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Boston University students running for Student Union offices highlighted a need for improved campus communication and unity during the Candidate's Debate Thursday in the George Sherman Union Conference Room.
The Student Union Elections Commission moderated the debate.
Vice-presidential candidate and current Towers Residence Hall President Jonah Goldberg said Union members need to initiate communication between the student government and the student body.
"You will never see me around campus wearing a suit," the College of Communication sophomore said as he stripped out of his formal down to a pair of jeans and a T-shirt.
"You will never see me hide in an office," he said.
Presidential candidate and current College of General Studies President Nick Riotto said his participation with the Culture and Communications Club and on a broomball team allows him to identify with student needs.
College of Arts and Sciences sophomore and Union President Jon Marker, who is running for a second term, said "having an eye out for what's going on on-campus and lending a hand out" is crucial for Union members.
Several candidates stressed the importance of using internet resources to create a centralized event calendar or publicizing events on Thefacebook.com.
"Everyone uses Thefacebook everyday, so we wouldn't have to beg them to use that," said vice presidential candidate Matt Bennett, the current Union secretary.
Presidential candidate and CAS student Kaveh Kowsari said despite his lack of government experience - making him the campaign's "underdog" - his strong leadership qualities will compensate for the disadvantage.
"I'm dedicated and hardworking," he said. "And I feel that's needed."
Kowsari cited "better dorm life for students" and a "more attractive Guest Policy" as his platform.
Vice presidential candidate and current Union CGS Assemblyman Mark DiCristofaro said new Union leaders need to serve as a liaison between the new and old Constitution.
"Leadership isn't something you do," the CGS freshman said. "It's a way of life."
Current Union secretary Matt Bennet, who is running for Vice President, said the success of the Union depends on the approach its members take in achieving them.
"When you know what your long term goals are, you can backtrack and get the small steps accomplished now," he said.
Current Union treasurer Mark Weber, who is running unopposed for reelection, jokingly apologized for being the only option for the position, but said he was eager to renew his role.
"It's a hard, complicated and inglorious office," he said. "I feel I have experience and knowledge at this point to make a difference."
Marker said if not reelected he will remain involved in the university's student government.
"I wouldn't be as vocal," he said. "I wouldn't be leading it, but I'd give help and advice from all that I've done this year."
Don Slaboszewski said he was disappointed in the poor student attendance.
"If this is a reflection of voting, it won't represent the student population," the CAS freshman said.
University Professors Program junior Brandon Brown said students can better understand the candidates by seeing them in person than looking at their websites.
"It gives the opportunity to look for holes in their platforms and ask to clarify," he said.
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