The week before Student Government elections, candidates running on the executive ticket will have the chance to prove their credentials in a series of public debates.
The events will be held in different venues starting Sunday and continuing through Thursday. Each will be hosted by a student organization, including the Freshman Leadership Council, Hispanic Student Association and UF's College Republicans, which will co-host three debates with the Independent Florida Alligator.
Meant to inform and familiarize students with the candidates, Progress Party presidential candidate Ben Dictor said debates offer a chance for different ideas to be heard.
"It gives us the opportunity for students to hear where we differ on the issues," he said.
On Sunday, the FLC will hold its fourth annual SG debate in the Reitz Union Grand Ballroom at 7:30 p.m.
All four political parties - the Keg Party, the Orange and Blue Party, the Progress Party and the Unite Party - will be represented, according to Matthew Cannella, co-director of the debate.
"Questions are focused on a variety of things, everything from their platform to the UF budget and current economic situation," Cannella said, adding questions were collected from students around campus.
"This is what debates are for," said Jordan Johnson, the Unite Party presidential candidate. "To stress the issues (students) want to discuss."
Debates will also be held in Turlington Plaza at 1 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and will be moderated by the College Republicans and Independent Florida Alligator. More information can be found at http://alligator.org/sg2009/.
But for a more intimate setting, students can stop by Hillel on Thursday at 7 p.m. for the HSA's debate and meet-and-greet.
But according presidential candidate Frank Walch, Keg Party members will not be present due to class and prior engagements.
Still, HSA President Diego Recinos, said he believes the event will still be a success.
"We want the members and the UF community to be informed," he said.
Mark McShera, the Orange and Blue Party's presidential candidate, is looking forward to the opportunities both debates will present.
"This is our time to shine," he said. "When we're in front of students is when we are at our best."
