Undergraduate Student Government presidential candidates Yaser Alamoodi and David Werner squared off Sunday in a debate that will air on SDTV-Channel 2 tonight at 7 and 10.
The debate gave the two candidates, who will be heading to the runoff Wednesday and Thursday, a chance to address issues that affect the student body.
The debate, which will also air in the evenings at 6 and 9 through Wednesday, lasted a half hour and was mediated by SDTV-Channel 2 General Manager Jeff McGuire.
Questions grazed topics about student interest in USG, the student government's relationship with student media and the Arizona Legislature, and student awareness about issues such as sexually transmitted diseases.
Werner stressed his and running mate Aimee Gipper's involvement with student government, namely his work as a government liaison.
"You can't just jump into something without any understanding," he said "Experience matters."
Alamoodi, who was a USG senator for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences last year, focused many of his answers on student governments' shortcomings, saying they had "failed in past years."
"You have not earned the respect of the student body," Alamoodi said of the USG.
Werner said the USG still has room to grow, but that it has made great strides.
"Nothing is perfect," he said. "But this past year, we have built a great base."
Both candidates agreed that working with the Arizona Legislature to increase funding was important, though Alamoodi stressed the value of being more insistent in other areas.
"I've always believed the money is there, you just have to be more aggressive and assertive," he said.
Werner said the debate was a good experience.
"I'm finally glad we were able to sit down and answer questions that need to be asked," he said.
Reach the reporter at rkost@asu.edu.
