Student government candidates answered questions from current SGA President Walker Byrd at the SGA debate tonight, Feb. 8.
SGA urged students to tweet their questions for candidates using #SGADebate. However, many of the questions sent to the hashtag went unasked.
Presidential candidates, Adam Brasher, Drake Pooley and Jesse Westerhouse, debated about diversity, campus safety and accessibility, among other topics.
All the candidates' platforms focus heavily on diversity, but their approaches vary slightly.
Westerhouse pointed out that diversity isn't just about race, but culture and religion as well. He also said the initiative should be "student directed."
"SGA is 90 percent made up of people who look exactly the same," Brasher said. "I want SGA to better represent all of us."
Brasher said he would create a new position, director of diversity.
Pooley, diversity and multicultural committee chairman, said the University needs to make an "institutional change" that makes diversity a top priority.
Bringing Uber back to Auburn is a top priority for Pooley and Westerhouse, but Brasher wasn't sold on the idea. He thinks SGA should focus on improving and expanding current transportation systems because of the company's controversial history.
Pooley disagreed. He said some of the media is "out to get Uber" and that it would be a safe and efficient alternative to University-provided transportation for students.
Westerhouse wants to bring Uber back, but also wants to improve the security shuttle system. He said he's seen the wait go from 18 minutes to five minutes since he became involved in SGA.
All the candidates agree that SGA accessibility can be improved.
SGA members need to talk to students directly, Westerhouse said.
"You can't rely on them to come to you," Westerhouse said. "You have to go to them."
Brasher went a step further: He said if he's elected, he'll hold office hours on the concourse once a week.
Pooley pointed out the need for SGA officers to regularly visit organizations. He said he's attended Black Student Union meetings since September, not just since campaigning began.
The candidates made one last plea to the student body in their closing statements.
"If you want a goofy and kind-hearted man who's in a fraternity, vote for Jesse Westerhouse tomorrow," Pooley said. "If you want a self-proclaimed maverick who will bring an outsider's perspective, vote for Adam Brasher. But if you want someone who will wake up every day working hard, who truly wants to improve every area of campus life, then I want you to vote for me."
Brasher urged students to vote, even if it's not for him.
"No matter who you vote for, vote," Brasher said. "Look at what we stand for, look at our ideals and vote for who you think will best represent you."
Westerhouse said his qualifications for SGA president come down to two things: his experience and his passion.
"My passion is to serve each and every one of you," Westerhouse said.
For more information about the debate, including information about the treasurer, vice president and Miss Auburn candidates, see The Plainsman's real-time coverage of the debate.
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