Former Candidates Endorse Young for SBP

Former candidates Dustyn Baker, Correy Campbell, Annie Peirce and Caleb Ritter endorsed Young, although he and opponent Eric Johnson both solicited their support.

All the former candidates who endorsed Young commented on his personality and his ability to keep the election scene enjoyable. "I want to remain active in student government, and Justin was enjoyable to work with all of the time," Peirce said. "He has a great personality and is genuine and fun."

Baker said she believes Young will work hard to get different types of students involved in student government. "Justin will try and make sure that all who are underrepresented in student government are ... heard," Baker said.

Campbell also said he believes Young will involve students in a fun and creative way. "I like the way he invited the entire campus to join his campaign," he said. "He just has such a good time."

Ritter said Young's laid-back and relaxed approach to his campaign attracted his attention and won his endorsement. "I feel both candidates are qualified," Ritter said. "Justin's personality was one that I would feel more comfortable talking to."

Former student body president candidate Warren Watts did not formally endorse either candidate.

Should he capture the post, Young said he will incorporate some of the other candidates' ideas into his agenda. "It is a great honor to have the support of these other candidates who put forth so much thought and effort into their campaigns," Young said.

Young already has expressed interest in inserting an addendum, suggested by Peirce, to his Student Empowerment Endowment, which would donate the student body president's stipend to fledgling student projects.

Peirce's addition would allow students to donate one dollar when they pay their tuition and fees that would go to student organizations. "The president chooses where the money goes," Peirce said. "It is another way for organizations to get funding besides through Congress."

Although Eric Johnson did not receive any formal endorsements from former candidates, all praised his campaign so far. "I've known both candidates since my freshman year, and they have both worked incredibly hard," Baker said.

Young also had nothing but praise for Johnson. "Eric has great ideas," he said. "If we stick to what we believe in, there will be an opportunity to help extend views, opinions and ideas to make student government work best."

Johnson said he is confident in his campaign efforts thus far and is looking forward to the runoff election. "If we keep doing what we've been doing, hopefully it will be a good day," he said.

Johnson also said Monday that he would work some ideas from other candidates into his agenda if he wins. "If things go well tomorrow, there are ideas from the other candidates that I would love to consider," he said.

No matter the outcome of the race, Young said student government is going to benefit. "The opportunity for growth between student government and the students is definitely there."

The University Editor can be reached at udesk@unc.edu.