Associated Students Incorporated (ASI) hosted an open forum titled #2014CANDIDATES at California State University, Stanislaus on Oct. 21.
The panel consisted of Turlock mayoral candidates Mike Brem and Gary Soiseth, as well as Harinder Grewal, State Assembly Candidate, and Michael Eggman, Congressional Candidate.
During the open forum, the candidates were asked a series of questions constructed by ASI that covered a series of topics related to CSU students.
Eggman was asked what role the federal government has in higher education funding on the state level.
“Tuition has doubled in the last ten years; student loan debt is second only to mortgage,” Eggman said. “Majority of research funds go to Ivy league schools, but state schools do a lot of great research; we need to change the way we distribute the federal grant money.”
When asked to explain the impact of funding in the CSU system, Grewal discussed where he stands on the issue.
“Funding is shrinking, and when funding is shrinking you see the impact,” Grewal said. “It’s the role of your leader to make sure CSU is getting sustainable funding.”
Brem and Soiseth were both asked about how CSU Stanislaus can have a better relationship with the community.
“It’s a shame there hasn’t been a better relationship with the city and the university,” Brem said. “But today is a new day and President Sheley wants a better relationship with the city.”
In addition, Soiseth discussed a change in representation of the university throughout the community.
“We should see bumper stickers on cars, we should see t-shirts being worn,” Soiseth said. “When you talk to students from Fresno or Los Angeles they choose to come to CSU Stanislaus, but that welcoming environment isn’t always there, and I want them to feel like they’re drawn to downtown, they want to stay here.”
As the forum continued, the candidates responded to questions from the audience regarding a series of topics.
“We need to have comprehensive immigration reform that will lead to a path of citizen, while strengthening our borders at the same time,” Eggman said when asked how he would handle immigration reform on a national level. “It’s a shame because the votes are there right now.”
Grewal was asked to discuss his stance on the high-speed rail project is.
“I am a strong supporter of the high-speed rail,” Grewal said. “It’s going to create a lot of good paying jobs, and a lot of families are going to get employment.”
Each of the candidates were asked how they plan to address the issue of sexual assault increases on college campuses from a community, state or federal perspective.
Eggman wanted assistance from federal organization and federal funds to help find a solution.
“From a federal level we need to work on corporation programs,” Eggman said. “We need to get the ATF, FBI and drug task force involved. Federal funds can easily be used to extenuate and support the security here on campus.”
Grewal felt that the best thing that can be done is to bring awareness and encourage victims to come forward.
“We need to make everyone aware of this. Once we make people aware of this we can solve the problem,” Grewal said. “We need to make sure these crimes are reported. We need to make sure proper action is taken, we need to make sure whoever did that is brought to justice.”
Soiseth said recreation programs can provide a safe environment for victims.
“The city can offer recreation programs,” Soiseth said. “That’s when the victim comes forward, that’s when they acknowledge what happened. As mayor I want to create a city the targets these susceptible populations to make sure we have resources to make sure they feel comfortable to come forward and seek help.”
Brem said educating the youth at a young age is key.
“Sexual harassment is absolutely inexcusable,” Brem said. “It starts at a younger age. We need to start at the grammar school, junior high and high school level and let people know that it is unacceptable and if you are being harassed you need to be able to come forward. By the time people get to college that behavior is already ingrained and we need to start at a younger age.”
The students in attendance said the event was beneficial and left with opinions about certain candidates.
“I think it is a good thing to bring the candidates together, and bring awareness.” Alfred Moran (junior, Political Science) said.