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SFSS Election 2009 Discussion (ALL SFSS Election related issues goes here)

votenigel
edited March 2009 in General
As per Student0667s request, this is a new thread to discuss the issues that you care about and the solutions proposed by the three MSO candidates. I am interested in your ideas about how to make the three campuses more fun as well as environmentally friendly. Thank you for keeping the discussion to the issues.

Student0667, I understand your frustration with the online registration system. Unfortunately, that does not fall into the role of the MSO, that is the job of the University Relations Officer. However, it is definitely the job of the MSO to listen to your concerns and champion them to the SFSS board, which is exactly what I will do.

I also understand your point that sustainability is a bonus, and what I have proposed will accomplish both increasing the ease with which clubs and DSUs can host events and decrease waste. I will set up an online system for booking tables, rooms, and SFSS equipment at all three campuses. Whether you see that as a move to increase the number of events and see the environmental factor as a bonus, or the other way around, it benefits everyone. I am committed to making our university experience a better one - after all, I am a student here too! Only one point in my platform concerns sustainability, although it is something I think is very important.

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Go to http://www.votenigel.ca to read my platform


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Additional Informations from Student0667

Hey guys,

This is Student0667. I would like to make this thread the official SFSS Election 2009 Discussion thread. Therefore, any questions or issues associated with this year's SFSS Election should be posted here. I am doing this to make the forum less cluttered and to concentrate all discussions and debates into one thread.

Please keep the discussion and debates clean and friendly, thank you. Any sort of biased campaigning or libeling will not be tolerated.

Thankyou,

Student0667
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Comments

  • randomuser
    edited March 2009
    I hate to break this to you, but you won't be able to setup an online system for booking tables, rooms and SFSS equipment at all three campus for club events. There is a online booking system for study rooms, but theres a reason this has not been extended to any of the main rooms in every campus.

    All three campus operate under different mandates, and there already is a system in place for this within the SFSS, for clubs to book rooms by communicating with the internal departments at each campus-- are you going to usurp the SFSS or SFPIRG?

    The equipment also belongs to audio visual services, not the SFSS.
  • randomuser
    edited March 2009
    Now that I think about it, wouldn't it be the university relations officer who could more effectively accomplish a more vibrant student life-- if it involves communicating with the internal departments within SFU?

    I dont think half the population of this university dont even know what the responsibilities of these jobs are, which is sad. I have no idea what these different people who are getting paid are supposed to be doing. Even testimonials from these people say they are unsure.
  • Guest1
    edited March 2009
    randomuser;50751 said:
    Now that I think about it, wouldn't it be the university relations officer who could more effectively accomplish a more vibrant student life-- if it involves communicating with the internal departments within SFU?

    I dont think half the population of this university dont even know what the responsibilities of these jobs are, which is sad. I have no idea what these different people who are getting paid are supposed to be doing. Even testimonials from these people say they are unsure.
    Yeah i honestly do not know what most of the positions are for. What the heck is Member At Large, for example?
  • Student0667
    edited March 2009
    Hi Nigel,

    Thanks for starting this thread. However, if there is a need to have a SFSS Election 2009 discussion thread, I would much rather have a general thread that talks about the election instead of one thread that devoted to a single contest.

    I will probably change the thread title to SFSS Election 2009 Discussion, if that's alright with you.
  • schmoey
    edited March 2009
    summerheaven;50753 said:
    Yeah i honestly do not know what most of the positions are for. What the heck is Member At Large, for example?
    +1. Though for me, I don't think I know what each position is responsible for partially because I haven't put much attention/interest to student government, although I would definitely like to start informing myself. I tried briefly scoping around the SFSS site as well as the independent elections site, but couldn't find too much info, but perhaps I'm going blind. Anyone know where I can find "job descriptions" of each position?
  • Student0667
    edited March 2009
    ^Hi Schmoey,

    Our good friends at SFU Peak have actually written an Q&A regarding this question. I will patch you to it now.
    J.J. McCullough said:


    Executive Officers

    The seven executive officers are the main decision-makers in the SFSS. They are the men and women who hold the most power and conduct the day-to-day business of the student society. They all have individual staff and preside over numerous employees within the SFU bureaucracy. Here they are, ranked roughly in order of importance:

    1) President of the SFSS — The president is the symbolic head of the SFU student society, though he or she does not have a ton of power. He or she decides when meetings are held and gets to serve on all committees the SFSS makes. He or she is also generally responsible for coordinating and managing the rest of the executives, and serving as a sounding board for student gripes.

    2) External Relations Officer — The ERO is essentially the foreign minister of the SFSS. She or he is responsible for managing the SFSS’s relationships with numerous groups and organisations that exist beyond the university walls, including the provincial government, TransLink, and other student unions.

    3) Internal Relations Officer — The IRO is one of the most important and complicated jobs in the SFSS. This position oversees the files of the over 80 employees currently on the SFSS payroll, including Pub staff, clerical workers, and countless other bureaucrats — labour relations, in other words.

