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Students got their first chance to interact with the Associated Students, Inc. presidential candidates during a debate in the Cesar Chavez Student Center Monday afternoon.

The candidates for ASI President and the four Vice Presidential positions presented their case for why students should give them their vote. The candidates took questions from students and other candidates about where they plan to focus their energy if they are elected.

Marco Fuentes, a candidate for President, answers a question from the audience at the ASI annual board of directors elections debate at the Cesar Chavez Center Monday, April 7. Photo by Rachel Aston / Xpress

“Student government is the representation of the entire student body, we are supposed to serve the students,” said Vivian Abellana, who is running for ASI President. “So it’s our responsibility to consistently keep up communication with them.”

Abellana, who is currently the treasurer of United People for Peace at SF State, said that she thinks the next ASI president should do more to make sure that every student on campus feel valued.

A common theme in the debate was the synergy between the Cesar Chavez Student Center and ASI, since the two organizations will be combining into one in the coming year.

Presidential candidates (from left) Marco Fuentes, Miguel Guerrero, Vivian Abellana and Kenneth Collins address the audience at the annual ASI board of directors elections debate in Cesar Chavez Student Center Monday, April 7. Photo by Rachel Aston / Xpress

“This is probably the most pivotal year that we’re going to have in the student center,” said Miguel Guerrero, who is also running for ASI president. “We need to take it to the next level.”

Guerrero, who is currently the College of Health and Social Sciences representative on the ASI Board of Directors, said that his main focus as president would be providing discounted public transportation passes for every student at SF State.

The current Vice President of Finance for ASI Marco Fuentes said that he wants to make sure students get the most from their money.

“Being close to the budget, I believe I’m the best candidate to make sure the future of this organization is within the student’s hands, so they can keep what’s rightfully theirs,” Fuentes said.

ASI Presidential Kenneth Collins delivers his two-minute introduction speech alongside fellow candidate Vivian Abellana at the annual ASI board of directors elections debate address the audience in the Cesar Chavez Student Center Monday, April 7. Photo by Rachel Aston / Xpress

Kenneth Collins, who is also running for ASI President, said that he would be a vocal advocate for the student body at SFSU. He said that his focus would be maintaining the synergy between ASI and the student center.

“The students need someone who can sit at the helm and be their advocate in all avenues,” Collins said. “It’s one thing to give students a voice, it’s another thing to give students a strong voice.”

Students can cast their vote for online at the ASI website. The elections are this week until Friday, and the results will be announced April 12.