President's Perspective: On your mark, get set, GO
As executive elections open this week, it is with pleasure and pain that I start writing this article. Seeing the posters makes reality set in that apparently, I don't have a job in two months. Holy crap.
Watching the new candidates with all their enthusiasm is hard not to smile at and get excited about. These ‘newbie's' want to do a good job and want to represent students. Stepping up to run for a position, especially when you have never held one before, is really ballsy, so I commend you all for doing so.
Elections are a long, two-week process. But before your new Executive Council is elected, it's the voice of the students at large to put them there. The power is in your hands to make this decision. If there were any words of advice I could give students when making their choices about these candidates it would be as follows:
- Go to the speeches. This is the one chance you get to hear the candidates speak, find out how much they know about their position and what they stand for. What are they planning to do for the FSU and students next year and is it feasible?
- Go to the debate. To me, the Presidential race is the “must-see” this year. If you want to hear their opinions, head to Alumni Lounge on Wednesday. Plus, the floor is open for student questions, so maybe it's your chance to speak up.
- Ask questions. The candidates should be going around, meeting as many students as possible. If and when you meet someone, ask them questions. See what they are all about.
- Give suggestions. If there are things you want to see the Student Union do next year, this is the time to ask. The right candidates will make sure your suggestions are passed onto the current council, and then to next year's
- Keep it clean. This should be a positive experience for all candidates. Do not be malicious to other candidates if you have a friend running. You should worry more about helping your friend and their platform rather than sabotaging someone else's.
- The executive elections can truly be anyone's race. Don't be blinded by flashy campaigns and pretty colours. Who is out there, being informed, being honest, and winning your vote because they know why they want to be on council and what they can do for the student body? The pretty colours will leave, but your choice stays for 12 months.
The FSU Executives handle a lot of student money over the year. This comes from every single full-time student who goes to Fanshawe College (this means you). Make your choices wisely, but more importantly make sure your voice is heard by voting in the first place. Don't silence yourself. Read the newspaper, there will be tons of election coverage over the next few issues. We will keep you informed. If you care what happens with your money, you need to be voting in this election.
Lastly, do not feel bad making the candidates sweat a little with your questions. You have a right to ask. But remember, that it takes a lot of guts to run for a position and they have all already proven they are stepping up to try to make a difference. They all deserve props for that. Keep yourself in the Election loop, and may the best candidates win!
Watching the new candidates with all their enthusiasm is hard not to smile at and get excited about. These ‘newbie's' want to do a good job and want to represent students. Stepping up to run for a position, especially when you have never held one before, is really ballsy, so I commend you all for doing so.
Elections are a long, two-week process. But before your new Executive Council is elected, it's the voice of the students at large to put them there. The power is in your hands to make this decision. If there were any words of advice I could give students when making their choices about these candidates it would be as follows:
- Go to the speeches. This is the one chance you get to hear the candidates speak, find out how much they know about their position and what they stand for. What are they planning to do for the FSU and students next year and is it feasible?
- Go to the debate. To me, the Presidential race is the “must-see” this year. If you want to hear their opinions, head to Alumni Lounge on Wednesday. Plus, the floor is open for student questions, so maybe it's your chance to speak up.
- Ask questions. The candidates should be going around, meeting as many students as possible. If and when you meet someone, ask them questions. See what they are all about.
- Give suggestions. If there are things you want to see the Student Union do next year, this is the time to ask. The right candidates will make sure your suggestions are passed onto the current council, and then to next year's
- Keep it clean. This should be a positive experience for all candidates. Do not be malicious to other candidates if you have a friend running. You should worry more about helping your friend and their platform rather than sabotaging someone else's.
- The executive elections can truly be anyone's race. Don't be blinded by flashy campaigns and pretty colours. Who is out there, being informed, being honest, and winning your vote because they know why they want to be on council and what they can do for the student body? The pretty colours will leave, but your choice stays for 12 months.
The FSU Executives handle a lot of student money over the year. This comes from every single full-time student who goes to Fanshawe College (this means you). Make your choices wisely, but more importantly make sure your voice is heard by voting in the first place. Don't silence yourself. Read the newspaper, there will be tons of election coverage over the next few issues. We will keep you informed. If you care what happens with your money, you need to be voting in this election.
Lastly, do not feel bad making the candidates sweat a little with your questions. You have a right to ask. But remember, that it takes a lot of guts to run for a position and they have all already proven they are stepping up to try to make a difference. They all deserve props for that. Keep yourself in the Election loop, and may the best candidates win!
