Lauren Sharp and David Belpedio, candidates for vice president for operations for the Student Government Association, both emphasized establishing better connections with the student body during a debate Wednesday.  

Belpedio, a junior finance major, said he has three objectives he would address if elected. He wants to improve SGA’s website, connect more with student news outlets and improve SGA's social media usage.

These efforts would result in more efficient communication between SGA and the student body, he said.

Sharp, a junior entrepreneurial management and marketing double major, said she wants to make sure students' concerns come first. She said she also planned to create a more transparent system of communication within SGA.

To that end, Sharp said she wants to create an online resource students can use to become more informed regarding SGA projects. 

“I want to create an online database for students to see what is currently happening in student government,” Sharp said. “This creates an extremely translucent open communication with the student body.”

She said she also wants to have printers installed into residence halls, and offer free blue books to students.

Both candidates spoke of the importance of using SGA’s website to reach out to students more effectively.

“I want to create this central location where TCU students can go and find out everything they want to find out about SGA.” Belpedio said.

Belpedio said he would like to incorporate various elements into the website. He said he wanted students to be able to see recently passed legislation, details of student organization funding, and a schedule of events planned by theCrew.

Each of the candidates are current position holders within the SGA. Belpedio is currently the SGA’s treasurer and Sharp is the student committee chair. Both have worked with the SGA since their first year at TCU.