Associated Students, Inc. at Cal Poly hosted a political debate on campus Thursday.
San Luis Obispo mayoral candidates Heidi Harmon and challenger T. Keith Gurnee talked about the issues impacting Cal Poly students.
Harmon, the incumbent, says during her time as mayor, she’s worked on creating relationships with students and fewer ordinances. She says the council also tripled its budget for lighting around campus.
Gurnee wants to preserve the character of San Luis Obispo and open space.
“I would say the thing that also comes to mind is really wanting to continue to work on diversity issues, the lack thereof, and some of the racist issues that have happened on campus,” Harmon said.
“I think we need to find a way to house more students on campus, to the extent that’s possible, and I think freeing up some of the housing that is currently occupied by students for people of moderate incomes or working people in the community would be a good thing to do,” Gurnee said.
Gurnee says his biggest concern is the city’s neighborhoods.
Harmon says housing affordability and transportation for students are issues she hopes to tackle if re-elected.
Both Harmon and Gurnee went to Cal Poly.
Donald Hedrick is also running for mayor but wasn’t at the debate.
