New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
The economy, education and transportation were the main highlights on Friday, as Democrat Martha Coakley and Republican Charlie Barkers had their public debate at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. The debate took place at 4 p.m. inside of the UMass Main Auditorium, which was sponsored by the South Coast Alliance of media, business, and education organizations. The debate was moderated by UMass Dartmouth Professor, Shannon Jenkins, Political Science Chairperson. Students, faculty, and the public were all welcomed to this event to get a glimpse into each candidate’s plan of action.
Chelsea Gallant, a student at UMass Dartmouth explained, “I think having the debate here on campus was beneficial not only to our campus, but our community as a whole, it is another way our campus allows others a chance to visit and get a feel for UMass Dartmouth.”
UMass Dartmouth has one of the biggest College auditoriums around locally. The main auditorium holds 800 people making a successful space for a debate.
Professor at UMass Dartmouth Caitlin O’Neil explained, “Issues that matter have an impact on the community, and it employs people locally. It gives students the opportunity to see up close.” Caitlin also added, that the debate speaks to student issues who are graduating into a tough community.
MASSPIRG is also supporting UMass Dartmouth students in hopes of trying to improve the ballot box this year. MASSPIRG facilitates voter registration while trying to get students to be more involved with voting because student’s voices can also make a difference. MASSPIRG tries motivating students to vote and become more involved with politics, and having a debate on campus gives students an up close an personal way to get informed with the issues they can potentially improve.
“Debates on College campus brings awareness to the students who maybe don’t know enough about each candidate or where the candidates stand. It’s beneficial.” Explains Eric Jones, senior at the UMass Dartmouth.
With the election coming up on November 4th, the debate was a way each candidate could discuss their difference in opinion in hopes to have a broad impact on the people of Massachusetts. Both candidates fostered an understanding, and no matter what someone’s political preference is, this debate was a good way to be informed about the candidates and where they stand.
