The Michael O. Leavitt Center for Politics and Public Service hosted a debate on Oct. 22, between candidates for the Utah State House of Representatives. This debate included various students, faculty, and community members.
The Leavitt Center is a student-run organization that provides a place for students to have leadership training, run humanitarian efforts, and engage in public policy research. The center is a non-partisan environment for students of every political affiliation on campus, with a focus on student involvement.
The debate started off with the representative candidate for District 70 Carl Albrecht. Representative Albrecht was given a one minute opening statement, and then was asked questions by members of the Leavitt Center’s Fellows, Aidan Gates and Amelia Scheel. The questions included multiple topics, from polarization in state politics to energy. Representative Albrecht answered these prepared questions, and then took questions from the audience.
Albrecht’s comments were followed by a break before District 71 Representatives Rex Shipp and Steve Merrill spoke. They engaged in a civil discussion, with Gates and Scheel once again leading questioning and moderating the debate. Both candidates ended with questions and gave their closing statements.
“It really gives the community an opportunity to get involved with state politics….allowing people to actually meet the people who are running and eventually someone who will be representing them in the legislature,” Gates said.
To learn more about The Michael O. Leavitt Center for Politics and Public Service, take a look at their website.
Author: Tallon Taylor
Photographer: Gannon Lovisa
Copy Editor: Kayd Johanson
Editor: Anna Mower
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