    4) Treasurer — The treasurer keeps track of how the SFSS spends its money. As chair of the budget committee, this person is heavily involved in determining the spending priorities of the student government. Working closely with the auditor, once a year he or she must present a thorough financial report at the society’s general meeting.

    5) University Relations Officer — The URO is the liaison between the SFSS and the administration of Simon Fraser University. When the SFSS wants a change in school policy, the URO is the one that has to negotiate with the university president and his various underlings. A hard-working individual, the URO is the only executive officer who does not have a staff of employees to assist them.

    6) Members Services Officer — The MSO is the newest office at the SFSS, created in 2002. The duties are thus rather varied. The MSO’s main responsibility is managing the SFSS Forum (see below), including setting its agenda and keeping track of all its members. Additionally, the MSO is the person in charge of spearheading all the special events organised by the student society, such as parties, debates, and activist campaigns. Lastly, the MSO is also the vice president, and thus becomes prez if the incumbent is impeached or resigns (which happens more often than you might think).

    Board of Directors

    Together, the seven executives sit on the Board of Directors. But there are nine other Board members we get to elect as well.

    1) The members-at-large are three Board members who have no official duties other than attending meetings and committees. They help offer outsider perspectives to the SFSS’s deliberations. By law, at least one member-at-large has to be a grad student.

    2) The faculty reps are six additional Board members, each of whom represents one of the university’s six faculties. To refresh, SFU’s six faculties are arts, science, applied science, health science, business, and education. You must be a member (ie. taking a course) of the faculty in question if you want to run for one of these spots.
    Before the Graduate Students formed their own Student Society, the SFSS used to have a position call the Graduate Issues Officer as well.

    http://www.peak.sfu.ca/the-peak/2007-1/issue7/fe-sfss.html
  • votenigel
    edited March 2009
    randomuser;50750 said:
    I hate to break this to you, but you won't be able to setup an online system for booking tables, rooms and SFSS equipment at all three campus for club events. There is a online booking system for study rooms, but theres a reason this has not been extended to any of the main rooms in every campus.

    All three campus operate under different mandates, and there already is a system in place for this within the SFSS, for clubs to book rooms by communicating with the internal departments at each campus-- are you going to usurp the SFSS or SFPIRG?

    The equipment also belongs to audio visual services, not the SFSS.

    ...

    Now that I think about it, wouldn't it be the university relations officer who could more effectively accomplish a more vibrant student life-- if it involves communicating with the internal departments within SFU?

    I dont think half the population of this university dont even know what the responsibilities of these jobs are, which is sad. I have no idea what these different people who are getting paid are supposed to be doing. Even testimonials from these people say they are unsure.
    There is no way I would be usurping SFPIRG:
    "The Simon Fraser Public Interest Research Group (SFPIRG) is a student-funded and directed resource centre at SFU. SFPIRG provides resources, training and support for students working on social and environmental justice issues on campus and in the community." - SFSS.ca
    If after implementing an online booking system, SFPIRG thought that it would be useful for making it easier for action groups to book TC 319 (their meeting space), that I would welcome that.

    The online system that I will implement will be for booking space to hold events, and to book the club tables. Talking to club execs, I have heard that they don't really know what happens to their room booking request form when the submit it, and sometimes it gets lost in the shuffle. The effective way to implement such a system would be to have it built (or to buy an off the shelf system) that is capable of handling bookings for equipment, tables, rooms and anything else we might want to add later at all three campuses. However, it would be first implemented and tested for booking tables and rooms for events at Burnaby. Once it has been proven to be effective, I can work with AV, with the Surrey Campus Committee, and with Vancouver to extend its functionality. I am not promising that everyone will agree to implement the system for their department, but I can promise to implement it for rooms and tables in Burnaby, and to use my negotiating skills to convince the aforementioned bodies to use it. If you call this "usurp[ing]" the SFSS, then that is your oppinion, to which you are dually entitled. However, I think that is what being an elective representative is all about. You make promises, get elected, and then make changes within the role and the body you are elected to. Once could say that every new board "usurp[s]" the SFSS, and the CFS has had it "usurp[ed]" for years.

    In response to the various questions about the roles within the SFSS, I will break it down for you. I did find it interesting that I couldn't find simple descriptions of the roles anywhere on the SFSS website. So when in office I will ensure that that information is readily available. Based on the Constitution of the SFSS:

    The President basically runs the show. She will be chairing meetings, representing the SFSS at formal occasions and all-round getting it done.

    The Member Services Officer is a bit like the Vice President in that if the President resigns, is impeached, doesn't show up to a meeting or what have you, the MSO takes over. The MSO is also responsible for liaising with Forum, student groups, departmental student unions, clubs etc. So basically, anything that concerns students directly concerns the MSO (ie, social events)

    The University Relations Officer liaises with the University, and with University departments. So for example, Student0667 has a legitimate beef with the number of classes made available in the summer semester, so the URO is the one who would deal with such a beef.

    The Internal Relations Officer (IRO) is responsible for working with staff, and negotiating staff contracts.

