Staffers give order to chaos

As candidates fire up Microsoft Excel and tally numbers of signatures, it’s clear that this year’s election season is turning out to be a true lesson in economics.

While “output” comes in the form of coveted petition signatures, many candidates are trying to stress the essential nature of student “input,” personal motivation and an awareness of campaign laws to their staffers this election season.

With a formal warning already issued to all candidates regarding campaign violations, campaign managers are stepping up their efforts to monitor support.

Many campaign managers have indicated the importance and pleasure of recruiting volunteers who are passionate about the candidate’s platform and leadership style.

“The most effective way to get them excited is to personally invite or call them,” said Justin Wade, who is managing a core committee of 30 workers and an additional 250 reserve members to aid in Seke Ballard’s campaign for student body president.

For Hudson Vaughan, a campaign staffer on Seth Dearmin’s stump, the roots of such passion are clearly memorable.

Working at what he calls the grass-roots level, Vaughan said he never feels overwhelmed by his tasks to the point of quitting.

“It’s been a ton of work … but it doesn’t feel at all like we’re doing it all for him,” Vaughan said. “I think his accessibility has been great.”

Justin Guillory, who is managing more than 100 people working for student body president candidate Tom Jensen, similarly highlighted Jensen’s friendliness and talent. “Everyone enjoys being around him,” he said. “They know it’s not a waste of time.”

Justin Johnson, candidate for Carolina Athletic Association president, said he also doesn’t need to use excessive force when organizing and motivating his troop of campaign workers.

“Most of them know about my ideas for making changes with the CAA next year,” he said.

“It doesn’t take a lot of pushing people because they all pretty much agree with me and my goals and are willing to help.”

As the campaign battle rages on and some staffers vie for spots in the election spotlight, Jeff Hortman, campaign manager for CAA president candidate Hayes Holderness, said he doesn’t notice a push-and-shove among Holderness’ group.

“I don’t think that really has come into play with us,” he said. “(Holderness is) not interested in recognition, so no one on the campaign is either.”

Gretchen Hutter, student body president candidate Leigha Blackwell’s campaign manager, said giving the about 100 staffers working for the campaign the liberty to assert themselves hasn’t been an issue.

As with most campaign managers in this year’s race, Hutter’s approach is the epitome of election gusto.

“We’re always telling people, ‘If you want to step up, please do.’”

Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.