Emergency PSGA Presidential Debate Unfolds

By Brandon Searle 

Sophia Pallozzi (left), Madison Valdez (center) and Maura Vander Putten (right) in the Presidential Conference room inside the Student Services building.

(Photo by Alex Del Cueto)

On Sept. 25, the Purchase Student Government Association (PSGA) presidential candidates, Sophia Pallozzi and Maura Vander Putten, debated in the Student Services building. 

At 12:30 p.m., 42 students gathered in the Presidential Conference room on the third floor of the building, eagerly awaiting to hear from the two candidates.

The candidate who wins the election is set to take over for former President Me’ilani Nelson who was impeached at a Senate meeting last week.

Each candidate focused on addressing unique presidential goals.

Pallozzi is a junior journalism major and the chair of senate. She focused on being a liaison between Hillel and Raise the Consciousness (RTC) and making students feel welcome. “If I’m going to be representing everyone," Pallozzi said, "I have to put myself in other’s shoes so I would be seeing from everyone’s point of view and would be an advocate for everyone.”

Vander Putten is an environmental science major and director of the Free Store. She focused on being an advocate for sustainability issues on campus including food waste, greenwashing, and plastic, and being a kind leader. “I really care about running this place in a way that is good for the world on a larger scale,” said Vander Putten.

Both talked about holding the University of Police (UPD) and administration accountable for the events surrounding the student protests in May.

“I would love to see this campus without a UPD [and] with a more typical security,” Vander Putten said.

Pallozzi noted to students that it would be unrealistic to take UPD off campus as a state college but avowed to take action in holding them accountable.

The candidates were asked how they would navigate the conflict between Hillel and RTC. Vander Putten did not give a clear answer. She said that she saw one group as “the oppressed” and the other as “the oppressor.” Pallozzi said that she would stand for both groups. “I really want to make sure that those two communities on campus feel like they should be here and feel like they are heard.”

When asked about their weaknesses, Vander Putten joked that she was overly empathetic, and Pallozzi said that she was a perfectionist.

The candidates discussed their experience with politics on campus. When asked about how each would adjust to the role, Vander Putten owned that it would not be easy but said that she was willing to take on the challenge. Pallozzi said she was familiar with the procedures of PSGA, duties of the role, and with speaking with administration.

Vander Putten expressed gratitude for the opportunity to run in her closing statement. “I’m just really happy to even be a part of this process at all. I’m really grateful that people came out for me.”

When it was Pallozzi’s turn, she opened up about her journey at Purchase. “When I was a second-semester freshman I dropped out of the school because I did not like it at all,” she said. “I felt very alone and unwelcome here. But I decided to come back and I decided to get involved and ever since I have realized that that is what I need to do in order to better myself and better the people around me and make change.” She reiterated through this story that her mission is to make all Purchase students feel like they belong on campus.

Former President Nelson did not endorse either candidate following the debate but did provide this statement to The Phoenix. “I think they are both friendly people and that is what a lot of students want. I wish they would be more cemented in their ideas.”

Sammie Terpening, a junior creative writing major and senator, said that they supported Pallozzi. “While I admire Maura for having the gall to come out here and try [to] step into that role, I think we need someone to stabilize rather than rush forward and try [to] change everything cause we’re already pretty unstable right now.”

“I like that [Vander Putten's] emphasis was on kindness, which is obviously very important, but I think Sophia also has a lot of necessary experience being on PSGA for the last year and this year so far,” said Ashley Friedman, a senior journalism major and student sustainability coordinator on the PSGA service board.

Sophia Pallozzi (left) and Maura Vander Putten (right) shake hands after the debate. (Photo via @purchasesga on Instagram)

In a statement to The Phoenix, Vander Putten reflected on her performance. “I think I did okay, I’m not used to talking in front of groups like that. I’m pretty new to this kind of thing as I said during the debate," Vander Putten said. "I think I got my main points across well but failed to provide a real tangible plan for my goals for people. That’s on me. Otherwise, I’m content with my performance and I’m pleased to be running against someone who’s on the same page as me in terms of goals and values.”

“I feel pretty confident,” Pallozzi said. “I’m really glad for the turn-out and the questions were great and everyone seemed very respectful and supportive.”

The PSGA election for president will begin on Oct. 4 and close on Oct. 8.