The major-party candidates for two open seats on MSU’s Board of Trustees squared off in a relatively mundane debate Wednesday night at the Communication Arts and Sciences Building.
GOP state Sen. Joanne Emmons and GOP incumbent Don Nugent, along with Democrats Cal Rapson and Colleen McNamara argued several key issues including housing, gay rights and the relationship between MSU and East Lansing. The events, sponsored by the Council of Graduate Students and The State News, leads up to Tuesday’s election.
Bill Ballenger, editor and publisher of Inside Michigan Politics and the event’s moderator, said the debate was informative - but one person clearly came out with the victory.
“I think the most articulate on a broad range of issues was Don Nugent,” Ballenger said. “But you have four people from different jobs and backgrounds and I think all of them will do well with this job.”
One of the bigger issues of the night focused on domestic partner benefits. Emmons and Nugent would not expand benefits to homosexuals, whereas Rapson and McNamara would.
Another focus was whether several new development projects in East Lansing’s Northern Tier are beneficial to students and if university housing can compete with the amenity-laden apartments.
Trustee McNamara said off-campus housing is a disadvantage to students.
“I think it’s a great way to shut yourself up in a gated, sanitized community,” she said. “You can get caught up with these amenities, but a university is about experiences.”
Trustee Nugent said he felt disconnected from the campus community when he moved off campus while a student here during the ‘60s. Rapson believes that some students want independence, so off-campus housing is understandable and Senator Emmons agreed with Rapson.
Candidates also disagreed with each other’s stances on whether an off-campus student code of conduct should be followed by the university. Nugent said students should first work out differences among East Lansing residents.
“This is an excellent opportunity for leaders on campus to work with leaders off campus
