In a rather calm and nonconfrontational Student Government presidential debate Thursday night, both tickets addressed budget cuts, sustainability and issues facing minority and underrepresented groups at the University.
The two tickets in the debate included T Graham S. Howell and Kaitlin Torké’s ticket, Impact LSU, and John Woodard and Taylor Parks’ ticket, UNITE LSU.
One of the issues brought up in the debate was budget cuts and how, if elected, each candidate would deal with Gov. Bobby Jindal’s administration.
Howell was asked what he would say to Jindal if he had the opportunity to meet with him.
“I’d tell him to stop taking our money,” Howell said. “We are facing millions of dollars of higher education cuts, and the brunt of that will be taken from LSU. We need to find a long-term, permanent solution to fund higher education.”
Howell also said that he would focus on the Louisiana legislature for solutions to higher education funding problems as opposed to just the governor’s office.
Woodard said the decrease in the state’s funding of higher education has affected the University.
“In 2007, LSU received 60 percent from the state, and today it’s less than 40 percent,” Woodard said. “That is unacceptable.”
Woodard said the University should be supported by the state, rather than “scrapping” for money.
Another issue both candidates addressed was related to issues that are faced by minorities and under-represented within SG, as Howell said minority representation in SG could be improved.
“When it comes to student diversity, Student Government is under-represented,” Howell said. “We have made great strides bringing in minorities and we plan on continuing these efforts.”
Woodard said he would reach out to under-represented groups like international and LGBTQ students.
“We want to take the time to understand the needs of these organizations,” Woodard said. “We want to take the time to listen to students from every different corner of campus, so that we know what issues need to be addressed.”
Each campaign also addressed environmental issues and sustainability.
“Going green is extremely important,” Howell said.
Howell also said sustainability, although not one of Impact LSU’s 26 listed initiatives, is important for his ticket.
Woodard said the University has implemented good sustainability initiatives and he hopes to implement new ones. He said the Unplugged energy conservation competition is a great program.
Woodard also said one of UNITE LSU’s initiatives is to increase the recycling of water bottles at home football games.
Candidates are listed in alphabetical order of presidential candidate’s last name.
