ALEXANDER STONE
Special to The Leader
Last Saturday a copious amount of bands and a cappella groups came together in Steele Hall to perform with guest speakers preaching the importance of voting. The event was organized and sponsored by the Student Association along with others that volunteered. But the event took a bizarre twist at the end.
Justin Dickerson the Student Relations chair in SA was the lead in organizing the event and took great effort in bringing in bands and speakers. “The event had a great turnout. With over 300 students attendance, the event was a huge success, informing students about the upcoming elections.” Performers included; The Riveters, The Guerillas, Premium Blend, Some Like it Hot, Envied Expression, Chelsea O’Donnell, John Higgins, Jon Mix, Heart of the Sun, and Lightning Killed my Parents.
Nate Shinagawa a Democrat running for the 23rd congressional district of New York came and rallied students as he discussed the plight of students and the middle class. He argued how education is the way to success and how the incumbent Tom Reed wishes to make it more difficult for students. Tom Reed was not present for a comment. Nate Shinagawa was a very passionate speaker and showed his passion and got a very positive response from the students.
Mayor of Fredonia Steven Keef spoke before Shinagawa, and on a side of humor said, “ I believe that there is someone is this room now that will want to run for office one day. Raise your hand if you are one of those people.” After the mayor said this, more so trying to get a student response, Nate Shinagawa raised his hand.
Dr. Rudy Mueller the Challenger against the incumbent Andy Goodell, spoke briefly on the importance of voting and his experience in the Chautauqua region. But his main headline at the event was to “vote for the person with the best tie.” Andy Goodell was present and was not wearing a tie unlike Dr. Mueller.
Speakers included Jordan Nicholson the President of the Student Association where he also outlined the importance of voting. This time of the year has Presidential elections on many scales. Besides on the National Scale the student government at Fredonia is having their elections. “Rock the Vote is an incredibly important movement. So making sure that we elect politicians who share our values is incredibly important, and the only way that we can do that is to vote.”
Student Speakers included the SA candidates Dan Han and Cassidy Benson, who talked about the issues in the Student body today. Cassidy Benson, a Chemistry major and Assistant Speaker in SA talked about how she wishes to connect the groups and keep them informed and participating. Dan Hahn a current English major and Representative in SA came to the stand after Ms. Benson and showed his zealous effort in his speech.
The air in the room was already tense from political candidates coming to argue with a quick zephyr of a break with the bands. The real debacle unfolded when Dan Hahn, Presidential Candidate for SA came up to make his speech. He began not on topic; talking about water bottles and Elephant petting zoos. But then gained enthusiasm discussing the faults he believes are in the system and declared, his withdrawal from the race. Mr. Hahn stated in his speech, “If I wanted to do anything worth doing, I needed to get myself as far away from the system. I am withdrawing from the candidacy for SA President.” After he finished his speech he stormed out and was not available for questions.
The room was left in shock after Mr. Hahn left and the event tried to carry on. Jordan Nicholson commented on the incident. “While I appreciate Mr. Hahn’s involvement in the Student Association and wish him well, this was neither the time nor the place for such an unnecessary presentation. The issues raised at Rock the Vote are far more important than petty displays of personal self-righteousness.” As of now the contenders for SA President and Vice President will be running unopposed.