During the Student Senate election season's last debate, hosted by The Post, the two presidential candidates changed pace and highlighted their differences, rather than agree on almost every issue.
Emily Hanford and Jesse Neader - presidential candidates for the Prepared to Engage, Act and Respond and SOUND parties, respectively - offered differing opinions on leadership styles, the opening of Budget Planning Council meetings and the role of the president in Student Senate, focusing more on how they are different rather than on what they agree.
Breaking from the tradition of previous debates, Hanford and Neader disagreed on an issue that has been the subject of discussion during both this year and last year's elections - the opening of Budget Planning Council meetings.
Budget Planning Council is the body that makes budget recommendations to President Roderick McDavis.
Hanford argued that Budget Planning Council meetings should remain closed, but should incorporate a more rigid schedule for releasing agendas and minutes.
People on the P.E.A.R. ticket who have been involved in the (Student Activities Commission and the General Fee Advisory Committee) have said it's hard to speak your mind about something as serious as the budget with the press and other people there
said Hanford, who is currently the senate's City and County Affairs commissioner.
She suggested implementing strict limits for the council to ensure some level of transparency, such as posting agendas one week before meetings and its minutes one week after.
Neader, on the other hand, said the meetings should be open to at least the press, if not the public as well.
We need to get students informed as to what is going on at these meetings. We need to get the meetings open to the press because they are the gatekeepers said Neader, the senate's current Academic Affairs commissioner. Any conversation they can have behind closed doors they can have in front of me and the press because it's our money.
Hanford and Neader also stressed the differences in their leadership styles, disagreeing on which method is best for running the senate.
My personal policy has always been hellfire and brimstone Neader said. I bring some fury to the office of president. I like to stir the pot a little bit.
In contrast, Hanford said she has a policy of remaining loyal and respectful to students and administrators.
I give respect
she said. People think that I am shy and timid at first and won't be able to talk to administrators about issues
but that is because they have never seen me talk to administrators about issues.
Neader countered by saying he does not simply give respect and loyalty, but rather that people have to earn it.
Maybe it's different for Jesse (Neader)
who is more loud and wants to cause a fury
Hanford said after the debate. I don't think that causing a ruckus is always the best way to go about things. It's about listening.
Neader, however, said he believes in a different approach.
The other presidential candidate is very timid in certain situations
Neader said after the debate. When you're sitting on a committee representing the students
there is no time to be timid.
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