Presidential candidates talked unity on campus Monday night at the final Student Government Association presidential debate, hosted by Alpha Phi Alpha and Mallet Assembly.
Candidate Shea Stripling, responding to a question regarding issues of division on campus, said part of the problem is talking around the issue rather than taking action.
“Unity is always a huge topic on campus,” Stripling said. “We talk about how it deals with one certain organization and one certain community. I think having more Sunday Service initiatives, for example – things that all students can take part in – will go a long way in alleviating the stress that’s happening between communities.”
Candidate David Wilson said it was important to remember that students are students first, no matter their organization affiliation.
“Whoever wins tomorrow, what’s important is that the campus moves forward, and we support whoever gets elected as SGA president,” Wilson said. “We’re UA students first and everything else second.”
The debate allowed each candidate three-minute opening statements, followed by a round of questions that all candidates answered. A final round of questions were specifically tailored to each candidate.
In response to a question about plans to reach out to the student body, candidate Matt Calderone drew on his previous experience working with the Tuscaloosa city government.
Calderone said he wanted to engage students further in the SGA by encouraging involvement in Executive Council and Senate meetings, with comment forums and live video streaming of meetings.
The meetings are currently open, but Calderone said more students should feel comfortable in participating.
“I’d like to see a specific time where students are encouraged to address their Senators,” he said. “In the City, it’s called a ‘citizens comment time.’”
Stripling said student engagement should always take place in person.
“I don’t think I really get anything from sitting down and watching C-SPAN,” Stripling said. “Meeting people where they are and actually voicing concerns and putting a face to people – being able to actually engage with SGA members would be fantastic, rather than just communicating with them through proxy.”
Student-submitted questions covered hot campus topics like the Shepherd’s Bend Mine controversy and parking issues.
Calderone said bike access would be a priority for his office, implementing a Swipe to Bike program where students could access bikes with their ACT cards across campus. He said he also wants to increase the bike rental from the Outdoor Recreation Center.
Debate moderators asked Wilson a question regarding his past involvement with the Machine.
Wilson said, though he did accept funds from the Machine for past campaigns, he felt he could no longer support the organization.
Calderone, the Machine candidate, questioned Wilson’s ability to lead by example in light of Wilson’s affiliations.
“I had to answer openly and honestly,” Wilson said, speaking about his decision to disclose his past Machine affiliation. “I knew it would be hard, but I felt like I did the right thing and that is leading by example.”
In closing statements, candidates encouraged all students to vote in Tuesday’s election.
In addition, Stripling made it clear she wasn’t running on a comedic platform.
“I’m not making a mockery of this campaign, I’m not making a mockery of a system that fixed the First Year Council elections,” Stripling said. “I’m not making a mockery of a system that has taken student money and doesn’t directly explain what it is being used for. I’m not making a mockery of a system that is run by a shadowy organization. I’d like to encourage other people to investigate the system.”
