The Carleton University Students’ Association (CUSA) executive candidates gathered for their second debate Feb. 8 in the University Centre. With the elections fast approaching, the two slates, “United Carleton” and “A Better Deal” made every effort to defend their platforms, and respond to audience questions.
The debate started with the U-Pass referendum question. Current CUSA president Erik Halliwell supported the U-Pass as an affordable and sustainable option, while Chris Gillen opposed the U-Pass, stressing that a 6 per cent tuition increase would follow.
“If you [ride the bus] under 16 times a month, it’s cheaper than U-Pass,” Gillen said.
Presidential candidates, Nick Bergamini of “A Better Deal” and Alex Sirois of “United Carleton” took the stage.
Bergamini proposed the use of the campus card off campus, particularly in taxis. He said he hoped to have the cards monitored for negative balance, “to ensure each student has a safe ride home.”
Sirois said he did not think the plan would be possible and that his slate wouldn’t make empty promises.
Meera Chander, from “United Carleton” and seeking re-election as vice-president (finance), emphasized her experience. Her opponent, Katie Pagnello, of “A Better Deal,” promised to tighten spending and provide CUSA with the “best brand image possible.” Both vowed to support student-run businesses.
Vice-president (student issues) candidate Dina Svirsky, “United Carleton,” said she hoped for a bottled-water-free campus, while her opponent Obed Okyere, “A Better Deal,” lobbied for affordable education. At one point he declined to respond to a question about homophobia on campus.
“I’m really offended you didn’t answer that question,” a student said, to which Okyere responded that he felt he did not understand the question enough to provide a proper answer.
Chris Infantry and Aliza Virani, vice-president (student life) hopefuls highlighted their involvement and support at Carleton. Infantry argued that he has “the personality” to push for more student involvement. Virani proposed a Carleton homecoming, better concerts and greater funding for Red Zone.
“I want to see more activities on campus that cater to all students,” she said.
Vice-president (student services) candidates, Stephanie Brooks, “A Better Deal,” and Sam Heaton, “United Carleton,” agreed on improving outreach programs to better involve first-year students. Brooks said she would cut executive salaries to improve funding for clubs and societies, while Heaton vowed to open a sexual assault support centre on campus.
Khaldoon Bushnaq, “United Carleton,” Emile Scheffel, “A Better Deal,” and independent hopeful Yulian Ihnatyuk all agreed to prioritize club funding if elected as vice-president (internal). Bushnaq said he would provide international students with proper services like OHIP.
“International students contribute more than 14 million dollars,” Bushnaq said. “They should be able to get these plans like any other student.”
Candidates from both slates said they were satisfied with both the audience turnout and their debate performances.
“We left a good message about how [the executives] need to press for advocacy,” Bergamini said.
Tanya Noronha, a second-year communications student said “United Carleton” would be “more productive and more experienced.”
Andrew Loebus, a third-year political science student, said “A Better Deal” was a “fresh face, with great ideas, and a different approach.”
Both slates said next year’s CUSA executives should be capable of truly making a difference. “Regardless of who wins, I want everyone to find their CUSA,” Infantry said. “[CUSA] can offer something for everyone.”