Candidates share plans for residence association leadership

Three candidates are competing for the presidency of UNC’s Residence Hall Association. Election day is Feb. 10.

The president, who appoints the other seven members of the executive board, is responsible for leading the board in the projects it takes on and is the liaison for the organization, said current RHA president Taylor Bates.

Bates, a sophomore from Nashville, Tenn., is hoping to be reelected.

“I want the RHA to continue to carry collaborative spirit and celebrate the great aspects of campus life,” he said.

Bates said if he is re-elected, he would change residence halls’ ice machines to ice dispensers. He said the current machines are unsanitary. He also intends to continue events like the silent disco in Fetzer gym.

The RHA president receives a $1,400 stipend and priority housing preference, both of which Bates declined. He said he returned the money to RHA to put toward events.

Grayson Berger, a sophomore from Atlanta, is the RHA vice president. 

“It’s allowed me to see not only the successes, but also ways we can improve in the future,” he said.

Berger said his priority is improving laundry facilities on campus. He wants to create a “live enhancement” system where residents can go online to see what items are available to rent.

Berger said he would accept the $1,400 stipend because it was put in place to allow the president to devote more time to the RHA.

A junior from Henderson, Matt Renn was a resident adviser as a sophomore and is the Connor Community governor. He has worked at The Daily Tar Heel as a staff photographer.

Because resident advisers have so much work, Renn said residents need a supplemental group to give them things they need.

“I want there to be something to provide residents a way to feel at home,” he said.

Renn said he would focus on safety — installing improved lighting and blue call boxes outside of resident halls. He said he would accept the stipend because it is compensation for office hours and because other executive members receive stipends.

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