Election causes controversy

President of SCSU student government Hal Kimball ran unopposed for state chair in the Minnesota State University Student Association (MSUSA) election over the weekend. He was voted unanimously into the position.

The seven student government presidents from the seven state universities met on Saturday to vote in favor of Kimball. His election, motive for running and subsequent win, however, is the subject of controversy to some.

Last year, the SCSU student body voted in favor of a referendum to withdraw from the MSUSA system entirely. Prior to popular student approval of the referendum, student government unanimously voted to withdraw from the system. Kimball was a chair in student government at the time.

"It was very clear that Hal was opposed to MSUSA and he was going to stay strong on that issue (this year)," 2003-04 SCSU student government president Cory Lawrence said. "He was very vocal about it."

Student government's unanimous opposition to MSUSA-- which represents, discusses and lobbies issues for the 65,000 students from Minnesota's seven state universities-- stemmed from several problems. Some issues include alleged unfair representation for larger state schools (like SCSU) at conferences, a heavy price tag, a lack of representation on personalized university issues and questionable use of funds.

Because MSUSA was unable to remedy those issues, student government withheld payments to MSUSA and refused to attend meetings nearing the end of last year. Although those issues are still lingering, Kimball's adamant opposition to the organization has subsided, Lawrence said.

"They've gone to every MSUSA meeting this year. They haven't stuck to the referendum," he said. "It's unethical."

Lawrence said it should have been Kimball's duty to uphold the popularly approved student referendum and his campaign promises, especially in lieu of his apparent former opposition.

"I don't know what his reasonings are (running for state chair), but my personal opinion is that it's going to benefit him."

Kimball declined to respond to numerous calls and messages from the University Chronicle.

Current vice chair of MSUSA Derek Hudyma said he is happy with Kimball as next year's new chair. "He is a great leader and he will take the association to the next level."

In a typical year, there are usually two to five candidates for the MSUSA state chair position, Hudyma said. Kimball was the only candidate for chair this year. Slots for the position open 60 days before the election and close 30 days in advance.

A potential reason Kimball was the only candidate this year is because the MSUSA conference, where nominations are typically announced, was canceled by Hudmya and current MSUSA state chair Brad Krasaway. Hudyma's reason was winter weather.

"We had a conference that was supposed to happen, but unfortunately it was canceled due to weather," he said. Despite the canceled conference, Hudyma said there was still opportunity for others to announce their candidacy. "Discussion was sent out many times."

Students nominate candidates for chair in the MSUSA system. However, the student who nominates the chair candidate is usually not identified.

"The (candidate) is nominated by another person that is usually kept confidential," Hudyma said.

When asked about Kimball's apparent change of mind over MSUSA-- now the organization's leader-- Hudyma was unsure.

"Hal has his own reasons. I don't know what they are."