The next generation of student leaders gathered yesterday in Griffin Lounge to debate political ASUCD topics.
All 14 senatorial candidates and six presidential and vice presidential candidates were present to discuss such topics as student fee increases, zero waste and the recently-made hot word: transparency.
Sponsored by the ASUCD Elections Committee and hosted by The California Aggie newspaper, the presidential debate began at 11:30 a.m., with an audience of roughly 100 students.
“We can’t sit in the laps of the administration,” said senior presidential candidate Greg Webb. “Every time we do that, we get shafted.”
L.E.A.D presidential candidate junior Jack Zwald emphasized the importance of advocacy at the state capitol.
“The governor is scared of us … That’s why we need to go to Sac,” Zwald said.
Running mates this year are senior Sergio Blanco and junior Vishakha Patel, Zwald and senior Previn Witana and Webb and sophomore Jessica Martin.
At noon, senate candidates took their seats for a round of questions and debates.
“[We need] sufficient amount of transparency, and not blowing ASUCD money on more things like websites,” said junior senate candidate Kirstin Stone.
Candidates spoke of their platform issues and took questions from the audience.
Students can vote for their top six senate candidates and president and vice presidential candidates from Feb. 17 through the 19 starting at 8 a.m. Go to elections.ucdavis.edu to vote.
– Text by ANGELA RUGGIERO
– Photo by LIAM O’DONNELL
