Garrett Adair and Lydia Longoria, candidates for Treasurer, discussed whether Student Body Officers should still be paid during Tuesday’s Student Government Association meeting. 

The Student Body President currently receives $3,000 a year, while the Vice-President for External Affairs, Vice-President of Operations and Treasurer each receive $2,600, according to the 2013-2014 SGA Budget.

Student body officers will receive the same payment next year, according to the 2014-2015 SGA Budget.

Adair, currently a Neeley School of Business representative, said he was against officers receiving payment. He said he wants to use that money instead to benefit the student body.

Since no other executive members in campus organizations are paid, SGA officers should not be either, Adair said. 
“I think that the right thing to do for the student body is to give back [the money], ” Adair said.

Longoria, also a Neeley School of Business representative, said that she doesn’t plan on taking wages for student body officers out of the budget for the 2015-2016 academic year if elected as Treasurer.

She said that taking away payment for officers could negatively affect students who may want to hold those positions in the future, yet could not without being paid.

“I know that if I did not receive compensation, I would have to get a job,” she said. “And I know that I wouldn’t be able to invest my full self into the job. Being a [student body officer] is a huge responsibility.”

The candidates previously addressed the topic of Student Body Officers’ wages during last week’s SGA Debate.

Election polls opened Tuesday, April 8, at 9 a.m., and students can vote online until 9 a.m. on Wednesday, April 9. Check out the TCU 360 Voter’s Guide for more information on all candidates running.

In addition during the meeting…

• Blake Tilley and Maddie Reddick, candidates for Vice-President for External Affairs, said they want to work more closely with student organizations and make information about SGA more available to students, if elected.

• Academic Affairs Committee Chair Matt Spangler, running unopposed for Vice-President of Operations, said he plans to continue the Scantron program and get Frog Aides more involved.

• Student Body President Cody Westphal, running unopposed for re-election, said he’s most proud of what he and the House representatives have accomplished as a team during his year as President.

• A resolution to support the TapRide Program was adopted with 98 percent in favor.

• A bill to update the Finance Guidelines was passed unanimously.