Associated Students Inc. candidates, Hellenic members and regular students showed up Thursday in the University Union Redwood Room to see the final ASI election debate which was between the four presidential candidates.

One issue brought up by student questions was regarding the Multi-Cultural Center, which is facing de-funding, limited operation hours and no permanent director for the past two years.

Christina Romera said as part of the advisory board of the center, she is acting as a “liaison between the Multi-Cultural Center and ASI.” She said she wants to continue this relationship if elected.

Due to the large diverse population not only on campus but in the Sacramento region, candidate Ryan O’Keeffe said, programs like the Multi-Cultural Center will help promote diversity as more students get involved.

Another issue raised by students is the Faculty Senate’s vote of no-confidence against university President Alexander Gonzalez.

None of the candidates chose to address this issue, only choosing to announce their support of the campus president.

“I trust President Gonzalez,” Santo Mirza said. “He has brought a lot of funds to our school.”

The candidates also spoke about the proposed 10 percent student fee increase.

“The increase is completely ridiculous,” Robert Linch said. “We need to form coalitions.”

Linch also suggested the California taxpayers should pay for the student fee increase since education is a vital part of society.

O’Keeffe said the fees for the California State University system and other colleges in the state will eventually go up.

“Loans shouldn’t be on the backs of students,” Romera said.

Current ASI President Jesus Andrade thanked the four candidates for their responses to the debate questions.

The elections will be held Tuesday and Wednesday. Students can vote either on the ASI website or at the University Union.

Jamie Gonzales can be reached at [email protected]