Chrissie Chick '07, Adam Patinkin '07 and Dave Zubricki '07, all of whom have previously served on the Assembly, debated how much experience is necessary in assuming the post of president.
"In the single term that I co-chaired [the Student Organizations Committee] with Karan Danthi, we got a lot done in a very short amount of time, and that's the kind of passion I will bring to the position," Patinkin said. "The Assembly will be a fun place again."
Patinkin, the candidate with arguably the most ambitious agenda, said that he wants to amend the Assembly constitution to make the body less bureaucratic and more corporate, shifting the focus from committees to projects on which leaders would be graded and "held accountable."
"I think that the last few years the interest and the passion has been lacking in the Assembly and it needs a kick in the butt," he said. "Most of the student body is not happy with status quo, but if you are, vote for an establishment candidate."
Zubricki, who has served on the Assembly since his freshman year, rebuffed the comment by drawing attention to his collaboration on past Assembly projects.
"You can call me an establishment candidate all you want," he said, "but the fact is that I've dedicated the last three years to making this campus better."
Zubricki, who said that "the Assembly needs to stop with all the useless pet projects," referred to his work on the Dartmouth Town Meeting and the Student Faculty Brunch initiatives as proof that he will continue to work on making Assembly connections to the administration and faculty stronger.
"I think the Assembly really needs to emphasize its prime purpose as being the facilitator between students and the administration, faculty, and alumni," he said. "I'm not one to talk big bold promises, but if you look at my record, it speaks for itself."
Chick, who began her involvement with the body last summer, stressed the fact that she has experience but is still relatively new to the Assembly.
"I think that having a lot of Assembly experience is a liability if it proves that you have been there for a lot of ineffectual projects. I balance the perspective of someone who understands what non-Assembly members want with someone who knows how to get things done in the Assembly," she said, before adding, "I haven't asked, but I would wonder why [Patinkin] isn't serving this term."
When the issue of Tubestock's tenuous situation was raised, the candidates responded with confusion over both the actual threat to the tradition and how to save it.
Zubricki, who asserted that the issue boiled down to obtaining a permit and insurance to convene on any waterway in the area, suggested seeking help from New Hampshire and Vermont residents.
"I would get a mailing list of all the people in New Hampshire and Vermont who live on these lakes," he said. "This is 2006, an election year. Politicians might listen to us if it's not just a bunch of students."
Chick said she thought the proposed law might only apply to the Connecticut River and suggested that it's all a matter of "getting College backing."
Patinkin, on the other hand, expressed ambivalence about saving the tradition.
"Tubestock is a difficult issue to address because it isn't safe. We've had deaths in the past," he said. "I do support tradition, but as far as Tubestock goes, it isn't even clear that this law will be passed. If it is, we need the support of local legislatures. It can't be just within the school."
Although deaths have occurred in the past on the Connecticut river, none have actually resulted from Tubestock celebrations.
The five vice presidential candidates also spoke during the forum as they attempted to set themselves apart from their opponents.
Josh Jacobson '09 focused primarily on increasing Assembly membership, and suggested increasing advertisement of the meetings and offering free food as an incentive to attend meetings.
Jacqueline Loeb '08 stressed her involvement in numerous student organizations, such as the Dartmouth Outing Club, Outdoor Leadership Experience and class council, and she said that she would best be able to represent the needs of different students and groups.
Zak Moore '09 repeatedly referred to his involvement with various student services projects, and emphasized the importance of "real results" and "ideas, not ideals."
Moore is also a member of The Dartmouth staff.
Ruslan Tovbulatov '09, whose tier-one sanction was appealed yesterday and revoked today, said that the power of the Assembly lies in its communication with the student body and its connections to alumni. He stated that he would make lasting changes "that will help in the long run."
Santi Vallinas '07 drew attention to his three years of Assembly experience as he touched on the issues of club sports funding and diversity.
The candidates will meet again for a debate about Greek issues Thursday night.