    The External Relations Officer (ERO) used to be the one to work with the CFS, but as per one of the referendum questions, that duty may be stripped from their responsibilities. They are basically the communications person, and will talk with other Student Unions, release press releases to the media, and other such things.

    The Treasurer takes care of the money, and releases financial reports.

    I hope that addresses any confusion. Essentially events, and by extension campus culture falls squarely in the role of MSO, and that is exactly why I am running. After five years on this campus (and now on my second undergrad), I want my university experience to be more than just classes. I want to meet people, take part in events, and generally have fun. And I think I am not the only one to feel that way.

    Student0667, feel free to change the name of the thread to whatever you see fit.
  • votenigel
    edited March 2009
    Smooth moves 0667, you beat me to the punch.
  • randomuser
    edited March 2009
    When forms are lost, that is a direct result of the SFSS losing the papers, not approving them, or not following up with the appropriate documents.

    All I'm saying is there already is a system set up, and I don't possibly see how you could really change it. Maybe you could make an e-submission type calendar, that would display whether something is received or being looked at to make the SFSS more accountable to student requests.

    In terms of students actually being able to book space in real time format, I can guarantee it won't happen and is a bit naive to think it would be able to happen when there is money / liability involved.

    I mean booking tables in the AQ, that is semi-doable through an online thing (I'm sure the operations department would love students being able to book tables and resources, thus being able to control their needed staffing levels--not), but booking rooms and equipment, definitely wont happen.
  • votenigel
    edited March 2009
    Ramdomuser: Don't you think that given the opportunity to streamline resource allocation, save money, and provide better services to students, the SFSS and the University would be willing to do so? Since we are facing a deficit, it just makes sense to allocate our limited resources towards services that are more important than paperwork.

    I implemented an online registration system for the Sailing School (a non-profit entity wholly-owned by a Yacht Club) I used to manage. The scope and scale of that project was of a similar order of magnitude as the one I am proposing, and I got the same kind of resistance from board members at the time. However, it has now been up and running for almost four years, and the school has saved a significant amount of money which it has put towards increasing the instructor:student ratio and upgrading equipment. There are countless other examples of how such a system is a best practice.

    I have a modest platform which I have specifically chosen so that at the end of my one-year term, I will be able to stand behind it and show that I was able to get everything done that I promised and more. An online booking system, two additional events, and a reduction in waste produced by the SFSS are completely achievable goals, and I encourage you to hold me to account during and after my term.
  • randomuser
    edited March 2009
    votenigel;50770 said:
    Ramdomuser: Don't you think that given the opportunity to streamline resource allocation, save money, and provide better services to students, the SFSS and the University would be willing to do so? Since we are facing a deficit, it just makes sense to allocate our limited resources towards services that are more important than paperwork.
    Everything in SFU is bureaucratic designed in nature to keep each department on top of its own efficiency. By giving students more access to room, resources and space its actually costing the university money, since the student rates are either free or way less than that which internal departments or external companies are paying for SFU space.

    I think there should be improvements to student life on campus, but I don't think you'll be able to change that reading your platform, there are many higher powers that be that are in charge of these decisions-- that is, the places you are mentioning here.

    I think the procedures right now are fine, what is lacking is a group organzing *good* events, or events period. There is little to no advertising going on, and the SFSS should be using their funds to be putting these on, instead of blaming the universitys other departments.

    I mean we got club tables in the AQ, but who cares about that, not everyone wants to join clubs, how about interesting stuff. I've seen a few random things at SFU Surrey in the lobby, and little to nothing in Vancouver.

    Ultimately, the SFSS should be responsible for student life, and it is not doing a good job of it. SFSS has the money, it should be using it to put on more events. I'm surprised how much some of these people are getting paid frankly, within the SFSS. Money going to people like the pro-life club or whatever is, is ridiculous.

    Further, if the SFSS is giving the clubs money, the clubs should be doing more with the money as well.
  • votenigel
    edited March 2009
    randomuser;50785 said:
    Everything in SFU is bureaucratic designed in nature to keep each department on top of its own efficiency. By giving students more access to room, resources and space its actually costing the university money, since the student rates are either free or way less than that which internal departments or external companies are paying for SFU space.

    I think there should be improvements to student life on campus, but I don't think you'll be able to change that reading your platform, there are many higher powers that be that are in charge of these decisions-- that is, the places you are mentioning here.

    I think the procedures right now are fine, what is lacking is a group organzing *good* events, or events period. There is little to no advertising going on, and the SFSS should be using their funds to be putting these on, instead of blaming the universitys other departments.

    I mean we got club tables in the AQ, but who cares about that, not everyone wants to join clubs, how about interesting stuff. I've seen a few random things at SFU Surrey in the lobby, and little to nothing in Vancouver.

    Ultimately, the SFSS should be responsible for student life, and it is not doing a good job of it. SFSS has the money, it should be using it to put on more events. I'm surprised how much some of these people are getting paid frankly, within the SFSS. Money going to people like the pro-life club or whatever is, is ridiculous.

    Further, if the SFSS is giving the clubs money, the clubs should be doing more with the money as well.
    If the above are the issues you care about, then I don't know what it is in my platform that you can possibly disagree with.

