An ASUA outsider and an ASUA student lobbyist squared off at the presidential debate yesterday, each saying his distinct background makes him the best man for the job.
Presidential candidates Alistair Chapman, a student lobbyist, and Josh Shapiro, vice president of Delta Tau Delta, argued over their differences on issues such as the internal structure of the Associated Students of the University of Arizona and the distribution of men's basketball tickets.
Chapman and Shapiro hope to win a majority of the votes cast in this year's ASUA elections, which kick off today.
Chapman said his four years of ASUA experience would allow him to work on feasible goals, adding he would not have to face a lengthy learning curve if he took office.
But Shapiro said the strength of his vision for positive change to ASUA is more significant than his experience in ASUA, adding that ASUA needs to do a better job of reaching out to the general student body.
To accomplish this, Shapiro said he would expand the ASUA Senate to 18 members, with one representing each college on campus so more students could have their voices heard.
Chapman criticized the idea and said the structure limits the possibility of collaboration among senators.
Instead, Chapman proposed creating a "house of representatives," with unpaid students elected by specific colleges.
When asked how he would attract enough students for the unpaid positions, Chapman said he would increase marketing.
Chapman and Shapiro also disagreed on the role of graduate students in ASUA.
Shapiro said he wants to create a liaison between ASUA and the Graduate and Professional Student Council to improve communication. In addition, Shapiro said one of the three student lobbyist positions should be given to a graduate student.
Chapman said graduate students should apply to serve as student lobbyists, as undergraduates do. No graduate student at the UA has ever applied for the job.
Shapiro said regardless of who applies for the position, the fact remains that 8,000 graduate students don't have a voice in ASUA.
Shapiro also discussed how he wants to replace the Zona Zoo lottery system with a priority point system, which would award students points for attending athletic events and for taking an active role on campus. Students with the most points would be given priority seating at basketball games, which Shapiro said he hopes would increase school spirit and student involvement.
Chapman said the idea is too costly and proposed a general admission system for students.
Under Chapman's plan, there would still be a lottery, but students could buy only one basketball ticket instead of two. Students could then sit in designated areas that would serve as student sections. He added that students who show up earlier get better seats, ensuring deserving fans a good seat.
Despite their differences, both candidates had similar positions regarding financial aid and the role of the Appropriations Board.
Chapman and Shapiro said more money from tuition should be used for financial aid. The Arizona Board of Regents only requires 14 percent of tuition revenue be set aside for financial aid.
To vote in the general elections, go online to asua.arizona.edu today or tomorrow.