Freshmen spar for senate seat

Although there were not many there to hear it, the six prospective freshmen candidates for the Tufts Community Union (TCU) Senate debated at last night's candidate forum in Hotung.

Kelly Ferro, Daniel Masvidal, Jonathan Chan, Evan Lichtenstein, Vlad Gil, and Adrienne Vannieuwenhuizen are vying for the seat left vacant following the resignation of freshman Nick Schroback last month. The election is to be held Thursday.

After introducing themselves, the candidates answered a variety of questions from the audience. The majority of questions came from current TCU Senators, with freshman Senator Andrew Caplan acting as moderator for part of the forum.

Candidates identified specific issues as their top priority. Gil mentioned clarifying the alcohol policy, while Vannieuwenhuizen said she would focus on converting the campus to clean energy.

"Changing the campus to clean energy would be at a cost of $1 per student, like the University of California," Vannieuwenhuizen said.

Masvidal called for better communication and increased connections between administrators and students. Ferro wants to "unify uphill and downhill," and setup a student online review process.

Lichtenstein emphasized his dedication. "What does matter is determination and commitment in the long run. I'm here tonight to say that problems that arise and have arisen will be addressed over and over again," he said.

Chan touted his experience as Freshmen Class Council Treasurer as qualification for office.

All candidates appeared relaxed and poised when answering questions, and there was some levity interjected into the discussion.

After Masdival said his personal reason to join the senate was "the girls," Sophomore Senator Jeff Katzin had a quick response.

"There are only three in Senate!" he mocked.