USG debate yields answers not insults
Final candidate debate looks at student issues

By HOPE CALDWELL
Collegian Staff Writer

The HUB Fishbowl was filled with a few different faces not affiliated with campaigns last night as the last Undergraduate Student Government presidential debate took place.

The election ballot boxes will be gradually stuffed with the student's choice for the USG president at this time tomorrow. Students had their last chance to hear what candidates would have to offer during their term.

The candidates are USG Senate President Josh Bokee and Kerith Strano, secretary general of the Model United Nations Conference 1995; and USG Supreme Court Chief Justice Corey O'Brien and Kara Annechini, former president of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, 10 Wolf.

A variety of issues were addressed at the third debate and much more was accomplished than at previous debates.

"The questions were answered which I was really pleased with -- it was definitely the best turn out from nonpartisan students," said Head Elections Commissioner Steve Castor.

John Brighton, executive vice president and provost, and Leila Moore, director of student unions were the panelists. Together they asked the candidates a total of eight questions.

Brighton questioned the candidates on what they thought was the most important issue for students.

The Bokee/Strano response was to start addressing and accomplishing smaller things and build up to bigger accomplishments. State appropriations topped the O'Brien/Annechini priority.

"Come next year Gov. Ridge is going to be very sick of talking to me," O'Brien said.

Brighton also questioned the concern of quality classroom instruction. Both tickets agreed on the idea of mid-semester professor evaluations.

Moore asked candidates how they would deal with conflicts and how they plan on keeping in touch with students.

The O'Brien/Annechini response was to create a better liaison program and have better communication between student leaders. Bokee/Strano want to keep in touch with the student body.

"We don't plan on having an open door policy, we plan on having a no door policy and get out of the HUB," Bokee said.

Both campaigns focused on their respective platform issues throughout the debate unlike the mudslinging that occured during the second debate last week.

"I'm pleased that greater attention was paid to the issues," said USG President Mike King.

One student vented his frustration after the closing remarks by screaming at Castor for not using his question during the audience question time. Bokee sympathized with the student.

"I can't blame him for the outburst," Bokee said, adding that with all the frustration that comes with failed USG promises such as bringing Taco Bell to the HUB he understood the student's anger.