In last night's debate, Associated Students of the University of Arizona presidential candidates Cade Bernsen and Jacob Reuben both stressed safety and security as a major concern for next year, but disagreed on other issues.
Other than safety, Reuben emphasized the importance of implementing a fall break and a universal class waiting list if he becomes president, while Bernsen highlighted his experience in the Texas Senate and promised to bring funding to the UA for services such as child resources for mothers.
Non-voting Student Regent Ben Graff and Provost George Davis moderated the debate at 6:30 p.m. yesterday in front of a full house in the Student Union Memorial Center's Kiva Room.
The candidates tackled a wide range of questions, from maintaining diversity within the UA to how each of them intends to promote student participation in Zona Zoo.
Bernsen said Reuben's idea for a class waiting list would not help the problem of class availability.
"Class availability is like a roller coaster without enough seats," Bernsen said. "A waiting list isn't going to let more people on," he said. "It's just putting up more rope for people to stand in line."
During a rebuttal, Reuben said he has the experience in ASUA and other clubs and organizations on campus that Bernsen does not have.
Reuben said for a person without such experience "the learning curve would (make it) impossible to get anything done."
Following opening statements, the exchange was initially calm but became more heated about halfway through the debate, Davis said.
"I thought at about the halfway mark it kind of took off," Davis said. "There was a really good exchange between them, great rebuttals, and I think seeing all their supporters gave them confidence and made it exciting."
Adam Falck, ASUA election commissioner, said he was surprised with the audience turnout and said the energy in the room was "awesome."
"The candidates got to pick apart each other's platforms, and the moderators asked them specific questions that forced them to actually think about them," Falck said.
-Jennifer Amsler contributed to this report.