And so it begins…
For the past two years, I’ve been stuck behind a blue door of silence, unable to comment on any of the behaviour of candidates. I’m as excited as my black heart will allow to be writing my first biased commentary.
PRESIDENT
Neil Bailey completely came out of left field. I was surprised to hear a Graduate student was running, let alone a Sexton Graduate student. I didn’t last long while creeping his facebook. I just couldn’t handle the “LOLZ, NEIL.. UR SO FUNNY!!1!” and “OMG, FAIL!” comments. At least it shows he is well liked. As a facebooker, Neil supports the Ecology Action Center (and did before the election began). Despite his apparent lack of experience for the position, I find him strangely attractive.
Greg Debogorski is a champion among men. After completing the “reverse Mike Tipping” losing three straight elections rather than winning, he is back for more. I must say that even with his abrasive and intimidating nature, he is dedicated to his beliefs and committed to making his voice heard. Last year he turned in his nomination form still wet and crinkled from being soaked in spilled coffee. Godspeed, Gregory, and may I suggest investing in a sustainable travel mug for those extra large teas.
Imad Mekhail is the current president of DSS (Dalhousie Science Society) and from what I hear, he rules with an iron fist. I caught a glimpse of his (illegally active) website a few days ago… and have just recovered from my flash-induced seizure. Among the friends Imad has recently become friends with on facebook are Eric Snow and Shannon Zimmerman and he has only just joined the Habitat for Humanity and Sustainability Office groups… coincidence? Yeaaah, I doubt that.
Chris Saulnier seems to have been born for this. I’ve known Chris for some time now and for as long as I’ve known him, he’s been a politician. Although consistently politically correct, Chris has an almost aggressive approach to his council behaviour and is dedicated to the engineering demographic. I know that he’s been eyeing this position for basically a year now, it will be interesting to see how prepared he is for campaign week.
Prediction – I do think Saulnier will come out on top in this election. I expect a lot of class talks and well thought out material from him. I think Mekhail and Bailey will be duelling for a distant second.
VICE PRESIDENT (INTERNAL)
Glenn Blake is an opinionated Senator on the DSU Council. Blake has an upfront and unapologetic personality. He’s blunt and forceful and I don’t think I’ve ever seen him smile. It’s not a far fetch to believe Blake is running with an NSPIRG-driven agenda. I think his benefit, though, is that he seems consistently genuine, passionate and focused about his interests.
Tim Hiltz is a Night Manager for the Student Union Building and has been for two years now, which means he’s the guard dog when the full time staff head home for the evening. Although working in the building gives you a lot of practical skills in regards to the Union, it gives you little to no experience in the working of council or societies. Tim is also an active member of his Greek fraternity so I’m wondering if incorporating Greek societies is a campaign point for Hiltz.
Kayla Kurin is the current Vice President of DASSS and was previously a DASSS councillor for Classics. She also sits as an Arts Rep on the DSU Council. She has a lot of experience with societies but I’m not sure if that’s enough. Being the only female on the ballot is likely to give her a slight advantage, which I think she’ll need. Kayla, from my experience, is a hard and dedicated worker however, she is about as dynamic as a field mouse.
Henry Whitfield, a past president of Howe Hall, clearly has excellent residential connections but limited DSU Council experience. It will be interesting to see how well his housing connection works out for him come election time. Whitfield has a boisterous personality and leaves little opinion unsaid. His tongue could be what hurts him in this election. Whitfield is also a member of a Greek fraternity.
Prediction – This is a tough one. I’m going to pit Kurin and Whitfield against each other in a race to the polls, but with Whitfield finishing first.
VICE PRESIDENT (EDUCATION)
Rob LeForte is the incumbent for this position. He’s worked extremely hard this year and is well liked around the DSU and the university as a whole. A lover of any 90’s music and Dalhousie rugby player, Rob has matured a great deal over the past year and could do great things with another year in power. I have a hard time wrapping my head around the idea of Rob being defeated. Either way, LeForte has a bright future ahead of him.
