Page 3 April 1, 2009

CAMPUS

PANTHER POST

‘Election ae page 2

“T hope it will provide a stimulus for all international students. It is possible to run for a position within the Stu- dent Union.”

Shawn Younis the Vice President for Activities was re-elected. Younis was a can- didate who placed videos on Facebook with students say- ing, “Vote Younis” to help promote his campaign.

After winning his position by a wide margin, Younis proudly said, “I would like to thank all my supporters and haters.”

Younis explained that he ran again because he loves what he does, and “is de- termined to work harder to make much improvement for the students.”

The new elected Student Union is confident that they will usher in a new era which will bring forth positive and effective change for stu- dents.

The Candidates

Asher Fredricks, a for- mer Presidential candidate, ran on “responsibility and accountability.” Fredricks comfortably said, “Surpris- ingly I am not upset, despite my loss.”

He also expressed his hap- piness that Tim Cullen won the election adding, “I think that Tim will make a great President.”

Fredricks, who also ran in last year’s election, enjoyed the campaign.

He noted the election was

not about position but stu- . dent issues.

“Now, with a new executive team and council, we can get

behind those issues.”

Fredricks is still determined to work with the Student Council. He is willing to volunteer in Student Union events and campus events and to help in any way pos- sible.

He asserted, “I cannot see myself not being involved. I have and still will be very ac- tive in the Student Union.”

When asked how effective Tim will be as a president, Fredricks’ said, “I think Tim has the capacity to be a very good President as long as he keeps student concerns as his main focus and allows his wisdom to guide him.”

He advised Tim not to forget the promises he made during th election, to be humble and accountable and listen to stu- dents’ voices, and ensure that Administration hears student concerns.

He wishes Tim a success- ful term. Fredricks indicated that he will not run again for an executive position but will consider running for a position on the council.

I also caught up with Ali Fatehi, another former pres- idential candidate. I asked him how he felt about the results. He replied with a smile, “I feel great.”

He wished Tim Cullen the best of luck in the upcoming year. Fatehi was seemingly surprised about the high vot- er turnout.

“T am happy that so many students voted. It was a sig- nificant number of votes compared to last year.”

This year, approximately

50 per cent of students vot-

Faria. Gibson photo

ed, compared to last year’s 30 per cent. Fatehi is also willing to assist the Student Union in any way he can.

“T will be more than happy to help the Student Union,” he said.

When asked, how effec- tive he thinks the President elect will be, Fatehi joked, “TI would have been a bet- ter President,” but he feels that Tim will “pull through.” Fatehi said that he will not run again for President of the Student Union.

Sarah MacDonald a for- mer candidate for Executive VP, informed that she is “not too unhappy” about the elec- tion results. MacDonald, who also is the editor for the Year Book and a senate represen- tative, intends to continue to help out the Student Union and is determined to “move forward.” She believes that

J-Rod will “work hard and is -

able to make some changes for the better.” She advised that J-Rod take time in the summer to review the poli- cies, and read about CASA, because these are some of the attributes which his job

Newly elected Executive Vice President Jarrod “J-Rod”

entails. MacDonald stated that she would not run again for the Executive VP position because she will be graduat- ing next year.

Mitchell Gallant, a can- didate- for Vice President Activities was also pleased about the election, despite his loss.

“I feel good about the elec- tion and voter’s turnout,” he states.

Gallant feels that Shawn Younis, who was re-elected as VP Activities, is “doing a great job with The Wave, wet

Gibson photo

Re-elected Vice President Activities Shawn Younis.

and dry events, and getting people out there.” He added that Shawn can make im- provements in terms of “uti- lizing more people from the Events Planning Committee to help out with events.”

Gallant explained that he spoke with Shawn concern- ing the Student Union and various societies and work- ing together to organize dif- ferent activities. Gallant be- lieves that the Student Union is there to help different so- cieties with recruitment and more events. When asked if he would still be willing to help the Student Union, Gallant asserts, “I definitely will not turn my back on the Student Union just because I was not elected.” Gallant is also hoping to run again next Student Union Election.

All the candidates that ran in this election were out- standing.

Kudos all around for a re- markable job, and remember that we are all here to help to create an enjoyable learn- ing environment! Good luck to the newly elected Student Union reps in the upcoming year.