Studentcrats candidate Curtis Grima and Advocates candidate Robbie Abelon had a battle of words at the ASI’s presidential debates held last Tuesday in the Hinde Auditorium of the University Union.

Spectrum candidate Cynthia Dela Cruz and Impact candidate Angela Arriola were also a part of the debate.

Following an audience question of how candidates would help foster more student involvement on campus, Grima began to pitch his slate’s dedication to organizational housing.

“It’s not just for Greeks. We need students living on campus to foster a community,” Grima said.

Abelon responded that organizational housing is simply not realistic because it costs too much and it could impact fees.

“You can make promises but you need viable options. Funding without raising fees is not possible,” Abelon said. “Communication is needed to promote a community atmosphere.”

Grima responded to Abelon’s criticism asking how a conclusion could be made without forming a committee to address it.

“I think outside the box,” Grima said.

Abelon pointed to a lack of feasibility.

“You can’t move forward without a plan. You can’t make promises without a plan,” Abelon said.

The next question from the audience was how the candidates would ensure that the executive vice president would hold all their board members accountable.

Abelon mentioned that as vice president, he has the option to remove one of the presidential candidates from the board of directors due to absences. Arriola and Grima are the only candidates currently on the board of directors.

Another audience question was what the candidates would do about keeping their grades up while serving as president.

Dela Cruz, Arriola and Grima responded that grades had never been an issue for them.

Abelon, who was elected to an ASI position in spring 2005 and was unable to fulfill his duties due to poor grades, pointed to many factors including: involvement with Doris Matsui’s recent campaign, widow of Robert Matsui, a personal hero of Abelon; and his diagnosis with alopecia areata, a condition that causes the immune system to attack hair follicles which causes hair loss.

“I overcame these things, so it proves that I am a fighter and I can overcome a lot,” Abelon said.

Other debate highlights included Arriola’s plan to attend a seven-week internship on policy education and policymaking, and Dela Cruz’s commitment to establish a 24-hour study lounge and more healthy food options on campus.

Arriola also touched on the need for more efficient academic advising. “Advising is essential to help students with their education. They need proper advising ?” not just advising ?” mentoring,” Arriola said.

Maxwell Puckett can be reached at [email protected]