Students call in the shots in final SGA debate

Students gathered around their radios and in the Bryant Conference Center Monday night to hear last words from the SGA executive candidates before heading to the polls at the 90.7 WVUA-FM-sponsored debate.

In addition to making opening statements, candidates on deck at the podium were also asked pre-recorded questions from students that called into the radio station. Tim Neunzig, the debate moderator, said the call-in format was inspired by this year's United States presidential debate wherein candidates answered questions recorded via YouTube.

"The debate went well," said panel member and "Crimson Conversations" host Corbin Martin. "Taking questions from the students made it very interesting."

Running on a campaign based mostly on SGA experience, presidential candidate Cason Kirby said he still feels in touch with students' needs and thinks the SGA is relevant on campus.

"Ask the guy who can't afford a Coke and a hot dog at the stadium on Bama Cash or someone trying to get a safe ride home from 348-RIDE," Kirby said of the SGA's relevance. "I think you'll find every student is affected by what we do [in SGA]."

Kirby's opponent, Stephen Saucier, said he has a connection with students beyond the SGA crowd in sports, music and the arts.

"I think I have a better balance," Saucier said.

Saucier reiterated his platform to improve parking and keep students more involved in SGA and on campus by implementing a Big Brother, Big Sister program.

Kirby restated his main goals of continuing the fight to lower taxes on textbooks, the opening of a 24-hour library and appointing student chairmen to University standing committees.

In response to a caller's question about accountability in office, Vice President of Academic Affairs candidate Brandon Clark said if elected it is his duty to represent the will of the students. He also said instructors should be given more freedom in classrooms to be held more accountable.

"It's the right for teachers to choose how they want to teach us so we can learn as best as we can," he said.

His opponent, Aubrey Coleman, agreed that accountability is important.

"I want to be visible," he said. Borrowing a line from the Jackson Five, he said his motto is, "I'll be there."

Kendra Key and Michael Dodson faced off for the position of vice president of External Affairs. Dodson said he has new ideas in mind for the office, whereas Key's platforms are based on continuing projects that are already in existence.

Key said her plan of incorporating the Tuscaloosa Trolley into students' transportation plans has already been unsuccessfully attempted in the past, and she can learn from those mistakes.

"Failure is the best teacher," she said.

For the uncontested office of vice president of Financial Affairs, Philip Mahoney said his experience as SGA treasurer this year suits him for the job and he plans on fairly allocating funds to student organizations and putting more money into scholarships.

As vice president of Student Affairs, the uncontested candidate Louise Crow said she would continue to explore ways to improve students' lives. She said she has merited the nickname "Ferg Nerd," from friends who say she spends too much time working in the SGA office located in the Ferguson Center.

Allen Ross plans to create a Senate Journal, which would list senators' contact information and the status of legislation under the position of executive vice president. He is also running unopposed.

"The Senate is the voice of the students, and I will be their leader," he said.

In response to a student question about the necessity of the office of executive secretary, candidate Blair Darnell said the value of the position would be determined by her ability to go above and beyond her duties.

After the debate, SGA President R.B. Walker said he encourages all students to vote.

"There's a lot at stake at this significant point [at the University]," Walker said. "Students should find their issue and their candidate."

Voting continues today at polling places located in the Student Recreation Center, Reese Phifer Hall, the Ferguson Center and Mary Burke Hall. Read Thursday's edition of The Crimson White for full coverage of the elections results.