The first SA presidential and vice presidential debate pitted candidates head-to-head Thursday in the flag room of the Student Union.
The open debate gave students a chance to voice questions and concerns about current undergraduate student government issues. As questions were read aloud by a moderator, each party was given two minutes to respond. The remaining rebuttals were made until all parties present spoke on the subject.
Candidates were first asked whether they agreed or disagreed with the terms of the mandatory student activity fee. The fee is up for evaluation next year to determine whether it will remain mandatory or become voluntary.
While all parties agreed that the fee is essential, Roots Party presidential candidate David Cory was the only candidate who argued unequivocally against an increase.
"It would be wonderful if the Student Association could make itself more efficient and make more programs benefit students without increasing the cost," said Cory. "I think right now we should work on becoming more efficient and cutting corners instead of increasing costs to students."
Cory also said SA spends too much money supporting itself and should put more of its funding into promoting clubs, which would make students feel more confident about the fee.
The Elevation Party's presidential candidate and current SA treasurer Anthony Burgio compared the student body to a labor union, in that the mandatory fee helps fund a union of students. Burgio supported an increase in the fee only if student response to the idea was positive and the increase passed a referendum.
Burgio added there are ways he believes his party can get by without an increase.
"Students must pay these fees, and in return they get advocacy and service from the university," said Burgio. "
We have been working hard to stretch every penny, and there are some exciting ways to get more money out of the budget without making students pay it out of their own wallets."
Ascension President Timothy Kelly said he feels whoever is elected must work hard next year to promote the mandatory fee.
"As far as the Ascension party is concerned, everything the Student Association does depends on this mandatory fee. If we lose this, we have no more Student Association as we know it," said Kelly.
Candidates from the UB Chillin' and Cactus tickets were not present at the debate.
Because some students expressed dissatisfaction with upcoming plans for Spring Fest, the switch from Sub-Board I, Inc. to SA Entertainment proved to be a hot issue.
The Roots party disagreed with the current SA administration's decision to separate the entertainment department from Sub-Board I, calling the decision "hasty and underhanded." Cory said SA would have saved money if it stayed with Sub-Board.
"We are now funding concerts and events for graduate students that they're not really paying for. Clubs lost funding and it seems like we're at a budget crisis for Spring Fest this year," said Cory. "SA meant to do the right thing, but at what cost? Sub-Board funded other programs, like health and educational services. SA Entertainment may draw more people, but in the long run, what is really more important?"
Disagreeing with the Roots party, Elevation's Burgio proudly supported the move from Sub-Board to SA Entertainment.
"It didn't cost us a dime, and it has been more efficient," said Burgio. "We had Busta Rhymes cancel out of our Fall Fest and within a week, SA got Nas. They saved the show from being a wasteful disaster and it was the second biggest fest in a decade."
Also in support of SA Entertainment, Ascension Vice President Chad Williams said SA did the best job they could in making the transition. He said his party is ready to foster SA Entertainment's potential.
"As an entity, SA Entertainment is here for the students, and that's a good function," said Williams. "We think that in further years with proper allocations and better budgeting, SA Entertainment can do wonderful, novel things for all of us."
When asked what the candidates plan to do to increase student participation, especially for commuters, Elevation's vice presidential Dela Yador introduced his party's "Bull Break" plan. This plan includes a two-hour break at least one day per week where no classes will be held and the time will instead be spent on promoting clubs via fun events.
Yador said this would combat student apathy because students will have personal access to clubs.
Ascension's vice presidential candidate Chad Williams said his party plans to increase student interaction by creating both physical and electronic surveys designed to pinpoint student interest. Prizes will be awarded to those who fill them out, so that SA is giving back money to students. If elected, Ascension will also issue business cards to students offering discounts to future SA events, and prizes.
Roots' Vice President Melissa Jackmin said that her party plans to increase student involvement by better supporting clubs. Jackmin said SA should spend less money on supporting itself, and give more money to clubs. The Roots party believes this will give students a better sense of involvement.
Other issues discussed included how the parties plan to spend money on developing their staff, and the wavering relationship between SA and the press. The second Student Association debate for treasurer and SUNY SA delegate candidates will be held today at 2:15 p.m. in the flag room of the Student Union.
Photo: Courtesy of SUNY
