presidents and campus organizations, in an effort to stress “just getting your face out there.”
According to Samson, the party also utilized its social media presence to promote themselves. They posted flyers around campus and handed out lollipops with an address label explaining the candidates and party platform.
