Students help organize mayoral debate

AUSTIN (KXAN) - At the center of the mayoral debate preparation is a group of students working hard to make sure everything is pulled off to perfection.

It is refreshing to see such invigorating work by a group of students passionate about local politics. Inside the LBJ School of Affairs, one could call this a war room of future leaders.

These students will tell you, they are already taking charge as they prepare hard for Wednesday night's Mayoral Debate.

"We felt it was a good opportunity to bring the community into the debate," said Jordan Munn, a UT student.

This group is called CLASS. It is not a class, but a student organization that unifies citizens for local and state service.

"We've really energized the students here, and we've made a lot of connections within the community," said Kate Mason, UT student.

These students all would like a career in government or public service, and say they are excited about seeing how the future Mayor of Austin wants to run the city.

"We're going to see a lot about the economy in general," said Mason. "What are the approaches to weathering the storm, or taking this as an opportunity."

"Very concerned of course about transportation, healthcare, taxes," said Erin Boeke Burke, a UT student.

All things the current candidates will be sure to talk about when the lights turn on. The well-run debate is all because of the hard work and preparation, from these student leaders already getting ahead.