Three Associated Students presidential hopefuls gathered in the Hub on Tuesday for their second round of debates.

Gauchoholic candidate Maggie Stack, Campus Engagement Group candidate Paul Riley and Student Affairs Coalition candidate Chrystine Lawson said they would discuss some of their differences though the three candidates shared similar views on what needs to be done to better the community. Candidate Chris Hook was absent.

Riley said safety is a big issue in the coming election and that through education, an ideal level of safety in I.V. and at UCSB can be attained.

“We need to work together to maintain a level of safety, a level of respect,” he said. “I want each and every one of you to feel safe not just in the streets, but in your home.”

Stack held a similar view, stressing the importance of education.

“As usual, lighting is imperative, sidewalks are key,” she said. “To reach the amount of safety we all deserve, education of the community is key.”

Lawson, who agreed with the other two on safety, also brought up the ever-present housing issue.

“Housing affects each and every one of us here at UCSB, as well as … safety in I.V.,” Lawson said. “Safety needs to come through increased lighting and initially through education of everyone here at UCSB.”

Stack has worked as chair for Public Safety, an advisory board within UCSB, as well as with the local Planned Parenthood, and said these experiences give her an attribute that sets her apart from the other candidates.

“I have more A.S. experience than anyone else up here,” she said. “A.S. works for the diverse student body here at UCSB, and I will make that my goal this coming year.”

Riley has served in the past on the Community Affairs Board.

“I am a representative of the whole student voice,” Riley said, when asked what would be his best quality as A.S. president. “The diverse group that makes up UCSB must be represented by someone who has interacted with all of them, and that someone is me.”

The third candidate, Lawson, has been part of the Campus Labor Action Coalition and the Student Commission on Racial Equality. Her active involvement in campus and community issues is what she said sets her apart.

“I am the most intricately and actively involved with the students, the faculty and the community as a whole,” Lawson said.

All candidates said they plan to continue what they are currently involved in to better the campus and the community, regardless of the outcome of the election.

Riley said he plans to continue working with the Community Affairs Board and with students on campus issues.

“I will continue to work with the students and with the students’ issues,” Riley said.

Lawson stressed continued involvement in the issues of UCSB students as well as those of all local residents.

“Regardless of who wins there is still a lot to do,” Lawson said. “And doing what needs to be done is our venue as students.”

Independent candidate Chris Hook said that he did not attend the rally because he was not confident in the event’s efficacy. He charged that that parties such as the Gauchoholics and SAC dominate the forum and introduce “loaded” questions for candidates to answer.

“I felt that my time was better used passing out fliers and talking to students because of the low turnout first debate,” Hook said. “It’s not a forum that allows candidates to challenge one another.”