Monday night’s Student Government presidential debate sparked when candidates Cody Wells of “Together LSU” and David Jones of “Defining Our Future” responded to questions about sitting on the Board of Supervisors seat.
Wells originally reiterated his thoughts that having an “LSU Tiger” on the Board of Supervisors was integral. He said taking the seat would consume time but would not affect SG’s presence on campus.
Jones responded by saying the University has not been united in 150 years and it is “absurd” to think it could become united without both a president and vice president on campus. He mentioned the Board of Supervisors seat includes tickets to away games and other perks, and he said the president could be distracted by such when “defining the future should be the top priority.”
Wells said without a University representative on the board, the Board of Supervisors could divert money meant to be sent to the University and send it elsewhere. He also said his motives for taking the seat are “pure.”
Jones rebutted Wells’ argument about the necessity for someone to promote the University by saying the Board of Supervisors does not necessarily listen to student voices, as evidenced by the past, and SG should pursue other avenues.
Wells called Jones’ approach a “backseat approach,” saying he did not understand negative effects that could be come from having a student voice on the seat.
Kathleen Bordelon, Wells’ running mate, said his motivation for running for the seat is his passion and they were unaware of the perks of the seat.
Kacey Brister, Jones’ running mate, was unable to attend or watch the debate because of prior commitments.
John Parker Ford, former “Defining Our Future” candidate, said he agrees with Jones because the Board of Supervisors is more “business oriented” and students may not be able to sway them on issues.
When Wells and Jones were asked what the “Achilles heel” of their administrations may be, Wells responded by saying his running mate, Bordelon, while Jones said the budget cut situation.
Wells then referenced his mishap, saying he had “never heard” of the Achilles heel allusion.
Wells and Jones also discussed the feasibility of their initiatives — Wells about his $5 free on-campus printing fee and Jones about increasing call boxes on campus.
Wells and Jones addressed budget cuts by discussing Gov. Bobby Jindal’s proposed budget and tuition increases.
While both said it is the role of the state to define higher education, Wells said he supports tuition increases if TOPS covers them and thinks several fee increases are “disguised tuition increases.” Jones said while increased tuition “may come up down the line,” more suggestions need to be “brought to the table.”
However, Jindal’s newly unveiled budget relies on increases in operational fees that would not be covered by TOPS and opens the door for possible tuition increases that could potentially not be covered by TOPS.
 
Wells and Jones chose where they would cut funding within SG if necessary. Wells said he would cut from the presidential and vice presidential salaries, and Jones said he would cut from the Senate’s budget.
 
Wells and Jones expressed their views about students having guns on campus, Wells saying they should be allowed on campus but not in University buildings and Jones saying “it shouldn’t have to come to that,” underscoring the necessity for more campus safety measures.
 
Both Wells and Jones said sustainability programs are necessary for the future of the University.