On Monday, Feb. 10, in the Griesedieck Hall lobby, the Student Government Association’s presidential debate was held with a student attendance that SGA President Mike Rozier said was “the best turnout I have seen in my four years at SLU.”

Presidential candidates Justin Lampe and Nick Sarcone were given the opportunity to deliver a three-minute speech and field questions from both moderators and audience members.

Lampe, who is leading the Student Leaders United ticket, began his introduction by discussing his involvement in various campus activities, including Micah House, studying abroad, the pro-life march, Campus Ministry, SLU Encounter and SLU 101. He also focused on his leadership experience with JUSTICE, a student organization that, as he pointed out, “has come from being a nonchartered organization to a successful student group.” His goal, if elected, is to get more students involved and allow students to have a voice.

“I have learned to never short-sight myself. This is an attitude I hope to bring to the campaign,” Lampe said.

In his opening speech, Sarcone focused on why he was running for SGA president. Sarcone stated his ticket’s goals and their duties if elected.

“It is our job to make sure every student receives the best possible academic, financial and social experience,” Sarcone said.

He ended by displaying the credibility of Ticket to Tomorrow, the group he is leading in the election process. “There is no question we have the most experience, knowledge, creativity, desire and commitment to turn our vision of providing our students with the best academic, financial and social experience, into a reality,” he said.

The second part of the debate included questions asked to both candidates by Mike Rozier SGA President and Eric Winters, editor in chief of The University News. Each candidate was allotted a two-minute response. The first question asked to both Sarcone and Lampe was “In your opinion, what could SGA President Rozier have done differently?”

Both candidates were caught off guard due to not only their personal and professional relationship with the present president, but also the close proximity of him.

Sarcone remarked, “I think Rozier would have been more successful if he worked with more positive reinforcement rather than negative criticism.” Lampe discussed the issue of the dissolution of the House of Governors and how Rozier only met twice with the group before dissolving it last semester. “Very little information was given about what student groups could do,” Lampe explained.

The third part of the debate followed a similar format aside from the follow-up question that each candidate was asked. When asked about how he plans on leading a group he’s never been involved in, Lampe said, “I think I am able to bring a fresh look to SGA.” Lampe was also questioned about his level of motivation if elected because of the fact that he would be a fifth-year senior. “I am not looking at my college experience as being over … I have a ton of enthusiasm for Saint Louis University and all that this school has done for me.”

The dissolution of the House of Governors resurfaced when Sarcone was asked about what steps he had taken this year in order to ensure that student involvement was not lost. Sarcone replied, “Our goal is to provide students with other means to communicate with each other.”

Candidates were given the opportunity in the fourth segment of the debate to ask each other a follow-up question that related to those asked by the moderators. The bold statement made this year in a SGA meeting by Sarcone, “I will not be happy until the tuition increase is at zero percent,” was brought up and questions about how realistic this statement were asked. Sarcone once again reiterated his point. “I will never vote for a tuition increase unless it is zero percent.”

As a member of Campus Ministry, Lampe was asked about how he has seen the issues of academic freedom and the Jesuit mission in conflict. “I think we look at our University as academic excellence,” was Lampe’s response. Sarcone asked Lampe a follow-up question in regards to whether or not Lampe would support an increase in the amount of work in the core curriculum in order to bolster the Jesuit mission. Lampe explained, “I don’t think more hours would be the solution.”

After a five-minute break, audience members had the opportunity to submit questions. The first question, asked by SGA Commuter Senator Matt Love, was directed to Lampe. Love asked about what would happen if Deanna Durret, the only candidate for academic vice president, and Lampe didn’t get along. Lampe responded, “I definitely think that neither of us is so bullheaded that we could not work together.”

Another SGA Senator, Mary Elizabeth Curtice asked Sarcone about a previous comment he had made claiming that he doesn’t like to look to the past and regret what could have been accomplished. Curtice explained that she feels an individual can learn from past mistakes and asked whether or not Sarcone agreed with this. Sarcone stated, “I don’t really think I failed this year, quite frankly.”

Candidates ended with a one-minute closing of that they were not previously informed. Sarcone explained, “We’ve got to put the most qualified people in office.”

Lampe remarked, “It all comes down to what students feel on Feb. 24.”

“I was very happy with the turnout. I think both candidates did an excellent job with expressing what they needed to say.” said Election Commissioner Luke Young.

Students are reminded that an executive board debate will take place on Monday, Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. in the Anheuser-Busch Auditorium. “Rock the Vote,” an opportunity for both candidates to show their less-professional side will take place on Wednesday Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. in Griesedieck lobby. On Feb. 24, students will have the opportunity to vote online at webstar.slu.edu.