Student Government presidential and vice presidential candidates laid out their platforms at Tuesday's General Student Senate meeting.

The first candidate to speak was Sen. Owen McCarthy. He outlined his basic platform and what he would like to see accomplished.

McCarthy stated his No. 1 priority was to make campus parking more convenient and eco-friendly.

He said he spoke with University of Maine parking director Alan Stormann about creating a shuttle system from Orchard Trails and downtown Orono, which could alleviate some of the parking troubles in the MCA lot.

He added that he would like to extend library hours in both the morning and evening to allow greater convenience for students.

McCarthy also included his idea to increase opportunities for leadership development through expanding the role of the vice president of Student Organizations.

He ended his speech by stating he planned on being flexible and that he wanted the senate to "encourage [students] to vote, encourage [students] to become educated."

Sen. Robert Goodwin was the next candidate to speak, and his focus was on students. He acknowledged the major issues: parking, dining and rising tuition costs. He made it clear the senate must first "gain a better reputation" with students. Goodwin stated the senate must do this by reaching out to the student organizations and use their "great power."

"I think the most important thing a student can do to voice their opinions, voice their concerns and get them heard by the administration is simply by voting on Dec. 1," Goodwin said.

The third candidate for president is Gimbala Sankare. Sankare's speech was the longest of the three and focused more on individual students and their ability to learn.

"Our No. 1 priority is to make sure students can continue their education," Sankare said. "[Students] don't get the operational excellence they deserve."

He used personal examples of loans not being properly handled and how that nearly cost him his educational experience. As a result, he said, some students are being punished for errors that are not always their own. He demonstrated a program that he would attempt to implement if elected called the "Bridge Loan Program." The plan is for the president to work with the university to give aid to those who find themselves in a financial predicament so they can continue to learn. He said the recent budget cuts may complicate his program, but he felt strongly about it and was determined to have it succeed.

Sankare also outlined a plan to create a student welfare committee that would oversee the student services to maintain integrity on behalf of students. If created, the committee would survey Parking Services to make sure the correct number of passes was allotted, as well as Dining Services and Resident Life to ensure quality on campus.

The final speech was made by the lone vice presidential candidate, Ross Wolland. Wolland discussed his belief in a mutual respect and knowledge of the senate and students they represent. He also talked about continuing to be a progressive and productive student senate so the necessary changes can be made in the future.

The executive debates will be on Monday, Nov. 24 at 5:30 p.m. in the FFA Room of the Memorial Union.

Residents on Campus asked for $8,200 from the senate, which was granted for the Quebec trip in February. The resolution passed with almost no debate - except for senators praising the trip as a valuable experience. Tickets go on sale Monday, Dec. 1 at 9 p.m.

Other allocations included $200 to Pre-Law Society and $250 to the Alpine Ski Club.

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