It is election season in Aggieland and on Tuesday the A&T Register hosted the 2nd Annual Student Government Association Presidential Debate in the General Classroom Building Auditorium.

The two candidates, Wayne Kimball, Jr. and Derrick Pettiford, were asked various questions from a panel of A&T Register staff members and members of the audience.  The debate addressed issues on campus security, academic reform, unity of HBCU SGAs and what Aggie Pride means to them individually.

“If I should win the candidacy I’m going to continue on my platform,” Pettiford said. 

“I feel that it’s time for the rejuvenation of Aggie Pride and in my platform I just want to make sure that that happens. Regardless of whether I win or lose, I’m still going to be working towards my platform. 

“This step has just encouraged me and the day has encouraged me and has made me aware of the issues that are present on campus so I’m just going to continue to move forward.  I just want everybody to select the best candidate. Let the work that I’ve done speak for me.”

“I would definitely say that throughout the election process, from the application process up until now, there have been many stops and roadblocks in the way, however that’s what a true Aggie does,” said Kimball. 

“They can overcome, they can keep moving forward, the torch in the hand but also looking back to see what people are following them and how they can continue to move the campus forward. Every morning I wake up, but now even more so and every day I go campaigning, it excites me more and more that I am on the campaign trail and that I have the possibility of leading this campus to greater heights. 

“I’m very excited about it, I’m very passionate about it and I’m looking forward, whatever the outcome is, to continue being a student and to being a student leader here at North Carolina A&T.  Real Aggies vote so make sure you come out on the 24th and the 31st to make your voice heard and make sure that you are informed about the candidates you are voting for and vote for the right reasons.”

• Marcus Thompson