On October 6th, the Young Democrats and the College Republicans of the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill hosted a debate for the four Chapel Hill mayoral candidates in an effort to increase student involvement in the election. The debate was moderated by the Roosevelt Institute, a student-run think tank.

The four candidates answered eight questions about town development, safety, and the importance of student civic engagement.

College Republicans chairman John Eick said, “In many ways, these elections are more important than presidential elections because they have [a] direct impact on the lives of students.”

Young Democrats co-president Charlie Sellew said, “We want to make people more aware of what’s going on and who the candidates are so that they know who they want to vote for.”
 
The candidates also addressed university construction, parking in the town, revitalizing Franklin Street, and Chapel Hill safety.
 
After the debate, each candidate gave a two-minute closing statement and answered student questions.
 
Senior Shaddi Hasan was pleased with the event. “The biggest thing for me is that I appreciate the fact that they came here. I don’t think I would have had a chance to see them otherwise.”
 

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