Bright lights and three cameras highlighted every movement of the eight Student Government Association presidential slate candidates during the televised Slate Debate Tuesday.
This was the first opportunity for The Cardinal Movement and Team Lisec to face off on issues for a broad audience. A variety of topics were discussed, including Muncie and Ball State relations, student outreach and SGA structure.
"I thought both slates were quite poised," moderator and telecommunications instructor Phil Bremen said. "I went off the plan a little bit to ask some questions I thought needed to be followed up on, and I think they rode the mount well."
The debate was televised both on and off campus, and students were invited to view it in a room reserved in the Teachers College. The number of television viewers is uncertain, but fewer than two dozen people, including four SGA executive members, attended the showing in Teachers College.
"I've really provided every opportunity for the student body to get involved and to participate in this election," SGA President Steve Geraci said.
People who did watch the debates were able to not only see how the slates acted under pressure, but they heard them reiterate issues that have been brought up during the past week of campaigning.
Team Lisec, and specifically vice-presidential candidate Rodney Blount, emphasized the slogan "It's all in the C.A.R.D.S.," which focuses on communication, academics, representation, diversity and service.
The Cardinal Movement focused on the concepts of increasing membership to SGA and increasing outside student participation.
Questions about the Mayor's Commission, MITS transportation and using Cardinal Cash off campus brought up concerns about relations between Muncie and Ball State.
"I really think it's a lack of familiarity," presidential candidate Asher Lisec said. "Students, when they come in, don't go through there."
Team Lisec emphasized finding ways to get students into the community to increase understanding. More student involvement in Muncie could also help the city economically, as students would spend more money at local businesses, she said.
While The Cardinal Movement was also concerned with the issue, presidential candidate Scot Allen said Ball State University and Muncie relations were not as much of a problem as it appeared.
"I don't think there is really an intimidation," he said. "It's really a great town."
Tyler Clemens, The Cardinal Movement's candidate for treasurer, said increasing the SGA co-sponsorship program could encourage more off-campus volunteering and philanthropic events as well as get students into the community.
The Cardinal Movement continued to talk about involving other students and organizations that do not usually participate in SGA. The slate said they wanted to make it easier and more welcoming for people to attend meetings and give input. That isn't always possible however, Allen said.
"We will approach students and find out what they want," Allen said after the debate. "I don't think anyone is jumping out of their seat to go join Student Government Association. We are going to have actively search people out."
To make it simpler for students who are not familiar with their senators, Team Lisec aims to create a People's Platform and a Web site where students can express issues.
However, Lisec and her team members supported the traditional structure of SGA, with senators bringing student concerns to meetings.
"It's great to open up and have students come, but that's not the student's job," Lisec said.
The structure and way SGA works was also discussed, and the slates sat on opposite sides of the fence. Team Lisec, with three members currently involved in the organization supported the current structure, while The Cardinal Movement, with no SGA experience, said they were willing to deviate from the normal pattern to meet students' needs.
If SGA structure held the organization back from meeting student body needs, Allen said The Cardinal Movement would be willing to whatever it takes to succeed.
This could include changing Student Senate meeting times, adding an open forum period or adding senate seats, they said.
On the other hand, Lisec said "I think the way SGA is structured now is fine. We have a great system set up. We don't have to change anything, just let students know it exists."
Despite the amount of questions asked during the debate, not everyone felt that things were explained or covered well enough to help students trying to decide who to vote for on Monday and Tuesday.
"I think it's more political right now," said senior T.J. Hall, who watched the debate from the Teachers College. "I don't really know what they're trying to say."
The slates will continue to visit campus organizations, and more information on platforms can be found on their Web sites, teamlisec.com and thecardinalmovement.blogspot.com.
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