Debate sets off campaign
AS election kicks off with televised presidential debate
Ryan Tubongbanua / The Collegian
In a debate between the three candidates for Associated Students President, Brandon Stipe, John Migliazzo and Juan Pablo Moncayo discussed problems facing Fresno State, including parking and overcrowded classrooms.
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By Kirstie Hettinga
The Collegian
Three candidates running for the top Associated Students position faced off in a televised debate Sunday.
Current Executive Vice President Juan Pablo Moncayo, a physics and finance major, said he has seen what it takes to fulfill the role of president and put forth a commitment to education as his party platform.
Brandon Stipe, a junior engineering major, said it is time for Associated Students to connect more closely with the Fresno State student body and said new blood is the way to do so.
John Migliazzo, a current AS Senator-At-Large and agricultural communications major, said as president he would propose to increase campus security, expand the REDZONE, promote four-year graduation and better food services. The REDZONE is a club which encourages student athletic events.
The three candidates each took a position in regards to the relocation of University High from its current location to the Fresno State Amphitheater.
Moncayo said the building location could have been opposed three years ago and said he became involved in AS when he realized nothing was being done about the situation. He said there are intelligent ways of making sure the high school continues on campus but the high school should not be moved to the amphitheater to allow building that would enhance the university.
Stipe said a university should be focused on collegiate level academics. “By building a University High School in the amphitheater which is the geographic center of our campus, it seems like it would take the focus away from what’s really important to the university.”
Stipe said he is opposed to the building of the high school in the amphitheater and said he is involved in a petition to oppose the location of the new University High School campus.
Continuing to petition against the high school is what Migliazzo proposes to do regarding the proposed Amphitheater location. He said he cannot account for the actions of past AS officials and suggests fostering a relationship between UHS and AS, while exploring other opportunities for campus growth.
Candidates also addressed issues such as a proposed parking structure and the funding it would require, as well as the influence of Greek organizations on campus life.
One topic weighed by the candidates was food services and the possible expansion of services to the East side of campus.
Candidates also tackled the current AS Senate’s recent support of a referendum that will increase student fees by $10 to help pay for study abroad opportunities and other programs. The second referendum, a $30 increase to increase fees for technology services, was rejected by the Senate.
Each candidate addressed what he considers the biggest issue concerning Fresno State students.
Stipe said he would like to see more focus put on quality education with adjustments in class sizes. He also said the university is dying for tradition and he would like to see a student established organization supported by the administration.
Miglizazzo said he sees student traditions being formed in organizations such as the REDZONE, which he co-founded. He said the best way to address student issues is to continue to appoint passionate students to AS committees. “Student input is extremely important when it comes to decisions being made by the administration,” he said.
The instability of state funding and costs of study are the issues Moncayo said are of greatest concern to students. Moncayo said AS can lobby to ensure that funding for higher education is a priority within the state.
In his closing statement Moncayo said, “I came into this organization [Associated Students] just a year ago because I knew we are not giving students a reason to vote.” He said engaging students is what he is about.
Migliazzo said he is prepared for the position of AS president and AS is the active voice of students on campus.
Stipe said while there are talented people in student government he believes there could be more and for anything to get done it has to be done through AS.
The AS elections will be held April 4, 5 and 6. The complete debate, sponsored by The Collegian will be broadcast Monday at 7 and 9 p.m. The debate can also be viewed at The Collegian Web site at http://collegian.csufresno.edu.
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