USAC candidates present platforms, answer questions and debate on the Hill
The auditorium is divided: Bruins United slate to the left, Students First! to the right.
The audience has been waiting for this moment, vigorously snapping their fingers ““ the only sign of approval allowed during the debate. The last closing statement is given and each side launches into deafening cheers and chanting the name of their slates and candidates.
Saturday’s Undergraduate Students Association Council candidate debate lasted for three hours, during which candidates talked about topics including accessible resources and budget efficiency issues.
All positions presented at the debate were contested by Students First! and Bruins United, but the presidency has two independent candidates running as well. Independent presidential candidate Daniel Yadegari, a third-year psychology student, said he was unable to attend the debate because of a religious commitment.
For president, Emily Resnick from Bruins United, Matt Spring from Students First! and independent candidate Adam Swart answered questions about USAC visibility, transfer student needs and dealing with future “Asians in the Library” controversies.
Resnick, a third-year psychobiology student, summarized her platform with the word “unity” and emphasized increasing a sense of campus pride through homecoming traditions.
Spring’s “empowerment” platform focused on integrating diversity and creating sustainable programs, citing his past success by bringing an “Ask USAC” table to Bruin Walk.
Resnick and Spring, a third-year political science student, are both general representatives on this year’s council.
A second-year political science student, Swart sat between his two opponents and attempted to mediate the disputes between them.
“I’m not going to say anything negative,” Swart said, after Spring pointed out early on in the debate that Resnick had missed eight USAC meetings in the past year.
Swart’s past involvement includes working as the campus representative for American Airlines and being the social media coordinator for UCLA’s Red Cross club, among other things.
His proposed projects include creating a crosswalk by Saxon Steps across Gayley Avenue, a nap room, and a system to pair homeless students with sponsors.
The candidates for external vice president were asked about their knowledge of the United States Student Association as well as their policy priorities for USAC. Third-year international development studies student Joelle Gamble from Students First! expanded on her goal to create Building Bruins, a program to teach students advocacy skills.
The Bruins United candidate, third-year political science student Ilsa Levine, emphasized the need to work on issues students want in addition to those pertinent to USAC.
For internal vice president, third-year global studies student Sheena Santamaria from Students First! and third-year history student Kristina Sidrak from Bruins United debated about issues such as increasing student awareness about USAC funds.
Santamaria focused on creating an online campus climate website while Sidrak noted her experience with events like “Enough is Enough” and called for increased small group resources.
While the majority of the attendees were supporters of either slate, some students went to the debate in an effort to learn more about USAC and the candidates.
However, for Eve Shames, a second-year history student who attended the debate, USAC’s role remained unclear. She said she struggled to distinguish between the two slates because both repeated similar platforms.
“I don’t think an institution like this should have political parties that are only slightly different,” Shames said. “(Swart) addressed why I’m nonpartisan.”
Shames said she believes in the importance of student government and will be voting in this week’s election.
With reports from Shoshee Jau, Bruin staff.
