A crowd of no more than 40 students descended on the Shapiro Campus Center Atrium Thursday to listen to Student Union presidential candidates discuss the issues facing Brandeis and debate the methods with which they intend to fix them.The candidates listed on the ballot are incumbent Union President Josh Brandfon '05, Senator-at-Large Jonathan Cohen, Finance Board Chair Mark Schlangel '05 and Deniz Cordell '07. All were present for the debate.

The event, moderated by Assistant Dean of Student Life Alwina Bennett, began with two minutes of remarks from each candidate.

Cohen began his remarks by talking about his accomplishments as a senator, including two campus Super Bowl parties and bi-monthly meetings with Aramark officials to suggest improvements to dining services. He ended by stating his slogan, "Your problem is my problem."

Brandfon began his opening statement with his catch phrase, "sweat the small stuff." This was followed by a long list of accomplishments of the Union under his presidency including wireless internet hubs, extended dining hours, a meal plan and gym for the village, the protection of anonymity in pass/fail classes and a plan for voting reform in future elections.

Brandfon said one of his primary goals in a second term would entail bringing outside issues into Brandeis and making students aware of them in an effort to combat what he perceives as wide-spread apathy on campus.

Schlangel, whose campaign slogan is written on flyers as, "Erect Schlangel for Union President," spoke about his track record as Finance Board Chair. He noted his strong relationships with club leaders and his commitment to making the Union more accessible and more open.

Cordell spoke last with three key words, "Efficiency, transparency and accessibility." He dissected the name, "Brandeis Undergraduate Student Union," stating he would emphasize the "student" aspect. He spoke extensively about his desire to create a new position in the Union with the title Union Coordinator for Social Justice, and that this ideal was of vital importance to Brandeis.

Questions were asked of the candidates after the opening remarks.

One student asked each candidate what he thought was the main problem facing Brandeis. Each gave a different answer. Cohen said the Union must talk to students more about their problems; Cordell argued social justice would create more unity; Schlangel stated that Brandeis needs more advocacy networks and Brandfon spoke on student apathy

Another student asked if the candidates supported the policy stating that the F-Board cannot provide money for food and lodging at events. Each candidate said they did support the policy because this ensures there is enough money allocated for each club.

Candidates were also asked that since everybody can vote for two people in the first election round, who would they choose to support. Each would abstain with the exception of Brandfon, who said he would vote for Schlangel.

Candidates were also asked what they consider to be their biggest weakness.

Brandfon said his weakness was spreading his resources too thin. Schlangel said his weakness was that he lacks the experience of being president this year. Cohen said he has trouble focusing on results not work ethic.

"My biggest weakness is that I have short term memory problems," Cordell said. "But my doctor said I will be getting better soon."

In closing, Cordell spoke first reaffirming his commitment to increased social justice and his goal of putting the "student" back in Student Union.

Schlangel spoke of addressing all student issues as they arrive, saying, "A president is a representative and an advocate. You have ideas. You come to us. We can't do it without you," he said.

Brandfon used the word "professional" to describe his platform and leadership.

"Press releases. Advocacy. Everything is more professional now. One of the special things about Brandeis is that we are not only following history, but we are creating it as well," he said.

Cohen ended by emphasizing that Brandeis is like one big family, and that it is in its teenage years as a University. He said changes must be made, and the Union is, "responsible for going to everyone, just as they come to us.