The candidates had one last chance to promote their platforms in the elimi candidate debate hosted by the Bennion Community Service Center on Tuesday. Presidential hopefuls answered questions about service and the U’s role in the community.
Primary elections voting begins Wednesday at 7 a.m. and ends Thursday at 9 p.m.
The unique format of the debate allowed those watching the contest to line up in front of their favorite candidate after a couple of questions. The candidate with the fewest people in his line was eliminated from answering further questions. Lines made of mostly orange, green and black and red T-shirts determined who advanced and who didn’t. Richard Goldberger, Student Government by Objectives Party, was eliminated first. He disagreed with the format.
“This is a political debate, not a quiz show and not a quasi-popularity show…the format is an affront to the U,” he said. Elimination then followed for the United and Space Monkey Mafia Parties.
All candidates spoke about how they felt service was important, but reacted differently to a rule that the Associated Students of the University of Utah is now considering that would require all student groups to give at least 10 hours of community service per year.
Requiring students to serve “takes the heart out of community service,” according to Chris Carlston, RE: Party presidential candidate. Ben Yang of the Space Monkey Mafia Party agreed, saying that ASUU would be better off giving funds to students who want to do service, rather than forcing service upon those who don’t want to do it.