Beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance and ending with a discussion revolving around University students, the Champaign Tea Party hosted a Champaign County Candidate forum at 1:30 p.m. Sunday.

Although the forum was hosted by the Champaign Tea Party, candidates of all parties were represented and answered the same three questions. They then held a meet-and-greet with the audience.

The forum was moderated by Jim Dey, journalist for the Champaign News-Gazette, who asked the 14 candidates a variety of questions, including the possibility of reducing the Champaign County Board from 27 people to 22. Many candidates brought up the idea that the University would be more properly represented if a student were on the county board.

Al Kurtz, county board representative of the seventh district, which encompasses a part of the campus, said he wants to see a student on the board. Kurtz, along with the Chair and the Vice Chair of the Democratic party, discussed trying to get a student member. However, they were unsuccessful in finding a student who was completely qualified.

“We would love to see a student. Students bring economic dollars to the community, and they are the future of our leadership. They need to be represented,” Kurtz said.

He said he hopes that in 2012, a student steps up and can run for a position on the County Board. Kurtz represents four districts on campus and has developed a relationship with College Democrats, a Registered Student Organization, and the Illinois Student Senate.

“I’m looking out for students, and I try to get them what they want, which is more grants, help with tuition and better bus service,” Kurtz said.

Other County Board members that represent students also see the immense power students can bring to elections. Ralph Langenheim, representative of the 8th District, was a professor at the University from 1959 to 1992.

“I work with College Democrats, and I have on every Quad Day. I give them all the help I can, and I hope they can help me in return,” Langenheim said.

Other County Board candidates include University alumni, such as Jim Phillips, who is running against two incumbents in the eighth district.

“I came here for graduate school and now work at the Beckman Institute,” Phillips said.

Gina Jenero, junior in LAS, is also running in the eight district, but she was not present at this forum.

Regardless of party, all candidates urged students to vote. Some candidates questioned students’ disinterest in politics. However, they all encouraged everyone to vote, specifically students.

“I want to tell the students to bring your ID, proof of address and vote on Tuesday,” Kurtz said.