    Your argument regarding online booking is that it will be good for students, but the school won't go for it. If that is what you believe, why not support me in trying?

    If you think that events are not promoted well enough, then you should agree with my promise to improving the support, marketing and advertising of events that are currently being held such that they are better attended. I have considerable experience in marketing and in organizing events, so I will be a great asset to clubs and DSUs that are looking for support in hosting their events.

    If you want more fun events, and more of them, why not support me in hosting a week of welcome in September and January. The AMS does it, and UBC student love it. It will be a great chance to meet people at the beginning of the semester, eat some good food, drink beer if you like beer, and maybe catch some good bands playing on campus.

    I understand if sustainability is not important to you, but the sustainable initiatives I intend to support will not come at the expense of building a stronger campus culture, they will support that goal. For example, rooftop community gardens are a great way to bring students together who love to garden, and it doesn't have to cost anything. It is not part of my platform, but there are students who want to expand the community gardens at SFU, and that is something I wholly support. Furthermore, there is the added benefit that gardens purify water, sequester carbon, and capture sunlight energy far better then concrete.

    I would be really interested to hear what specifically you do not support in my platform. I think we are both on the same page in terms of what we want to get from our university experience, and I intend to make that happen.
  • hikin
    edited March 2009
    OMG someone is actually constructively arguing with Randomuser.

    Nigel i give you props. lol
  • randomuser
    edited March 2009
    votenigel;50787 said:
    If the above are the issues you care about, then I don't know what it is in my platform that you can possibly disagree with.

    Your argument regarding online booking is that it will be good for students, but the school won't go for it. If that is what you believe, why not support me in trying?

    If you think that events are not promoted well enough, then you should agree with my promise to improving the support, marketing and advertising of events that are currently being held such that they are better attended. I have considerable experience in marketing and in organizing events, so I will be a great asset to clubs and DSUs that are looking for support in hosting their events.

    I would be really interested to hear what specifically you do not support in my platform. I think we are both on the same page in terms of what we want to get from our university experience, and I intend to make that happen.
    No, I don't think having an online system would be good for students actually. My point is that it will hurt revenue, and the powers that be are aware of this. I don't think you will be able to achieve this goal, in fact I would go as far as guarantee it.

    I think the SFSS does not handle or use it funds to its best extent, and if your platform is going after the SFSS to get on student life, then I agree with you. Are you going after the SFSS or the university to accomplish this objective?

    Frankly, I have little to no idea what the SFSS is doing with its money, but I have a great idea what the university does and where the onus of student life rests, on the SFSS. All I know over the past year is we all hear stories of our faculty reps etc not submitting their work reports, and being accused of doing dick all.
  • votenigel
    edited March 2009
    randomuser;50790 said:
    No, I don't think having an online system would be good for students actually. My point is that it will hurt revenue, and the powers that be are aware of this. I don't think you will be able to achieve this goal, in fact I would go as far as guarantee it.

    I think the SFSS does not handle or use it funds to its best extent, and if your platform is going after the SFSS to get on student life, then I agree with you. Are you going after the SFSS or the university to accomplish this objective?

    Frankly, I have little to no idea what the SFSS is doing with its money, but I have a great idea what the university does and where the onus of student life rests, on the SFSS. All I know over the past year is we all hear stories of our faculty reps etc not submitting their work reports, and being accused of doing dick all.
    So we disagree regarding the online booking system. I see it as a cost and paper saving tool that will allow student groups to gain access to rooms and tables more easily. You see it as impossible because SFU will not go for it. That is fine. Lets agree to disagree.

    Regarding "going after the SFSS or the university", I do not intend to do either. As MSO, it will be my job to organize events, and I will be a part of the SFSS. So instead of going after the SFSS to do it, I will organize a social committee within that organization consisting of SFSS execs, faculty and at-large reps, and interested students, and we will make it happen. If we need university support for any of our planned events, then I will rely on the URO to do their job and work to get the acceptance of the school. I believe in working within the system to achieve results rather than going after the administration of our Student Society or the University.

