the Informer

The SGA, in conjunction with the Student Television Network, held its presidential debate on Wednesday night. (Jonathan Whitson)

For the candidates for President of the Student Government Association for the 2010-2011 year, it was two candidates speaking with one voice.

In a debate televised by the Student Television Network on Wednesday, the candidates had very little difference of opinions, affirming their commitments to be voices of the students.

The candidates, junior Kayla Cloutier and senior Matt Wyman found common ground on a host of issues, ranging from how to create and sustain traditions on campus to answering student concern about parking.

However, one of their biggest differences of opinion was when former SGA President Adam Stanisic asked the final question of the debate on how they would manage their time and run an organization as an executive director, along with advocating for the students.
Wyman said he would “lead before manage” a staff, but at the same time be willing to help everyone and be a motivator.

Alternatively, Cloutier highlighted that the job comes with the need for time management and knowing that one can’t do it all themselves. Cloutier said one needs to “trust the organization that’s behind you.”

On getting students to come out to indoor sporting events like basketball games during the academic year, Wyman offered getting Greek Life involved by tying events with fraternities and sororities together to increase interest in games.

Citing that it’s “difficult without a football team,” Cloutier said the University should reincorporate or reinvigorate the “Rage in the Cage” drive that the school advocated for in the past.

Both cited their work to drive down the cost for students in buying textbooks during the year. Wyman said just getting the textbook information out for students for their particular courses over the summer before fall semesters would help people assess how much expenses they will have early in the semester.

Cloutier said she would be willing to work with the University bookstore to begin a book lending program, as she said “a lot of students aren’t buying textbooks.”

When it came to the issue of growing vandalism on campus, Cloutier advocated the existing organization Committed to Community to cut down the amount of vandalism.

In regards to the candidates’ platforms, Wyman said he would address retention rates for sophomores, drawing attention to poor parking lot conditions, and finding ways for sober rides to downtown Hartford.

Cloutier said she would work on “bringing transparency to student government,” as well as “[addressing] the cost of textbooks on campus and look into alternative options.”

The debate was moderated by Alexandria Hubbard, news editor for the Informer and was held in Wilde Auditorium.

The elections will take place from April 12-14. Go to hartfordinformer.com/sga for more information about voting.