Campus News
By Luca Filigenzi, Local News Editor
Last Wednesday, Xavier University hosted the final debate between current U.S. Representative for Ohio’s First Congressional District Greg Landsman and Republican challenger Orlando Sonza. The event was organized by Xavier Director of Government Relations Sean Rhiney and moderated by the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Prior to the debate, President Colleen Hanycz hosted an open mic discussion for students in the Philosophy, Politics and the Public Honors Program (PPP), political science majors, and Smith Scholars, where topics such as media literacy, democracy’s longevity and political rhetoric were discussed.
Enquirer Senior News Director Jackie Borchardt and Xavier Newswire Editor-in-Chief Katie Sanchez asked questions at the debate.
“It’s a perfect classroom for our students to see civil engagement. This isn’t so much a political rally as it is an educational opportunity,” President Hanycz said.
Sophomore PPP student Danny Petronella had high hopes for the debate.
“Hopefully it will give us a broader sense of Xavier’s thoughts with the questions we ask,” Petronella said.
The debate itself was hosted by the Cincinnati Enquirer, and moderated by Opinion Editor Kevin Aldridge, while Enquirer Senior News Director Jackie Borchardt and Xavier Newswire Editor-in-Chief Katie Sanchez asked questions to the candidates.
Key topics discussed at the debate included the upcoming Issue 1 vote in Ohio and legislation regarding the military, education and abortion laws.
Prior to the debate, students were able to discuss media literacy, democracy’s longevity and political rhetoric with President Hanycz.
Landsman discussed his support in passing Issue 1, saying that gerrymandering allowed “politicians to pick their voters, while voters should pick their politicians.”
In addition, he mentioned his history as a teacher and working on Cincinnati City Council before being inspired by the Jan. 6 capitol riot to run for the House seat, unseating long-time member Steve Chabot.
Sonza discussed his past as a member of the military, his family and the story of his upbringing. In addition to opposing the passage of Issue 1, Sonza called for more transparency in university tuition so as to avoid overspending.
“Increasing tuition transparency could be the mechanism for college decisions to avoid waste,” he said.
The two candidates found common ground on the issue of mass deportation, agreeing that it would be logistically impossible and that there should be a clearer way for immigrants to enter this country legally.
The final debate for Ohio’s 1st Congressional District between Orlando Sonza (left) and Greg Landsman (right) was moderated by Cincinnati Enquirer Opinion Editor Kevin Aldridge (middle) and took place in Cintas Center last Wednesday.
The topic of Landsman’s failure to disclose stock transitions before the deadline required by Congressional ethics rules came into the debate, with Sonza accusing him of lack of financial transparency. Landsman defended himself, saying that what occurred was not particularly rare for house candidates.
In their closing statements, Landsman summarized his campaign platform.
“I am committed to strengthening our democracy, and making sure it’s never undermined,” he said.
“This is an opportunity for real change, to vote for someone to put the critical thinking hat on,” Sonza said in his closing statement.
“The debate was not only a success but also a powerful reminder of the democratic process in action showcasing the true spirit of free expression guaranteed by our first amendment,” sophomore PPP major Joe Neumann said.
The election between Landsman and Sonza will take place on Nov. 5th. Xavier University will be closed on Election Day, encouraging students to take the time to vote, or send in an absentee ballot and vote via mail.