    Regarding transparency, I fully agree that it is an issue. Some candidates running for other positions are campaigning on transparency, but I see it as simply a part of my job. The MSO is responsible for coordinating and compiling the Report of the Board, and it will be available at the Annual General Meeting. I will also work with the Treasurer, whoever that may be, to ensure that there is full disclosure. But again, that is not part of my platform, it is part of the job as MSO, and I will do that job well.
  • c.j.86
    edited March 2009
    hi there
    just wondering about the zero emissions aspect of your campaign. My b/f drives a 85 toyota pickup with the 2.4L turbodiesel engine, and he regularly runs it on biodiesel from cascadia.
    Basically to make this short, how can the biodiesel from vancouver co-op reach the tank of his truck? how is the fuel available? I dont always take the bus sometime he picks me up at night time when the bus service is slow.
    please explain this a bit more, I am into biodiesel and the whole zero emissions idea..
    any way to take the grease from the cafeteria to use it for refining biodiesel for use in SFU student vehicles? I am sure you aware that homebrew biodiesel technically is not legitamite unless you have the restaurants permission to use their oil, otherwise it is stealing if you show up and suck their grease bin dry......,
  • votenigel
    edited March 2009
    c.j.86;50792 said:
    hi there
    just wondering about the zero emissions aspect of your campaign. My b/f drives a 85 toyota pickup with the 2.4L turbodiesel engine, and he regularly runs it on biodiesel from cascadia.
    Basically to make this short, how can the biodiesel from vancouver co-op reach the tank of his truck? how is the fuel available? I dont always take the bus sometime he picks me up at night time when the bus service is slow.
    please explain this a bit more, I am into biodiesel and the whole zero emissions idea..
    any way to take the grease from the cafeteria to use it for refining biodiesel for use in SFU student vehicles? I am sure you aware that homebrew biodiesel technically is not legitamite unless you have the restaurants permission to use their oil, otherwise it is stealing if you show up and suck their grease bin dry......,
    Good question CJ.

    Vancouver Biodiesel Cooperative provides unblended 100% recycled biodiesel. The pump is near Main Street at Terminal Ave. The pump is down right now but it should be back up and running in 2-6 weeks. Your boyfriend would have to pay $25 to become a member, and then drive to the main/terminal location every time he wants to fill up. At this time of year, you also have to blend 50/50 with regular diesel because B100 (all biodiesel, no petroleum diesel) becomes a solid at about 8 degrees C.

    The other option, which is what I have done with my personal car, is to convert it such that it can run on waste vegetable oil. The difference is that recycled biodiesel takes waste vegetable oil and processes it so that it can be used in regular diesel engines. With the system I have you convert your vehicle with a ~$2000 add-on, and you can put used vegetable oil in a secondary tank. That means you could get used oil from the Pub or Chartwells, filter it at home or at a slightly larger community-type facility (like the one I use in South Burnaby), and then run your car on it. Pretty neat stuff. What your boyfriend could do is start a WVO club at SFU, and I could work with the IRO to allow the WVO club to collect oil from restaurants on campus. You can also just find a local restaurant and ask them nicely. Most people are more than happy to give away their waste for a good cause.

    Let me know if you have any other questions about WVO or biodiesel.
  • Nikolai
    edited March 2009
    ITT, I tell you how to vote based on a brief skimming of the SFSS site. I know we have two threads on the topic already, but those both seem to be about particular candidates or races. This most likely won't make sense if you don't read the candidate profiles on the SFSS site.

    You could also vote on who the most attractive candidates are, because that's honestly the most interesting question here. Hypothetically you could discuss your own picks or call me an idiot for mine.

    President

    Natalie Bocking: pro cfs candidate.

    Ada Nadison: The other one.

    Pick: Ada Nadison for not being Bocking.

    Treasurer

    Susie Hill: I really just want to re-post the first paragraph of her profile with corrected punctuation and grammar. You would think people would put more effort into this. She says that she is already in talks with external organizations about finding new ways to dole out student fees. She says that she has related work experience, but doesn't specify where. There is no indication that she can handle money.

    Harjit Sandhu: A member of the "Student For blank" slate. Original name. He mentions his painting business, to which I always have to respond "ugh, he fell for that?" He talks about a lot of the same issues that our current treasurer used to talk about before stating publicly that unions and bureaucracy make it impossible. He mentions reducing SFSS fees, which I have to give him credit for. Not that I think it will happen with our repeated deficits, but at least he leaves it on the table.

    Joe Zelezny: Too much caps lock, it was annoying to read.

    Pick: Harjit Sandhu for presenting real issues in a professional manner.

    ERO

    Jordan Kohn: The provincial government is not increasing funding. This was the number one item on his platform and it is ridiculous. He is anti-cfs. He mentions free speech: is it a reference to anything in particular? The union thing with Anna Belkine? He lists endorsements, but it is unclear whether he endorses them or they endorse him.

    Alysia MacGrotty: Her favorite tv show is Seinfeld, which speaks poorly of her. If you think this is shallow of me, then blame her for posting such vapid information. She calles herself a "young woman." Her listing is way too long and lists unimportant information in a very verbose style. She mentions the "Council of Student Affairs Leaders" (thus capitalized), but I can't find any information about this group. I assume it is a do-nothing cfs shill because this candidate appears to be a cfs shill.

    Michelle (Xiao) Liu: Her favorite food is Asian/European fusion, but everyone knows fusion is horrible. So horrible that she must be lieing. She simply must be; who could like that stuff? She comes across as very polite, which is a big plus for me. It's a shame that she stated she likes fusion; I am forced to assume her good manners are an act. She mentions keeping sfss sites updated, which is a bigger issue than it seems. I think the biggest reason for the lack of transparency in SFU politics is pure laziness. She uses the word "ethical" instead of "ethnic," and it makes me paranoid. Was it really a mistake? She mentions an emphisis on intenrational-student based activities, but everyone knows those are the most active clubs on campus already. She goes on and on about internal relations issues, and spend one brief paragraph on the position she's running for. I'm seriously questioning if maybe she ran for the wrong office by mistake.

