The Associated Students of Colorado State University hosted a vice presidential debate March 5 in Lory Student Center between candidates Abraham Mapatano, Ben Gregg and Miriam Hill.

After introducing themselves, the candidates shared why they are running for ASCSU vice president.

Hill shared her passion for outreach and marketing, saying many students don’t know what ASCSU is. Hill also said that their administration would strive to make campus fun, safe and affordable for students. 

Gregg then followed, saying that ASCSU and CSU aren’t on the “right track whatsoever.”

“Victoria and I are both true change-makers,” Gregg said. “We know that this organization needs new leadership. We know that this organization needs a new face, a new idea, new thoughts. It needs a culture shift, and we’re the ones to do that.”

After sharing his experience in various leadership positions, Mapatano said he wants to act as an “extension arm,” to increase the value of CSU degrees.

The vice president chairs the Student Fee Review Board, which oversees the allocation of approximately $74 million in student fees. When asked what their priorities would be as chair, Mapatano reiterated his campaign promise of increasing the value of the CSU degree and said that he would create programs for students to get work experience and diversify their portfolios and resumes during their time at CSU.

Gregg said his biggest priority as chair would be transparency surrounding how student fees are spent, what is funded by students and why those areas are being funded. 

Hill said her biggest priorities are centered on promoting student media and student employee salaries.

“Those are practical applications that go right into students’ hands and will make our campus the best it can be,” Hill said.

A question from an online comment box asked how candidates would address key issues on campus, like affordability and transparency.

In regard to affordability, Hill said their administration would work with state legislatures to address housing and parking affordability for students. 

Gregg shared that their administration’s plans include meeting with the management of the 10 most populated student apartment complexes in Fort Collins to not only demand that they lower their fees, but also break down the fees to tenants. Gregg also said that the campaign wants to work with computer science students to develop an app for Rams Against Hunger so students can locate pantries and see which pantries have stocked shelves. 

When speaking about transparency, Hill pointed to their campaign’s platform of advocacy. Hill acknowledged that as leaders of ASCSU, she and Vega would be in “rooms the average student will never be put in,” but that they “hope to raise every single student’s voice and opinion throughout,” which they plan to do via town halls and dinner parties.

Gregg addressed his concerns surrounding transparency and said that there is a reason students don’t trust ASCSU.

“I don’t believe in taking the tint away from the window,” Gregg said. “I believe in breaking the window, is what I’ll say.”

In response to the question, Mapatano shared his campaign’s vision of “building bridges” at CSU by having one-on-one conversations with stakeholders. He gave the example of event ideas, like a monthly cultural bash between Cultural Resource Centers. 

“We have to meet with faculty and administrators and make sure that we’re talking with them one-on-one … (in order to) create this change together,” Mapatano said. “I think too often I’m hearing that we’re kind of disconnecting and breaking windows, but I think we should make that time together and be able to work together in unity as a campus.”

Each candidate concluded by explaining why they were the best option for the role.

Mapatano said his range of leadership roles makes him the best candidate and that his competitors lack the same level of experience.

“I also will say that we’re rooted in certain leadership and that everything I’ve done on this campus has been behind one idea: We are what we repeatedly do,” Mapatano said. “Therefore, excellence is not an act; it’s a habit, and I have a habit of winning.”

In response, Gregg shared his leadership experience as ASCSU director of unified success and as president of several other student organizations. He also said that having experience in ASCSU is critical to the role, which he said Mapatano does not have. 

“I know what the issues on this campus are, and I’m actually ready to solve them,” Gregg said.

The debate closed with Hill, who emphasized that she is a normal student just like voters.

“I’m not above you; I am you,” Hill said. “I am an out-of-state student, (and) I work two on-campus jobs. I know what it’s like to have to work and fight and scrap and claw and take out debt for this institution, to attend this institution and to thrive at this institution.”

Voting will open at 8 a.m. March 9 and close at 4 p.m. March 11. All students can vote online through RAMWeb during this period, with results announced at 6:30 p.m. March 11.

Reach Chloe Rios at news@collegian.com or on social media @RMCollegian.