Last Tuesday at noon, Associated Students vice presidential debates were held in front of Hepner Hall. This included the vice president of external affairs, finance and university affairs positions.

Vice president of finance

The candidates for vice president of finance include Eric Anderberg, Pooria Daryabeygi, Michael Kemmer and William Pixler.

A.S. College of Business Administration Representative Anderberg said he plans to connect with all students through building diverse programs and efficiently spending money. He said a lot of finances come with the new student union, and someone with experience can be active in that role.

“This whole team has the most experience out of anybody here,” Anderberg said. “We really care the most about A.S. and we are the most equipped to do the best job for the students. “

Candidate Kemmer is not part of A.S., but said he wants to create change and make everything transparent to students. He also said A.S.’s $2 million budget is not transparent and if given the opportunity he would make sure the money was spent efficiently.

Kemmer said he was surprised to find out many students have no idea they are paying almost $200 every semester to their student government.

“Our goal is to bring SDSU back to you. Mr. Anderberg has some great experience. He served on the finance board,” Kemmer said. “My question is, if he’s promising these things why hasn’t he done it already? He’s part of A.S.”

Anderberg has served A.S. for two years with numerous positions. He said being on finance boards has allowed him to see, analyze and review the $2 million budget for A.S. In respond to Kemmer, he said he has worked on student involvement.

“I’m not making promises I can’t keep,” Anderberg said. “In regards to why I haven’t do it so far, I have done it so far. I’ve talked to student organizations; I’ve talked to people and told them to come to finance board.”

Pixler, who has worked with A.S., said tuition increases should not be happening. He said SDSU students deserve better.

“I know from the bottom of my heart, if given this opportunity, I will be able to perform my capabilities at the highest level,” Pixler said.

Vice president of external affairs

The candidates for vice president of external affairs are Erin Barra and Tom Rivera.

External Affairs Board member Rivera said he would enhance communication and use his experience to unite the student body. He said he would take A.S. to the next level.

“Every little bit counts and although there have been tuition cuts, increases have also occurred,” Rivera said.

As a candidate who is not part of A.S. but has continuously worked with numerous politicians, Barra said she wants to bring San Diego State back to the students.

She said instead of rallying, she would like to incorporate actually developing a bill, in order to make change happen.

“When I was a freshman, I vaguely knew what A.S. was,” Barra said. “My goal is to go out there and speak to the students. I have asked students for their opinions, what they would like to see change; it’s all about that personal connection.”

Vice president of university affairs

The candidates for the vice president of university affairs include Matt Cecil, Josh Morse and Zach Frantz.

President of Inter-Fraternity Council, Matt Cecil said his focus is to reach out to the student voice and to formulate proper academic policy.

“Through my leadership, I’ve been able to work with thousands of students in order to survey and listen to various voices to create a better university experience,” Cecil said. “I have been deeply involved in cultural and diverse conversations. I’m able to understand all cultures and ethnicities, and I am dedicated to a diverse and engaged university community.”

Morse was a member of the President’s Cabinet and worked with A.S. for two years. He said he would promote student voices by listening and empowering them.

“People are advocating on your behalf, and a lot of us don’t understand what they are actually doing with that,” Morse said. “We need to connect our voices to the University Senate, which makes a lot of decisions on this campus”

Frantz said A.S. should be involved in day-to-day affairs, only if that is what students prefer. He has no A.S. experience, but said this is the reason why he is running. He said he is for the students, instead of trying to run them.

“I want to get involved and represent the students,” Frantz said. “I feel like our current government has failed us, and I am the change to the current system.”

In response, Cecil said A.S. should create a valuable experience for students.

“Every student pays a fee to A.S. and it is our job to create the best possible university experience for them,” Cecil said. “If you’re not dedicated to that, why are you running for this position?”

Students have until Thursday to log on to WebPortal and vote.