ISG presidential debate highlights campus issues
Outside-look of the Illini Union on Oct 3, 2016.
March 6, 2018
The Illinois Student Government presidential debate on Sunday highlighted issues including students’ representation and sexual assault, along with multiple crowd questions.
The two presidential candidates that met for the debate in the Illini Union Pine Lounge are ISG senator and LAS junior Walter Lindwall, and ISG transportation representative and Engineering sophomore Jacob Rajlich.
By the end of the event, Rajlich acknowledged that Lindwall is the more qualified candidate.
“I must admit that Walter has looked into a lot more things than what I have and I give him a lot of credit for that because he has done a lot more work and preparation for this debate than I have,” Rajlich said.
The Daily Illini Staff Writers Cori Lippert and Madalyn Foster moderated the event and gave candidates two minutes to express their views and eight minutes to respond to their opponent.
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Lindwall’s agenda included a 5-step plan of “academic and financial affordability, access to mental health resources, sexual assault prevention, expansion of diversity and inclusion on campus, and support for the graduate employee organization.”
Rajlich said campus affordability is a big focus, and he is fighting to ensure that “students are paying the right amount for what they deserve.”
The crowd asked seven questions on topics that ranged from the candidates’ relationship with Greek Life to the ongoing Graduate Employees Organization protest.
Lindwall said he has been out there with them personally, picketing all week.
“We have been out there on the front lines with GEO. We have been trying to be there in solidarity at their rally and support them,” Lindwall said.
Rajlich said he has tried to raise awareness and knowledge of the strike among Engineering students. He said it really comes down to who knows more about what is going on, and that would be Linwall.
Lindwall responded and said, “I will have to agree with Mr. Rajlich to a certain extent. Three of the issues that you can really hang your (hat) on are outreach, preparedness and experience.”
