SBP-Elect Addresses Young Democrats

Young attended the hourlong Young Democrats meeting primarily to answer questions from about 30 audience members.

Young started by expressing his gratitude for the organization's support. Many Young Democrats campaigned heavily for Young. "I want to thank y'all as an organization for endorsing me -- I'm very excited," Young said. "I'm also very excited about the ice cream."

The audience wasted no time in tackling the issues. The first Young Democrat member asked Young about his recent subpoena by Student Congress, and Young took the chance to explain the problem. "With Congress, I was subpoenaed to explain the Student Empowerment Endowment because they felt I was overstepping my bounds," Young said. "But we got it settled."

During his campaign, Young promised to redirect his $2,400 student body president stipend to go toward the fund, which would then use the money to help underfunded student groups or fledgling student projects. Congress initially viewed the action as a potential abuse of power.

When asked about today's election for Carolina Athletic Association president, Young threw his support behind candidate Michael Songer.

Other questions posed to Young pertained to housekeepers' rights, congestion resulting from construction, club sports funding and a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Center.

One Young Democrat asked Young if he would adopt any of his opponents' platforms, specifically referring to Eric Johnson's 911 cellular phone proposal, which would give students free access to cellular phones in case of emergencies. Young said he likes Johnson's idea but does not want to stop there.

"In addition to cell phones, we also need to see what we can do to make this a safer campus," he said. "We need to have a mind-set, not just a Band-Aid."

Audience members enjoyed Young's company. "I'm glad he came and clarified what he was going to try to do for the students," said Siobhan O'Neill, a sophomore from Hawley, Pa. "It seems like he's going to bring a better atmosphere and attitude toward student government, and hopefully get students more involved."

Freshman political science major Brooks Rollins said he was impressed with Young's love of North Carolina.

"Overall I'm pleased with him, especially seeing as how he's an out-of-state student who would like to possibly make a home in North Carolina," Rollins said.

Young garnered laughter when asked whether he was surprised at the closeness of the Feb. 20 runoff election's outcome. "I could not believe it; I didn't know what to expect," he said. "The whole night I was preparing for the worst.

"I honestly almost shit a brick."

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