Today at noon, the two presidential candidates - Rob McGarry and Joe Scalia - sat down in front of staff and students to debate on the issues that matter most.
Both candidates clearly have a passion for student politics and were able to communicate their passion, but let's get to the details:
Scalia and McGarry both touted the importance of communication to students - in letting them know about the FSU and how it can help students. Other topics included school spirit, communication with faculty (both said they had good relationships with faculty), Fleming, the student health plan, priorities and the student code of conduct and whether it should apply to offences off-campus (both thought it should not apply to offences off-campus).
While neither candidate really differed in opinion - increased communication was a popular answer - both seemed to have a vision for the next year. Scalia has the benefit of already being on council as this past year's VP finance and being involved in current issues, so he was able to give more tangible answers - such as what to improve on the student health plan (vision care, equipment rentals, vaccinations, etc.) and letting students know that many of the things they asked about, he was already working on (sustainability audit) or a part of - ex: part of the student code of conduct review committee.
However, McGarry has held the position of VP internal previously and is currently a very active member on SAC, so he has also been privy to some of the issues, is knowledgeable about the college and its staff and faculty, and his experience in his journalism and communications program will help in reaching out to students, he said.
Important topics and where the candidates stand:
Priorities for next year?
Rob: Engaging students, using different channels. Objectives - having a more active role (referring to FSU standing up for students, like in the case of the LTC strike) and being available to students whenever he can.
Joe: 1) Getting class reps early, 2) sustainable initiatives - establishing a sustainability coordinator, 3) open forums, video blog with FSU newsletter, 4) events - more open mic nights, 5) more events like the free market event, 6) follow-up on any student concerns.
Relationship/sometimes butting heads with the college?
Joe: Said he would be okay standing up to the college. Gave the example of how the college would like to use some of the campus improvement fees for a security initiative, but he and current president, Jabari Cooper, disagree it's in the best interest of students and are looking into more sustainable means to give the money too so they have defended their position to the college and not given the money.
Rob: Said the relationship between the college and the FSU is a "fine balance." In terms of the college, he said they sometimes overstep their boundaries and that hopefully he'd be able to collaborate with them and get a solution.
Fleming?
Joe: Never know what's going to happen. Wants to explain to residences that partying isn't wrong but out-of-control partying is. Acknowledged it goes both ways - the police are sometimes too strict - if parties aren't out of control then the police shouldn't be strict with those involved.
Rob: He also said he would talk to students during move-ins to focus on responsible partying and having a positive relationship with the police and media.
*There was also the question of Fanshawe's reputation in London - both candidates agreed that improved relations with the media and community are imperative.
Students asked about different groups on campus such as single parent students, international students and students in residences, keeping the candidates aware of the diversity of issues at Fanshawe. Their general response was more communication with these groups to see what it is they need and want from the FSU and facilitating that.
And their choice of animal if they could be any?
Joe: Narwhal because it is essentially a unicorn of the sea.
Rob: Tiger, decisive.
Voting starts TODAY and ends THURSDAY - so log onto FanshaweOnline to cast your votes.
http://www.fsu.ca/
Speeches from the other positions will be tomorrow at noon at Forwell Hall.
The big announcements will be made Thursday at 4pm at the Out Back Shack.
