Hemphill describes himself as humble

When students vote for Student Government Association treasurer position, Danarius Hemphill, a computer information systems major, hopes that the students will press the button for him as he believes "he is the right man for the task at hand." A 20-year-old native of Detroit, Mich., Hemphill spoke frankly to the The Hornet Tribune Editorial Board about his platform, his plans for the position, his accomplishments thus far, the role that the treasurer plays within the executive branch as well as his feelings about university administrators. "My platform is taking the SGA to the students by declaring excellence in leadership, implementing change in living conditions and increasing student activities," he said. With a "laundry list" of various student issues at the forefront of the 2005 SGA elections, Hemphill noted that the job of treasurer must not be taken lightly. "If I am elected, I want my fellow Hornets to understand that to whom much is given, much is required," he said. "It won't be just for some to benefit but the entire student body as a whole." Hemphill continues, "I plan to require all registered organizations to produce a plan of action for the 2006-07 school year, which will allow me to create an effective master plan for the entire SGA." When asked how he would inform students about the budget, he explained how he plans to utilize various methods. "I will post a treasurer's report on a bulletin board inside of the SGA complex," he said. "I will also write a treasurer's letter to be placed inside of the SGA's newsletter. Finally, I will present a weekly budget report to the senate, weekly not biweekly, but weekly." Hemphill is passionate about presenting a weekly budget report. According to Hemphill, a major challenge for the this year's senate was not being informed or educated about the budget. On the issue of student organizations raising funds to sponsor certain events, Hemphill noted that organizations should raise funds before going or asking the entire SGA for money. "I don't have an issue with organizations raising money," he said. "In fact, I believe that organizations should be required to raise money." On the issue of greek organizations receiving money from the SGA, Hemphill explained that greek organizations should not be separated from other organizations. "We must remember that greeks organizations are made of students," he said. "They are students just like everybody else; however, I feel that every organization must be held accountable on how they spend SGA funds. This goes back to the purpose for my 'Plan of Action 2006-07.'" Hemphill feels his accomplishments starting with high school participation with student government make him more than qualified for the position of SGA treasurer. "In high school, I participated in the step team, sergeant-at-arms for SGA, associate vice president for the SGA, theater and computer technician," he said. After earning his high school diploma from the Academy of Oak Park, Hemphill has dedicated his time and energy to the campus of ASU. His accolades include being a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., senator, honor student, member and former treasurer of National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and assisting Miss ASU and Court. "I have a desire to work for the SGA," he said. "I am still going to be active with a title or without one." Despite believing himself qualified for the position, Hemphill explained that being elected treasurer depends on what the student body wants. "We are all good candidates for the position," he said. "I believe that we all have a love and passion for the SGA. It's not my place to state who's the better candidate, it's the decision of my fellow students." Hemphill said, "I can describe myself as humble, understanding and spiritual. Looking back at his life as a gift from God, Hemphill explained that he has learned a lot from others around him. "I have gained many experiences and many friendships," he said. "I am the first of my mother's children to attend college." Hemphill said that he has learned a lot from others including learning from his mistakes. Hemphill explained stepping down as treasurer of the NAACP. "First, I would like to address this issue than dismiss it," he said. "After being elected as treasurer, I felt that I was not prepared nor properly trained for the position. So, I decided to step down from the position." He further explained that Jennifer York took the position of treasurer. "Because I am dedicated to the NAACP, I felt that someone needed to take the position that could give more time to it," he said. "So, I stepped down. I allowed myself to learn from the=== situation." Hemphill felt it was time to run for the position of SGA trea-very dedicated to what they have to do. We share some of the same issues, and some of the same solutions or approaches to solve them. We have actually been working together on a plan to resolve all of these issues. We have a plan to tackle these problems at our university." Richard also talked about the "no nonsense" team. "One of the problems with our constitution, it does not require that students run as a ticket," Richard said. "I believe if students were required to run as a ticket, then you have alike minds in office rather than four different people with four different methods and intentions on running government. He continues, "The No Nonsense Team makes up for what the other lacks. In each of the members of the team I see very strong leadership qualities. We have some of the exact same ideas and approaches to get things done. Within this administration, I sincerely doubt that these people will not do their jobs." Richard believes that his administration will be the best. "I would not run on a ticket that would further set us back as students. I am running with three individuals who will help accelerate SGA into the 21st century."