By Michaela Cleveland, Staff Writer

Published in print Oct. 22, 2014

On Thursday, October 16, UNCG served as host to North Carolina Senate, House of Representatives and United States House of Representatives Candidate Forum.

Beginning with an edition of the national anthem from the Spartan Chariots, the forum began with an introduction of the moderator, explanation of the rules, and introduction of the candidates running for the US House of Representatives.

Laura Fjeld candidate for US House of Representatives spoke. “In this region, there’s no question that the top priority is jobs. You need to build partnerships with people who agree with you,” Fjeld stated, “That’s what I want to accomplish in the US House of Representatives and that is why I’m running for this position.”

NC House of Representatives candidate Sal Leone stated, “I decided to run because of the people. When I got emails from the people saying that they weren’t being heard from their government officials, people that they thought were the right ones to place in power, that is when I decided to run.”

The questions were tailored to the needs of college students. In response to a question about the role of college students shaping public policy, Candidate Alma Adams said, “I voted on and have been working towards a students vote on the Board of Governors for a while. I have been an advocate for students and I feel that students need to know their voice is important.”

Other questions centered around veteran students who were returning to school. All candidates advocated for stronger support of veterans and smoother transitions from veteran to civilian life.

Candidate Vince Coakley said, “One thing I’m good at is bringing people together. The Veteran Administration needs a complete reform because of all the issues they have. I feel that bringing the community together to help promote partnership and veteran opportunities”.

NC Senate candidate, William Osborne, was the only candidate represented for the NC Senate.

When discussing the role of teachers in the states, Osborne responded, “What I’m hearing over and over again is that teachers want respect. People need to recognize that teachers are responsible for their education. Without an educated workforce, we will not attract development in North Carolina”.

Osborne stated, “We have lost over 59,000 jobs in the last two months. These people are worrying about whether they’ll have enough money to eat or to pay their health insurance and that is not a choice. We’ve got to insure people that cannot get health insurance on their own. We have to help them.”

The final portion of the forum was an open debate with the NC House of Representatives.

These candidates were asked questions that ranged from job security and health insurance to student loans and minimum wage.

Candidate John Blust from District 62 stated, “The minimum wage in the America is really zero. When the government artificially says that they need to change it, there becomes an issue. I believe we should eliminate the minimum wage.”

Voting for these candidates concludes November 4.