Associated Students Inc. gave candidates a chance to present their platform to students Tuesday in the yet to be completed University Union Plaza.
Four candidates took the stage, while another who didn’t almost stole the show.
First up on the microphone were two newcomers, roommates and political science sophomores Lindsey Meredith and Jessica Bruno who are both running for ASI Board of Directors. They both spoke about tuition hikes, sustainability and smoothing out communication between students and governement. Both are ambassadors for the College of Liberal Arts and are campaigning as a package deal. The tandem’s speech was short and sweet, students hardly had time to look up before it dissipated into thin air. Nevertheless, the women showed they care about their possbile roles on the the board of directors.
Next, Kelsey Rugani, chair of the ASI Board of Directors, spoke. She vowed to continue representing Cal Poly students as she hopes to be re-elected for a third term on the board.
“I believe students have the right to be heard and no time is better than now to voice concerns — for whatever,” she said.
Handing out one last red T-shirt before heading onto the main slab, presidential candidate Sarah Storelli continued the speedy trend of the forum. Storelli is currently the vice chair of the University Union Advisory Board, a role she filled when the former vice chair took over for the president, who stepped down earlier this year for personal reasons.
Like the candidates before her, Storelli detailed her goals for the upcoming school year. Her platform involves topics such as community relations, campus-wide sustainability, campus safety and connecting diverse groups.
Her main goal, she said, is “to serve the student body to my fullest potential by dedicating myself to students’ needs while representing their voice.”
Storelli spoke clearly and quickly with no ill-will towards her opponent — a no show at the informal rally.
Presidential candidate Alex Kaplan’s presence, although not physical, created a stir and provided an inkling of what Thursday’s presidential debate will hold.
According to Kelsey Rice, chair of the elections committee, she was notified of a comment Kaplan made on his Facebook page referring to Storelli in a vulgar, sexist manner. Kaplan’s Facebook page was later set to private.
Rice said a friend notified her Sunday night while adding finishing touches to the election website. She hopes students research both candidates in all aspects — whether board member or presidential candidate — and said “Kaplan has the right to run a campaign as he sees fit.”
Yet Meredith and Bruno expressed their concern, saying he alienated himself from the women voters with his reckless comments.
Storelli’s campaign manager and recreation junior Tiffany Fowler said she has put in 100 hours to promote Storelli in the best way possible.
“Running a dirty campaign is not the way to go,” she said, of Kaplan’s comments.
Storelli shared similar feelings.
“It doesn’t exemplify the professionalism of ASI,” she said.
Construction management senior Stephen Beckwith, who attended the forum, saw the comment Monday and agreed the word choice was not appropriate.
“It’s ridiculous to see that stuff. That’s not the guy I would vote for,” he said.
The presidential debate will take place Thursday at 11 a.m. in the University Union Plaza.