Conversations with Candidates: Raiders Empowered

Alen Jacob contributed to this article.

As expressed in their bloc’s name, four candidates for Student Government Association’s executive positions hope to empower students if elected. Their initiatives hope to improve safety and student life at Texas Tech University.

Robbie Meyer, candidate for student body president, said he would like to implement WiFi in the Jone’s AT&T Stadium and improve student life by creating a dog park on campus. He said the WiFi in the stadium would not only be more convenient for students, but make it more safe to attend football games.

Avery Martinez, candidate for external vice president of SGA, said she wants to focus on Good Samaritan laws on campus and work with Uber to increase discounts for students and improve safety, especially late at night when people may be intoxicated. She also wants to bring new food options to campus, such as Whataburger and Chipotle.

Alissa Payne, candidate for internal vice president of SGA, said she wants to create a mobile Raider ID so that students can buy food, get into sporting events and get into residence halls using their cellphones. She also wants to help combat sexual assault on campus by having student senators be Title IX certified, and create an additional recreation center with more parking and room for students.

Cole McNiel, candidate for graduate vice president of SGA, said he wants to improve mental health of students by improving the assistance programs, secure research funds for graduate students, create a website where students can buy and sell textbooks, and lobby for economical and reliable insurance options for graduate and international students.

Robbie Meyer: Student Body President Candidate

Avery Martinez: External Vice President Candidate

Alissa Payne: Internal Vice President Candidate

Cole McNiel: Graduate Vice President Candidate

To see the executive candidates answer questions and talk more about their initiatives, come to the Executive Candidate Forum Wednesday February 22 at 7:30 p.m. in the SUB Matador Room.

Voting will take place February 28 and March 1, and if no run-off election is necessary, results will be announced March 3 at 6 p.m. in the SUB Courtyard.

About Maddy McCarty

Maddy is the Graduate Executive Director for The Hub@TTU. She loves reading, writing and petting her cats. She has a bachelor's degree in journalism, is pursuing her master's in mass communications and wants to continue reporting on important issues.