Four Associated Students Inc. candidates had their first taste of public discourse at ASI’s opening debates on April 11 in the Orchard Suite of the University Union.

Debating candidates were Shelby Ornalles (Studentcrats), Ruben Velazquez (Advocate), both running for director of undeclared. Director of educaion candidates Rian Carroll (Spectrum) and Adge Simon (Studentcrats) also debated.

The event opened with each candidate gave a two-minute opening statement, which consisted primarily of candidates describing their background and presenting their slates’ lines.

The statements were followed by questions from the moderator interspersed with questions from the audience ?” the first question directed each candidate to describe his or her previous experiences that meet the position’s qualifications.

Velazquez said “job shadowing” is an important aspect for students with undeclared majors to figure out what they’d like to do professionally in order to declare a major.

Ornalles emphasized job fairs as informational resources for students.

Both education director candidates pointed to their experience with the education field and work in early childhood development. Simon elaborated with her orientation director credentials.

The first audience question asked candidates what their plans were to alleviate parking problems.

Carroll pointed to the importance of public transportation, making students more aware of what is available and improving the existing resources.

The other three candidates stressed that Parking Structure III should be student-only parking.

Another audience question asked how the candidates would further social responsibility in their actions.

Simon pointed to fiscal accountability and organizational housing ?” two of her slates ambiguous staples, as exercising social responsibility. The remaining candidates declined to answer the question

Attendees included members of debating candidates’ slates, ASI President Angel Barajas and a moderator from the Office of Governmental Affairs to conduct the event.

Max Puckett can be reached at [email protected]