In a final attempt to reach voters before election day, representatives from the Unite Party and the Student Alliance party met Thursday at the UF Hillel to debate about platforms.
Speaking for about an hour, members from both sides addressed key platform points, including a proposed student fee to fund the renovation and expansion of the Reitz Union. About 60 people attended.
Ashton Charles, the Unite Party candidate for spring Student Body president, said the UF Student Body has outgrown the current student union, and new renovations will accommodate more student groups.
Rafael Yaniz, the Student Alliance party candidate for Student Body treasurer, countered that the proposed fee is fiscally irresponsible and not in the best interests of the Student Body.
“We’re in the worst economic recession of our times,” Yaniz said. “It’s not only wrong, it’s immoral to go to the students [for more money].”
Unite Party spokesman Ben Meyers praised both sides for engaging in a civil discussion and expressed confidence in the Unite Party’s favorable relationship with the Student Body.
“Once students get involved, they will see what the party with experience can do,“ Meyers said. “When we say something on our platform, we mean it.”
