Changes in Assembly structure and culture were again a focus of argument between the five candidates, several of whom argued for significant alterations to structures in the body, including funding unification and changes to the Assembly's executive board.
Criticizing other candidates for failing to present concrete plans to implement change, candidate Nova Robinson '08 again touted her plan to bring the Undergraduate Finance Committee into the Assembly structure.
"Purse strings ultimately equal power," Robinson said. "That's the way our society is structured, for better or worse."
Candidate Raj Koganti '08, in contrast, shied away from drastic structural change, instead calling for the Assembly to carefully consider where it puts its money.
"The biggest challenge here is not to create money, the biggest challenge is where to spend money," Koganti said.
Former Assembly parliamentarian Jaromy Siporen '08 again came out strongly against the Assembly's current function.
"[Student Assembly] has failed us," Siporen said. "I'm pissed off. I don't understand why more people on this campus aren't pissed off."
Several candidates addressed the role of the current Student Governance Review Task Force in determining the future of Assembly structure. The task force was assembled this winter after a group of students took issue with the efficacy of student government at Dartmouth.
Though several candidates expressed support for the task force, others questioned its potential to implement real change.
Carlos Mejia '08, in particular, rejected the task force, pointing to a lack of involvement from among the student body, and referring to its work as "rearranging deck chairs on a sinking ship." Mejia repeatedly outlined the need for a strong president, one who would push the administration when appropriate.
As debate turned to issues of the role of the Greek system on campus, each candidate affirmed their support for Greek organizations. Mejia is the sole candidate not a member of a Greek house.
When asked to delineate the main flaw in the Greek system, candidates pointed to problems ranging from the potential for binge drinking to impractical administrative regulation.
Travis Green '08 struggled to outline an answer at first, eventually asking moderator Dax Tejera '07, publisher emeritus of The Dartmouth, to return to him after other candidates had responded. When returned to, Green noted that the organizations needed to be sure to reach out to all students and stretch out of their "comfort zones."
Robinson, the sole female candidate, argued for more local sororities. Though she applauded the recent acceptance of Alpha Phi, Robinson noted that national sororities do not offer women the same opportunity to control their own social space.
After giving initial personal statements and fielding several general questions, each candidate was invited to answer a question specifically tailored to their campaign or history at Dartmouth.
Koganti was asked to discuss his qualifications, given his previous absence from "campus politics."
In response, Koganti pointed to the leadership qualities gained in other venues, noting that these qualities can be gained in a variety of activities. Koganti also stressed his status as an international student.
"I taught myself English and I came here," Koganti said. "And I'm getting good grades -- in English."
Green was asked to clarify his previous statements about the role of free speech at Dartmouth. In Tuesday night's debate, hosted by the Assembly, Green stated that language that offended others violated the boundaries of free speech.
When asked to restate his position, Green admitted that he had misspoken, clarifying his belief that hurtful speech crossed a social boundary -- but remained within the limits of free speech.
Tensions between candidates ran high at several points throughout the debate, as several candidates sought to discredit the platforms of their opponents.
At one point, Robinson was motivated to comment on the conflict between candidates.
"I think this dynamic right here embodies the problem," Robinson said, pointing to the candidates on either side of her, Siporen and Mejia. "[Student Assembly] is beleaguered with infighting."
Siporen and Mejia shook hands after Robinson's comment.
When the floor was opened to questions from the audience, the candidates were invited to share their views about the role of minority Greek organizations on campus.
Both Green and Mejia addressed providing social spaces to these organizations.
"I'd fight to make sure you guys keep a place that is yours," Green said. "Whether that's an apartment, a house -- whatever you guys fit into."
Green's comment sparked laughter among some audience members, leading to a debate among audience members about the comment's meaning.
The debate, which was cosponsored by the Panhellenic and Interfraternity Councils, was initially delayed about thirty minutes, as all five candidates were meeting with the Afro-American society.
Candidates have their last chance to clarify their platforms at Sunday night's debate, hosted by the Elections Planning and Advisory Committee.
