STEVE BACHIU
Opinions Writer
I just spent an hour at the entrance of Place Riel. I wish I had been waiting for a bus. At least the bus would have taken me away.
Instead, I spent an hour listening to the various executive candidates talk about their platforms, waiting to hear a new, creative solution to what I see as the biggest problem facing the USSU.
I am now making use of a cheap writer’s trick to keep you reading, perched upon the very edge of your seat. I’m not going to tell you what I think the big problem is, specifically. As a sop to the masses (that’s you, dear reader), it is not a lack of preparation for a zombie ap-rock-alypse.
I will try to paint a picture for you of the way the candidate forum went.
First, as I mentioned, it took place in the entrance to Place Riel, surrounded by students waiting for the bus and noisy construction workers. While the sounds of drills, power sanders and whatever machinery of destruction was in use did not overwhelm the candidates, it did not enhance the experience.
Overall the setting of the forum lent the same sort of credibility to the speakers and the organization that is normally reserved for bands that need to stop their concert early to allow their mom to park the car.
Interspersed between the commuters, the reporters and the workers, was a small group of supporters and friends of the candidates, politely clapping for each of the platform talks.
I estimate the number at about twenty. Each candidate took a quick run-through of their points, talking about the same topics.
These were: how I will be sustainable; how I will support the student groups (mostly with support); how I will promote social justice; and how I will promote safety on campus. There were a few minor additions, and I may have missed a few others, because I may have nodded off a couple of times. On that note, thanks for the nap, Leejay Schmidt.
I was disappointed that no candidates said what they planned to do to encourage more involvement from students. Facing a series of forums that were greeted by immense waves of disinterest, I would have thought that this would be foremost on their minds. From conversations with friends, and the turnouts at most USSU events and elections that I have seen, the USSU is a largely irrelevant body, tolerated and ignored by the majority of the University of Saskatchewan population.
When I raised this issue during the question period, I was corrected, because Alex Ferwerda did briefly mention his idea of a “comment couch.” Briefly, this is a more comfortable way for a student to approach him and the rest of the executive to discuss any problems or concerns. He and the other candidates assured me that they would work to be approachable, listen to students and really try to get others involved.
So since no one was able to come up with anything that seems remotely likely to address the issue, I will provide, free of charge, to any interested candidates, my ideas to combat the apathy and disinterest.
First, while I believe that all of the candidates will do their best to be approachable and to listen to people who come to them with problems, this will not help them come into contact with people who don’t go to them. Second, these things do not constitute a plan to cause real change. They are the bare minimum of what the VPs need to do in order to do their job.
If it was up to me, I would make sure that the members of the executive would have scheduled time, every week, to participate in, and support, events on campus that they otherwise would not attend.
So, if the chess club had a social night, or if the debate team had a fundraiser, there would be a chance that the executive, along with their entourage of friends would come, and support the event. How about budgeting times to invite groups of students that they would not otherwise meet, to dinner, a few times in the semester?
I would suggest that they seek out people with issues. If people are concerned enough about something to write it in the Sheaf, it might be a good idea to approach them, rather than hoping that they talk to you. There is more, but I could very easily see these simple suggestions causing real change.
From my point of view this problem is something that the USSU should view as a crisis. Frankly, I am disgusted that not one of the candidates is treating the issue with the urgency I believe it needs.
I would encourage any of the candidates who have an opinion of what I have written to get in touch with me. I would love to share my ideas with you, and to hear what you think.
Also, if you agree with me, dearest reader, please join me at tomorrow’s forum at the Engineering lounge, and ask the candidates why they don’t care if we are involved.
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image: Flickr
Thursday, March 31 Voting ends at 4:00 p.m
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