    Pick: Jordan Kohn. If this were IRO, I would have said Liu. But it isn't.

    MSO

    Mona Law: Favorite on the forum, apparently. She has horrible taste in television. She has a professional and concise (thank god) statement. Pertinent experience and history with SFU Surrey. Honestly, this is kind of a ridiculous race because there is no way any of the other candidates can overcome her Surrey vote.

    Andy Shen: I am not your friend, John McC- I mean Andy Shen. I would be more interested in hearing Andy's plan than in hearing that he will propose a plan at a future date. Thankfully short- it is getting late.

    Nigel Tunacliffe: It impresses me that he didn't bother filling in the stupid profile questions. Really, how could those do anything but hurt you? People could catch you in a lie when you say you like fusion, or something. Short! I like what he has to say about clubs and the pub, but the sustainability stuff seems to come out of left field and without specific information regarding this, I assume it is expensive. I'm not a fan of biodiesel.

    Pick: Mona Law. Honestly, I would prefer Nigel Tunacliffe but I want to pick a winner and the winner here is clear.

    Good God, there are a lot of positions. I may or may not continue telling you how to vote later. Also, a message to the candidates: I am uninformed and cowardly, please don't call me out.

    Edit: tried to make things more readable.
  • randomuser
    edited March 2009
    Nikolai;50846 said:
    ITT, I tell you how to vote based on a brief skimming of the SFSS site. I know we have two threads on the topic already, but those both seem to be about particular candidates or races.

    You could also vote on who the most attractive candidates are, because that's honestly the most interesting question here. Hypothetically you could discuss your own picks or call me an idiot for mine.

    President

    Natalie Bocking: pro cfs candidate.

    Ada Nadison: The other one.

    Pick: Ada Nadison for not being Bocking.

    Treasurer

    Susie Hill: I really just want to re-post the first paragraph of her profile with corrected punctuation and grammar. You would think people would put more effort into this. She says that she is already in talks with external organizations about finding new ways to dole out student fees. She says that she has related work experience, but doesn't specify where. There is no indication that she can handle money.

    Harjit Sandhu: A member of the "Student For " slate. Original name. He mentions his painting business, to which I always have to respond "ugh, he fell for that?" He talks about a lot of the same issues that our current treasurer used to talk about before stating publicly that unions and bureaucracy make it impossible. He mentions reducing SFSS fees, which I have to give him credit for. Not that I think it will happen with our repeated deficits, but at least he leaves it on the table.

    Joe Zelezny: Too much caps lock, it was annoying to read.

    Pick: Harjit Sandhu for presenting real issues in a professional manner.

    ERO

    Jordan Kohn: The provincial government is not increasing funding. This was the number one item on his platform and it is ridiculous. He is anti-cfs. He mentions free speech: is it a reference to anything in particular? The union thing with Anna Belkine? He lists endorsements, but it is unclear whether he endorses them or they endorse him.

    Alysia MacGrotty: Her favorite tv show is Seinfeld, which speaks poorly of her. If you think this is shallow of me, then blame her for posting such vapid information. She calles herself a "young woman." Her listing is way too long and lists unimportant information in a very verbose style. She mentions the "Council of Student Affairs Leaders" (thus capitalized), but I can't find any information about this group. I assume it is a do-nothing cfs shill because this candidate appears to be a cfs shill.

    Michelle (Xiao) Liu: Her favorite food is Asian/European fusion, but everyone knows fusion is horrible. So horrible that she must be lieing. She simply must be; who could like that stuff? She comes across as very polite, which is a big plus for me. It's a shame that she stated she likes fusion; I am forced to assume her good manners are an act. She mentions keeping sfss sites updated, which is a bigger issue than it seems. I think the biggest reason for the lack of transparency in SFU politics is pure laziness. She uses "ethical" instead of "ethnic," and it makes me paranoid. Was it really a mistake? She mentions an emphisis on intenrational-student based activities, but everyone knows those are the most active clubs on campus already. She goes on and on about internal relations issues, and spend one brief paragraph on the position she's running for. I'm seriously questioning if maybe she ran for the wrong office by mistake.

    Pick: Jordan Kohn. If this were IRO, I would have said Liu. But it isn't.

    MSO

    Mona Law: Favorite on the forum, apparently. She has horrible taste in television. She has a professional and concise (thank god) statement. Pertinent experience and history with SFU Surrey. Honestly, this is kind of a ridiculous race because there is no way any of the other candidates can overcome her Surrey vote.

    Andy Shen: I am not your friend, John McC- I mean Andy Shen. I would be more interested in hearing Andy's plan than in hearing that he will propose a plan at a future date. Thankfully short- it is getting late.

    Nigel Tunacliffe: It impresses me that he didn't bother filling in the stupid profile questions. Really, how could those do anything but hurt you? People could catch you in a lie when you say you like fusion, or something. Short! I like what he has to say about clubs and the pub, but the sustainability stuff seems to come out of left field and without specific information regarding this, I assume it is expensive. I'm not a fan of biodiesel.

