On Wednesday, March 25 at 7 p.m., Winona State University held a Student Senate Presidential debate in the Bluffs Lounge between the next presidential candidates, Suho Han and Brooklyn Bothe.
According to current Student Senate President Sophia Crowe, the purpose of the debate was to “allow the student body the opportunity to come and hear the candidates talk about their plans for next year, student concerns that they’re hoping to address, and allow students the opportunity to make educated voting decisions in the upcoming election.” By asking pre-approved questions and then having some time for student Q & A, the debate allowed both candidates to talk about their plans and strengths.
The debate began with both candidates talking about some of their leadership experience and qualifications and what being a leader means to them.
Suho Han is a second-year accounting major who serves as a treasurer on the Executive Board of the Student Senate. He also serves as a chair on the Student Community Fund Committee and is involved with other campus organizations. “I also genuinely enjoy connecting with people, and that’s actually become one of my biggest strengths,” Han said.
Brooklyn Bothe is a second-year majoring in History, Business-Administration, and Marketing. “I’ve always been interested in leadership, so I’m very thankful that I had that push to be a part of Senate,” Bothe said. “I think what’s gotten me to this point is I want to take the next step. I was a regular senator last year. This year, I’m still on junior seat, but I also have a chair position. And just taking that next step in leadership, I think, is what’s important to me.”
Both candidates stressed the importance of teamwork and neutrality. “Neutrality is required for this role…you don’t lead by controlling the conversation, you lead by making sure the conversation is fair,” Han said. “It’s not about representing yourself—it’s about representing everyone.”
Bothe had similar thoughts on neutrality but stressed the importance of being a team-player. “I played five sports in high school. I was my class president for three years. I like being on a team. I want to support people on my team. Just overall, I see myself in a professional partnership with administration, faculty and staff, students on campus,” Bothe said.
Both candidates have impressive resumes, skills, ambitions and plans. However, it is ultimately up to the student body to determine which candidate is more fit to lead the student body and advocate for students to the administration of Winona State.
