Clemons moderated the debate, asking both candidates questions regarding their stances on issues.

“Moderating the debate was a lot of fun, I really enjoyed being able to engage with both of the candidates in a public forum,” Clemons said. “I think they both showed, at least to me and hopefully to the audience, that they will both be strong candidates, and I am excited for whichever one gets elected.”

Prior to questioning, each candidate gave an opening statement. 

Santavicca focused on plans to increase transparency and promote collaborating with and empowering students, while Williams centered his position on fostering leadership.

Starting with one candidate and then giving the other a 30-second rebuttal to follow, Clemons then moved into questioning. 

Sexual assault became one of the first topics to enter the forum when Santavicca was asked how he’d advance reform on the issue, as well as mental health and recreational fitness.

Santavicca advocated for holding administration accountable for their role in sexual assault problems on campus, as well as for expanding Mental Health Awareness Week to occur once per semester instead of annually.

“When one in four students on our campus is affected by sexual assault, this is an issue,” Santavicca said.

Williams shared Santavicca’s sentiment regarding accountability, also calling for additional mental health resources and an increased focus on physical health.

“Physical health and mental health are really inextricably linked — it’s hard to have the ‘above your neck’ feel healthy when below your neck isn’t feeling healthy,” Williams said.

When asked what the biggest flaw in ASMSU’s Code of Operations is, Santavicca stated the president should be elected by MSU’s student body rather than the general assembly alone. Williams agreed it was worth discussing, but expressed concerns that such a change would need to be properly codified, as other universities experienced unprepared candidates quickly becoming overwhelmed and quitting soon after being elected.

In responses to further questions, Santavicca proposed holding general assembly meetings in different neighborhoods across campus rather than just in Student Services to increase student engagement.

When asked about the Black Lives Matter movement and student activism, Williams said his first step would be to acknowledge and address systems of oppression that affect minority students and Santavicca said ASMSU needs to put forth an active effort to listen to students’ questions and concerns.

Both candidates passionately advocated for increased voter engagement. 

“The state of Michigan has incredibly arcane laws when it comes to voter registration and voter engagement, and at this point it is specifically disenfranchising the youth vote,” Williams said.

After an intermission, Clemons began fielding questions from members of the public. A member of the general assembly anonymously questioned both candidates regarding their apparent weaknesses and said Santavicca engages general assembly members while Williams does not, and that Santavicca is too close to the administration to "push back" when students have concerns.

“The least you can do is tell an assembly member what you’re working on and see how that they can better understand your position and what you’re working (toward),” Santavicca said. “I think that’s where the transparency needs to happen. ... I think that’s just where my opponent lacks.”

Williams said he stands for the students.

“I have a very long history of standing alongside the student body ... in fighting against administrative overreach, against complacency within the administration,” Williams said. “When it comes to fighting for what’s right for students, I’m really the first person to walk into an office and say that, ‘this is unacceptable, this needs to be fixed, and we need to actually be there for our students.’”

Both candidates shared why they believe they are the most qualified to preside over ASMSU.

“We need to be interested in all parts of the organization," Santavicca said. "I have the respect for that and the mentorship to get all students on board for the future leadership of this organization."

Williams said he will bring a dedication if elected. 

“My dedication, my passion for what this organization does, what it stands for, what we can do here is unmatched,” Williams said.

The general assembly will vote the next president on  April 20. More info about Santavicca and Williams’ positions and experience can be found on their webpages.