Candidates Eric Johnson and Justin Young said bringing the discussion into the casual atmosphere of Franklin Street Pizza & Pasta reflected the accessibility they feel student government should offer. "Student government often takes itself far too seriously, rather than what it tries to do too seriously," Johnson said.
Young agreed, saying the competition and animosity sometimes associated with student elections is an unnecessary component of the process.
"A lot of people can take it personally if they don't get X number of votes," he said. "Just because you don't win doesn't mean you can't get involved."
The candidates shared similar views on a number of issues, both stressing the importance of incorporating the Carolina Computing Initiative into classrooms and fighting tuition increases.
But they also outlined different strengths in their leadership styles and different methods toward working to achieve their goals. "My biggest strength is to combine big-picture vision with small details," Johnson said, citing his founding of Carolina Cancer Focus and re-establishment of the Student Ambassador Program. "I've been able to convince good people why they should give their time and effort to help out."
Young used his colorful election campaign as an example of his ability to reach out to a diverse audience. "I can combine traditional and nontraditional methods of getting things done," he said.
Both candidates cited perfectionism as the greatest weakness in their leadership styles.
The format of the discussion was intended to be a public forum, but low turnout forced the candidates to move to Franklin Street and examine student apathy. "Just because people are apathetic about student government doesn't mean they are apathetic in general," Young said.
Johnson cited the existence of 400 student organizations as proof that students can get excited about being involved. "Students are apathetic about student government because we haven't given them a reason not to be," he said.
