ASWSU presidential candidates discussed international health insurance and ASWSU accessibility at an International Student Council forum at Smith Gym on Friday afternoon.

The informal meeting allowed the presidential tickets to introduce themselves and answer questions from ISC members.

All three tickets promised an emphasis on student needs and open communication with ASWSU. However, they presented distinct ideas regarding how they would involve students in campus leadership and voicing concerns.

Presidential candidate Chris Del Beccaro said an ISC member would have a seat on a student advisory board and would work with future WSU president Elson S. Floyd’s new administration. This ISC member would provide feedback on registration and other issues unique to international students.

Del Beccaro said his experience studying in France helped him understand the concerns of international students at WSU.

His running mate, Mike Kirk, said he pledges to put pressure on the administration and bring publicity to the issue of costly health insurance, which is a particular burden to international students.

“No one seemed to know that you all were having these issues,” Kirk said.

Kasey Webster and Tommy Simmons said the insurance issue can be addressed through student lobbyists in Olympia. Getting the attention of the state Legislature can improve the situation, they said.

“If they want international students coming back here, they’re going to listen to the issues,” presidential candidate Webster said.

Simmons said the current insurance program would be detrimental to international student enrollment if kept the way it is.

“If we don’t attack this right away, this is something that can severely affect our retention and recruitment,” Simmons said.

Webster and Simmons also said they want to promote ASWSU as a resource to students.

“Many student groups don’t know what ASWSU can do for them,” Webster said.

Simmons said ASWSU will give help to students who ask for it.

Presidential candidate Joe Fortunato, who said he preferred the informal setting such as the ISC forum, proposed to hold monthly meetings where students can provide feedback and voice concerns.

“We really actually want to work for you guys,” he said. “[Running mate Ryan Wingfield and I] got involved because we found it hard to get involved.” Wingfield said their development of a tuition-freezing bill in the state Legislature demonstrated their commitment to responding to student issues.

“In two weeks, we had a bill in front of the Washington state Senate,” Wingfield said. “Imagine what we could do in a year.” Another issue brought forth by an ISC member was the buildup of student fees, such as those incurred by the Martin Stadium and CUB renovations. This year’s ballot features a referendum on expanding the Holland/Terrell library hours, which would cost each student approximately an additional $3.

The three tickets agreed part of the problem is a lack of state higher education funding.

The problem must be taken to the state Legislature to help shift the burden off students and toward the state, Fortunato said. Education should be a higher priority.

Del Beccaro said Gov. Chris Gregoire is making education a higher priority and said Chris Riegelsperger, ASWSU director of legislative affairs, is working in Olympia to ensure tuition hikes are regulated.

Webster said students have a choice this election in paying extra fees for expanded library hours. If passed, the WSU administration will be forced to pay attention to the issue, he said.

ISC members said the candidate forum was beneficial and helped them make an educated decision.

“It was definitely helpful,” senior computer science major Anuj Rathi said. “It’s always good to have an intimate discussion.” Rathi said he did not know who to vote for last year, but after getting to know the candidates this year, he will make a more informed choice.

“[International students] don’t really know what’s happening and how to get involved and be successful,” ISC Vice President Mauricio Cifuentes said. “If students get to know the candidates on a personal level, it’s easier to choose.”