    Pick: Mona Law. Honestly, I would prefer Nigel Tunacliffe but I want to pick a winner and the winner here is clear.

    Good God, there are a lot of positions. I may or may not continue telling you how to vote later. Also, a message to the candidates: I am uninformed and cowardly, please don't call me out.

    Uhhh, did you hear the shit about Harjit Sandhu in the peak about the college he was in? I would stay away from him like the plague.

    Also, I'm voting for Natalie Bocking, its not like the CFS is going to come back if shes elected.
  • Student0667
    edited March 2009
    To Nikolai and all other forum members who are interested in discussing SFSS politic,

    In order to keep this forum clean, I would like to keep all SFSS Election 2009 related material into THIS thread, thank you. I don't want more people coming here and fill this form with "elect me because I am a, b, and c", "elect me because my opponent is x, y, and z" and "I am voting for a because of d, e, and f." threads.
    randomuser;50848 said:
    Also, I'm voting for Natalie Bocking, its not like the CFS is going to come back if shes elected.
    She is going to get impeached if she even thinks about bringing back the CFS. But then again, why waste the time and effort by killing two birds (figuratively and literally) with one stone by voting for Ada Nadison.
  • Nikolai
    edited March 2009
    Okay, sorry for the clutter. Maybe this should be amended onto the first post to make this clear? Clicking on the thread I started leads to page two of this one, so people could miss your post on page three.

    Edit to add:
    Uhhh, did you hear the shit about Harjit Sandhu in the peak about the college he was in? I would stay away from him like the plague.
    They posted a retraction the next week.
  • votenigel
    edited March 2009
    Nikolai;50846 said:
    MSO

    Mona Law: Favorite on the forum, apparently. She has horrible taste in television. She has a professional and concise (thank god) statement. Pertinent experience and history with SFU Surrey. Honestly, this is kind of a ridiculous race because there is no way any of the other candidates can overcome her Surrey vote.

    Andy Shen: I am not your friend, John McC- I mean Andy Shen. I would be more interested in hearing Andy's plan than in hearing that he will propose a plan at a future date. Thankfully short- it is getting late.

    Nigel Tunacliffe: It impresses me that he didn't bother filling in the stupid profile questions. Really, how could those do anything but hurt you? People could catch you in a lie when you say you like fusion, or something. Short! I like what he has to say about clubs and the pub, but the sustainability stuff seems to come out of left field and without specific information regarding this, I assume it is expensive. I'm not a fan of biodiesel.

    Pick: Mona Law. Honestly, I would prefer Nigel Tunacliffe but I want to pick a winner and the winner here is clear.
    If you think Mona will be a clear winner, why not vote for who you want to win :P You might be surprise with the support I have built in the Sustainable Community Development program, and with business students.

    Furthermore, sustainable initiatives are not necessarily expensive. Going carbon-neutral is, because you have to buy carbon offset credits. The initiatives I am supporting, such as rooftop community gardens and composting for campus foodservice providers can be done without adding any cost. Things like changes in lighting and paper use actually save money.
  • Nikolai
    edited March 2009
    I do plan to vote for you, these "picks" are more of a snarky critique of the candidate statements than anything else. I still believe the Surrey campus will vote predominantly for Mona Law and that this is insurmountable, however.

    IRO

    Andrew Fergusson: "Thanks for dropping by?" I am still in my home, Andrew Fergusson. He blames his failings the past year on circumstance, even though he told a completely different story to the Peak some time ago. We had an arcade and games space and no one used it- that's why we got rid of it. He says he has learned to be more realistic, and then lists unrealistic goals for the next year. I'm really tired of listening to people parrot the same mantra about "these tough economic time," etc. Generic, but still poorly done.

    Robert Lutener: He gives too much information about certain topics, and it's uncomfortable. More free speech stuff- what is this about? He also talks about the possibility of lowering fees, but realistically any money he can save as IRO will only be spent elsewhere. There are specific things I disagree with, but this is bound to happen when someone takes so many solid stances on issues.

    pick: Robert Lutener, which really surprised me because his posters are horrible.

    URO

    Ryan Daw: He says he is a math student, but I don't recognize him at all. This is unusual. He makes himself sound like a student politics groupie. Most of his goals sound like busy work.

    Shara Lee: Horrible taste in television. The only acceptable response is "Battlestar Gallactica." That's it. Her statement reads like a motivational speech and lacks details. She makes vague accusations: the worst kind.

    Richard Vickery: His grammar is pretty bad. I wouldn't say anything (for fear of being called a hypocrite, if nothing else), except that I honestly don't understand what he is trying to say. Oh god, he is a Linux spokesman. His entire statement is about linux. Good god.

    pick: leave the position empty. Can you spoil your vote in the online system?

    Member at Large

    Jonathan Brockman: A nice manly name. His hobby is loving life, which I assume means he's a dope-head commie. "I am a uniter, not a divider. By the way, those other board members suck." He didn't do his job and had his pay withheld. He uses this as a selling point. He says little, and all of it is generic tripe.

