Last Tuesday, candidates for SGA Senate and Executive Committee positions met in Watkins Auditorium for a debate, the final meeting of the sparring candidates before today and tomorrow’s elections.

The debate was moderated by UTM Professor Richard Chesteen.

Candidates argued over UTM issues ranging from the heights of urinals to the need for lottery reform.

Presidential candidates James Orr, representing the Effective Connections Party, said that SGA can improve UTM by creating a “student success panel” and an “advisory panel,” utilizing a ramped-up Presidents’ Roundtable and boosting communication among minority groups.

Tracy Baker, presidential candidate from the UTMFirst Party, agreed that the Presidents’ Roundtable should continue, but also said that the Tennessee lottery should be reformed to help good students. Baker also said organizations need more leaders.

Both candidates agreed that there were problems communicating with students and that SGA seems distant to most students.

“It’s our fault. We should be going around telling people about what we’re doing. I know we can effectively communicate,” Orr said. Effective Connections plans on emailing students SGA proposals.

Baker said, “Honestly, there is a lack of publicity. That’s something we need to work on with The Pacer. There’s apathy. Why don’t students come to us?”

Orr said that when students vote, they should “think about who will serve the entire student body, not just one segment.”

Orr also said his party is better suited to serve UTM than UTMFirst. “We bring a completely diverse perspective,” Orr said. “We represent every perspective we have on campus.”

However, UTMFirst’s Baker says she has the foresight to accomplish goals.

“[Students] need someone who is willing to work as a liason to outside sources. They need someone with a vision who is able to pinpoint specific problems,” Baker said.

Baker also said it is the responsibility of every student to vote for representatives who will serve with “pure intentions.”

Orr said his first action as president would be to “get in contact with student organizations and set up dates to meet with them next semester and talk to them about ideas they have.”

Baker said her first action would be to “restructure SGA to make sure everyone knows what their responsibilities are.”