State Controller Steve Westly spoke to the Associated Students Senate March 6, announcing his campaign to become the next Democratic candidate for governor and outlining his proposal to make community college free in California.

“I’m someone…who’s focused on making community college affordable to the next generation,” Westly said. “Community colleges are what make this state function.”

He then sketched a plan to offer a forgivable loan to community college students who either transfer to a four-year school or complete a two-year vocational degree.

Westly, a former eBay executive, said he plans to fund much of the program by making corporations pay taxes he said he knows they are avoiding.

Senators had mixed reactions to the speech.

“I was really impressed by his plan,” said Senator Eric Borlaug. “He’s the best candidate I’ve heard of.”

Erika Tomatore, Associated Student Body president, said she was less than impressed with the nature of Westly’s presentation, “It seemed so superficial.”

Gubernatorial candidates will square off in the Democratic primary elections June 6, vying for the spot on their party’s ticket in November and the chance to run against the incumbent Schwarzenegger.

-Bethany Hopkins