Few senate, SFC candidates show to first day of debates

Less than one-third of student government senate and one-sixth of Student Fee Committee (SFC) candidates were present for ASPSU’s pre-election debate held Tuesday.

Present student candidates agreed on a need for increased student government effectiveness and visibility around campus, but the debates drifted more toward generally presidential platform-aligned campaign goals rather than specific office organizational plans.

“Part of the senate’s job is to serve the president,” said senate candidate Stephen Shaell.

Shaell was one of three senators out of 20 running to show up for the debate. Three SFC candidates out of 10 running spoke at the debate.

Senate candidates discussed the senate’s recurrent failure to make quorum, calls for more committee oversight and goal-planning sessions with each senator. Senate candidates Daniel Lyons and Zach Martinson debated with Shaell Tuesday.

While the general consensus among candidates was that student government is in need of reform, few specifics on how goals would be accomplished were given aside from an acknowledgement of organizational problems.

SFC candidates expressed concern about over-allocation of funds and excessive spending without oversight. The SFC allocates $10 million of student fees each year to student groups, including athletics and the Vanguard.

SFC candidates Jacob Mecum, Leah Meijer, and Phaydra Mutch-Geiger participated in the debate.

SFC chair candidates Amanda Newberg and Meaghan Mayeda also focused their debate on increased ASPSU visibility. Candidates said there is a need to familiarize both student groups and the average student with the SFC and how it works, highlighting both candidates’ focus on student government transparency.

Student government elections will be held April 16 through April 20, starting at 8 a.m. on the 16th and ending at 7 a.m. on the 20th. Debates between the candidates for student body president will take place on Thursday at 12 p.m. on the stage in the Park Blocks.