    Winnie Chung: She calls herself fun. That's a little like being the only one to laugh at your own jokes. I like her club registration ideas. The only necessary campus event is free coffee. Pancakes, ice cream, etc is superfluous and wasteful.

    Sunny Kahlon: He talks about "how tough these economic times are," which puts me off from reading the rest.

    Loretta Laurin: She flip-flops on the T.V. issue. I don't want to hear that general studies majors can qualify for scholarships. Long lists always make me think "okay, so she spent a day at each of these places?" None of her listed goals actually require that she be a member of the sfss.

    Nathan Nastili: I suspect his statement is not really coming soon.

    Picks: Winnie Chiung. We can close the other position and save some money.

    Department representatives aren't important enough to write about.
  • votenigel
    edited March 2009
    Nikolai;50922 said:
    ...
    There were some seriously good lols in there.
  • Morro
    edited March 2009
    My picks have inspired a FANTASTIC facebook group:
    http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=58627456841&ref=mf
  • lazyGUY
    edited March 2009
    HAHAHAHAHAH number of douchebags in that group is HUGE
    especially joe paling
  • lazyGUY
    edited March 2009
    HAHAHAHAHAH i just read the gay guy defending joes homophobic comments and deeming them "necessary" to the gay community
    lol these people are fucked
  • Nikolai
    edited March 2009
    I don't know if it was your intention to troll Joe Paling, but it was expertly done.

    The homophobia thread also explained why so many candidate statements mention free speech. It seems silly to dilute a public statement with something so few members of the general public will understand.
  • SFU Gotham Dark Knig
    edited March 2009
    Nikolai;50922 said:
    I do plan to vote for you, these "picks" are more of a snarky critique of the candidate statements than anything else. I still believe the Surrey campus will vote predominantly for Mona Law and that this is insurmountable, however.

    IRO

    Andrew Fergusson: "Thanks for dropping by?" I am still in my home, Andrew Fergusson. He blames his failings the past year on circumstance, even though he told a completely different story to the Peak some time ago. We had an arcade and games space and no one used it- that's why we got rid of it. He says he has learned to be more realistic, and then lists unrealistic goals for the next year. I'm really tired of listening to people parrot the same mantra about "these tough economic time," etc. Generic, but still poorly done.

    Robert Lutener: He gives too much information about certain topics, and it's uncomfortable. More free speech stuff- what is this about? He also talks about the possibility of lowering fees, but realistically any money he can save as IRO will only be spent elsewhere. There are specific things I disagree with, but this is bound to happen when someone takes so many solid stances on issues.

    pick: Robert Lutener, which really surprised me because his posters are horrible.

    URO

    Ryan Daw: He says he is a math student, but I don't recognize him at all. This is unusual. He makes himself sound like a student politics groupie. Most of his goals sound like busy work.

    Shara Lee: Horrible taste in television. The only acceptable response is "Battlestar Gallactica." That's it. Her statement reads like a motivational speech and lacks details. She makes vague accusations: the worst kind.

    Richard Vickery: His grammar is pretty bad. I wouldn't say anything (for fear of being called a hypocrite, if nothing else), except that I honestly don't understand what he is trying to say. Oh god, he is a Linux spokesman. His entire statement is about linux. Good god.

    pick: leave the position empty. Can you spoil your vote in the online system?

    Member at Large

    Jonathan Brockman: A nice manly name. His hobby is loving life, which I assume means he's a dope-head commie. "I am a uniter, not a divider. By the way, those other board members suck." He didn't do his job and had his pay withheld. He uses this as a selling point. He says little, and all of it is generic tripe.

    Winnie Chung: She calls herself fun. That's a little like being the only one to laugh at your own jokes. I like her club registration ideas. The only necessary campus event is free coffee. Pancakes, ice cream, etc is superfluous and wasteful.

    Sunny Kahlon: He talks about "how tough these economic times are," which puts me off from reading the rest.

    Loretta Laurin: She flip-flops on the T.V. issue. I don't want to hear that general studies majors can qualify for scholarships. Long lists always make me think "okay, so she spent a day at each of these places?" None of her listed goals actually require that she be a member of the sfss.

    Nathan Nastili: I suspect his statement is not really coming soon.

    Picks: Winnie Chiung. We can close the other position and save some money.

    Department representatives aren't important enough to write about.
    I pretty much agree with all your picks.... but member at large ... I would also choose Sunny Kahlon ... as he has promised to use money out of his own pay/stipend to create a bursary for the students..... shows that he isn't just doing this for the money.

    As for Robert Lutener ....you're right ....he is a guy that is very well in tune with a lot of issues....and a bit of a hard-liner....But, overall, I think he has the passion to get some things actually done unlike a lot of the other people!
  • SFU Gotham Dark Knig
    edited March 2009
    By The Way...I heard rumors about this "Tr uth See Ker" on Facebook....anyone know of his/her whereabouts....it was an odd incident....he/she appeared for one night and then vanished :|
This discussion has been closed.