Ben Tambaschi, Assistant Opinion Editor

Two San Diego State students are competing for the title of vice president of external affairs.

Political science and English senior Khouloud Elmasri and international security and conflict resolution senior Erin Hogeboom have spent the week campaigning for a spot on Associated Students executive team.

Elmasri, who is vice chair of the external affairs board, said she has three goals if elected: more financial aid, better community relations and improving housing affordability.

Hogeboom, who has not previously served on A.S. council, said she would like to see more student involvement on A.S. boards and committees. She said she wants to create a stronger connection between the role of vice president of external affairs and the student clubs and organizations. Additionally, Hogeboom said she wants to develop a better system of informing students about important legislation.

As vice president of external affairs, the elected candidate will act as a representative on the California State Student Association, the statewide organization that speaks for the 400,000 California State University students. The vice president of external affairs also lobbies at the local and state level on legislation that affects students.

“I would like to see (legislation on) student fees,” Elmasri said. “Something that will gear it for the next couple of years because, yes, we have a freeze this year, but next year could skyrocket.

“I would like to see something either consistent or just eliminating increases in student fees.”

Elmasri said it’s important for students to know what’s going on in the legislative arena because their voices count. She said residence hall newsletters and debates have been used to increase student awareness.

“I think (CSSA) is very useful,” said Elmasri, who has attended CSSA meetings all year. “It gives people the resources and confidence to be able to meet their legislators and tell them what it is that (students) want.”

Hogeboom agreed that legislation affects student finances is important. However, she said there are a number of bills currently being looked at that could influence student financial aid.

“The focus right now in Sacramento is on Cal Grants,” Hogeboom said. “Some of the legislation that I would address is currently being addressed by CSSA.

“I understand that the CSSA doesn’t usually support bills that are just in favor of one faction of students, but I think that we should look into who really needs that support the most – by looking at what brackets and categories of students need that support.”

While Hogeboom has not served on A.S. or attended CSSA, she said she has experience through her work in a congressional office where she had director interaction with the legislative process. She said she is also familiar with the CSSA Web site.

Even though their goals and previous experience is diverse, Elmasri and Hogeboom each expressed eagerness and an inner drive.

Elmasri said she is known for being vocal.

“My motto is ‘Get loud,'” she said.

However, she said she would like to be known as someone who students can come to and feel confident that she will take action on their behalf.

Hogeboom, on the other hand, said she is known for being optimistic and loving life.

Still, she said she wants people to see her as having a strong voice that will stand up for the interests of the students, even when people may not want to listen.