Sunday, February 8, 2009

Hey Seamus! speaking of "NO!" campaigns...

Millennium Villages

None other than current VP social Joël Larose has translated his letter to the Fulcrum on the subject into an actual campaign. There has been a heated discussion on the elections homepage, as well as in the Fulcrum and now it seems to be coming to a head. I think there's little doubt that this is the most controversial of all the referendums this year and the debate seems to be heating up rather than cooling down.

More videos from Dominic Villeneuve

I like Dominic Villeneuve for two reasons. One, I've met him a couple times now and he's a really approachable guy, which is a good quality for anyone seeking to win a representative position. Two, he always lets me know when he's putting new videos up, which saves me some trouble of checking his site. Anyway, here's the new one (the English one which I think is clever, and the French one which shows off his singing ability)

English
Français

Saturday, February 7, 2009

Another update from Model Parliament

So Model Parliament today saw some highs and lows. And some candidates were there too!

I think everyone who was previously mentioned as being there was there again. Aminka Belvitt who's running for BOA was there as well. And what happened:
Peter Flynn DID table documents attesting to his high economics grades. If that doesn't sway anyone's votes one way or another, he did start spinning his arm in the air and bouncing around like a rodeo clown during 2nd reading of a bill. He also has a firm handshake.
Iain Brannigan was there, he talked about how if he was on the BOA he'd like to see more recycling initiatives as well as things about student power. the $35 fee to split tuition payments came up as well and he's certainly targeted that. He also promises me the answers to my questions will finally be arriving in my inbox soon.
Cam Gray (for BOA) was there as well. A few things not really BOA related: he likes his pizza, he hates e-coli, and it's hard to say he's not a nice guy.

Being the, I assume, most political student association on campus means that political debate is fairly likely to occur. Here is what people were saying in a segment I'd like to call...

Word On the Street
There appears to be an anti-Seamus sentiment amongst students; one campaign volunteer who shall remain anonymous said he/she would drop his/her candidate's campaign in order to run a "No to Seamus campaign."
No clear alternative is being proposed either. Some say Steeves but mention his poor debate performance as an obstacle. Others say Renaud is "idealistic." And not neccessarily in a good way.

Marc Kelly was immediately rejected as a viable candidate.
Vaguely Related

Update from the Fancie Camp

I have what I am told is exclusive information from the Mike Fancie campaign. Look out for an update from him on empowering students and campaign funding on Monday. Additionally, he has informed me that he has removed a banner from Tabaret in response to Kyle Simunovic's loss of a banner which according to Kyle's website occurred on Thursday.

Fancie says: "I want this campaign to be equitable and just, so in sympathy I felt it was the right thing to do."

More to come on Mike Fancie's run for Senate as it develops.

Maureen Hasinoff (VP Finance)

1.What is your name, what position are you running for, and could you please sum up your platform in one sentence?
My name is Maureen Hasinoff and I am running for the position of V.P. finance. My platform is based on changing the current system that is in place so that students are effectively represented and have a voice in the SFUO.
2.Name one thing the University of Ottawa administration is doing right.
I think that the bus service that was provided for the students was one of the most effective and used campaigns by the University Administration, it really was there to meet the needs of students when they were literally stranded.
3.What is the largest problem on campus?
I think the largest problem on our campus is the lack of student space. Students need space to study, to hang out, to meet and we really do need to improve on the amount of space we have on campus. We need to make sure were utilizing our space effectively to meet the needs of students.
4.What can you bring to the SFUO/BOA/BOG that no other candidate can (aka why should someone vote for you)?
I bring a fresh perspective of someone who is determined, self-suffient and who has the experiance in finances. I bring new ideas and new plans that reflect students and what they need out of their student federation.
5.And to steal a question from my co-op workbook: if you came back from a meeting and there was an elephant in your office, what would you do?
I would take it home with me, i've always wanted a pet elephant.

Friday, February 6, 2009

Election news?

Ok, so I spent the majority of my evening at model parliament. Several candidates are taking part:
Peter Flynn (BOA SocSci)
Iain Brannigan (BOA SocSci)
Cam Gray (BOA SocSci)
Ivy O (BOA SocSci)
Austin Menyasz (BOG)
Kyle Simunovic (BOA SocSci and Senate)

What did I learn? Not much, it's been busy in the Senate but I can tell you that:
Peter Flynn is willing to table evidence that he passed 2 first year economics courses (with A+'s!)
Iain will act in unparliamentary manners (and be forced to apologize for them).
Austin Menyasz is hungry after a night in the Senate. That and he appreciates that this new round of politics is a break from the other politics.
Kyle Simunovic makes member's statements about fictional old ladies who make wonderful jam in the BC riding of: West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country (which is the most ridiculous riding title of all time.)

I'll see what I can dig up tomorrow.

Roxanne Dubois (VP Finance)

1.What is your name, what position are you running for, and could you please sum up your platform in one sentence?
Roxanne Dubois, VP Finance, Ensuring a responsible management of the SFUO's ressources while reinforcing our strong social engagement.

2.Name one thing the University of Ottawa administration is doing right.
Diffusing the projects we have been trying to push forward with them!

3.What is the largest problem on campus?
Commercialisation: unclear criteria for the selling off of different parts of campus (buildings, student spaces, buildings).

4.What can you bring to the SFUO/BOA/BOG that no other candidate can (aka why should someone vote for you)?
I bring a vision for the position of VP finance that is looking further than the actual numbers: making sure we keep a strong social engagement through our initiatives and budget priorities.

5.And to steal a question from my co-op workbook: if you came back from a meeting and there was an elephant in your office, what would you do?
I would talk about it! (the elephant in the room...get it? :p )

(Roxanne's elephant response made me lol)