In a vast departure from the three candidates who ran last year, this year there are seven candidates running for the prestigious position of Students’ Union President. The election race promises to be quite heated, considering pressing campus issues and the sheer number of candidates running.
The candidates present a wide variety of goals and proposals, but they also have some issues in common. Tuition is mentioned often, as is the expansion of MacEwan Student Centre.
Some candidates have chosen to take a different position on the issue of tuition.
"We need to shift the SU’s argument on tuition increases," said David Quayat. "We need to focus on accountability. Why did admin have a $70 million surplus? Why do the have $50 million right now? Why did Terry White take a 15 per cent pay hike? The SU needs to focus on how the university is unaccountable and mismanages tuition and taxpayers’ money."
The issue of availability and accountability of the president to the students was also brought forth.
"By voting for me you are voting for a different kind of leader," said candidate Leah Rajesky. "A leader who will work with other leaders in the university to get more done than they can alone, and that is going to benefit everyone."
All of the candidates agreed that it is important to get the voters out for this year’s election.
"I think that students have to realize that everything that we decide in SLC affects every one of them," stated candidate Faisal Rana. "I don’t want to blame the students for it [apathy], I think the SU has to be way more effective," stated candidate Faisal Rana. "We have to be out there telling them this is what we are doing for you We have to make sure that they know what we’re about and we know what they’re about-what they want."
"Basically I have nothing to gain by this," said Rahim Sajan. "I am running to make the sacrifice for students, to make some changes for students. People always talk about how the position is paid, but they forget to take the opportunity cost into account. It will hold me back a year in an already delayed education."
Candidates emphasized that students are the most important issue in the election.
"I care about this university, I mostly care about the people here, particularly the students, and I believe I can make a difference," said Rob South. "I think I have the most relevant experience and I have definitely done the most in an elected office, and I bring a cooperative leadership style to the position."
Aaron’s Szott’s focus is tuition.
"Lowering tuition is a pretty big job, and it’s a hard thing to accomplish," said Szott. "I don’t think anybody has been in there that has been very focused on that. I’m running because I want to see some changes in this university, I’ve really gotten tired of how this university treats its students."