Evan Price, after creeping his facebook, seems to eat, sleep and breathe all things Liberal. A party alliance isn’t necessarily beneficial in this position, considering you lobby the current government despite the political party in power. Perhaps this alliance will work well for him in the election, but maybe not *cough* DalKingsConservatives *cough* He’s got a forward attitude on him, though, as was evident in some of the questions he put forward at the candidate’s cafe. He’s had a little running countdown to campaign week on his FB status… “how cute”.
Karl Dempsey… dude, I don’t even know who this guy is. Karl, if you’re reading, drop me an email.
Prediction - Although I think Price will give LeForte a run for his money in the debate and campaigning portion of the election, I’m confident the polls will lead to a second term for LeForte.
VICE PRESIDENT (STUDENT LIFE)
Hannah Dahn is a past president of Risley Hall and current Info Desker. As a past Info Desker myself, she certainly has my vote. However, in the face of democracy, I hate that she is running unopposed (Robert Panahi, where are you when I need you?) The good news is I’m confident she will do a fantastic job.
Prediction – A less than 10% “no” vote.
UNDERGRADUATE SENATE
Christian Browne went to my highschool. In fact, I’m pretty sure he went to my junior high too – way to rep Dartmouth, brother. From what I remember, he’s a smart kid.
Maggie Lovett is a current Info Desker as well and an active member of Sustaindal and on the board for DSUSO. By active, I mean it’s likely she bleeds green.
Carly Nicholson is currently one of the DSU Commissioners. I really don’t know her, but I certainly recognize her from hanging around the SUB and the Grawood.
Ben Wedge is an active student to say the least. A founding father of the “STOP NSPIRG” movement, Ben is an active (and vocal) member of both the student union and the Conservative party. This is just one of many beginning steps towards Wedge’s quest for world domination.
Prediction – I think Lovett and Wedge have the advantage in this race. Browne and Nicholson will be battling for the third position.
I may reassess my predictions further into the campaign week, or perhaps right before the polls open, but I’m fairly confident in my hypotheses. Good luck to all of the candidates. I’ll be watching!
xoxo,
gossip girl
Oh dear Sarah my old friend, it seems not long ago we were only reading punditry and unable to comment….How I miss the inside scoop you get while being on the Elections committee, but this is way more fun!
I agree with most of your predictions and analysis except one. I have seen Glenn Blake smile and I wouldn’t count him out on this. I think this will be the tightest VPI race I have ever seen while at Dalhousie.
I agree with Sarah, but I think it will be a little closer between Chris and Imad they she might expect.
I predict the worst showing from Greg having lower numbers then in the past three years, this based on his lack luster performances this year his act is getting old.
I just hope he graduates so he is not a member of the union next year. If he does not graduate I think I might personal reimburse him his DSU fee’s as he asked for in a previous punditry post if he gives the DSU in writing that he revokes his membership and will not step foot in the building other then to buy books
I would accept an early buyout now please. My lack luster ass needs about $350.
PRESIDENT PREDICTIONS:
Regarding the “Iron Fist” for “Infamous Imad,” the characterization is not entirely accurate (or even inaccurate). Rather, after attending a few DSS meetings, I would say that it seems more like wrangling a traditionally docile society. If expecting accountability and a more active council means ruling with an “iron first,” then yeah, the fist is iron. (Seriously, the meetings are traditionally painfully boring…the enthusiasm is much appreciated). Hm, in terms of Sustainability and Habitat For Humanity Facebook groups -> Green Week anyone?
After seeing both Chris and Imad in action, I would say the race will be actually much closer.
VP INTERNAL PREDICTIONS:
Never underestimate the frats as we found out with last year’s race (Hobbs taking the slim win). But, with two frat candidates, the votes could split, which would make the race against Whitfield and Kurin too close to call. However, Kurin has the Arts demographic, a traditionally active society. This could be key.
VP EDUCATION PREDICTIONS:
Leforte has the advantage as the incumbent. However, I would say Leforte’s record is a burden as much as it is a gift – Credit Card policy…..
Awesome.
We’re going to have to agree to disagree on a lot of this. Especially the predictions. Personally, I think it’s way too early to get any real sense of who’s going to win what. The odds-on favourite, perhaps, but winning? We haven’t seen any real campaigning yet.
I don’t think that Mekhail is any more of an opportunistic dictator than that Saulnier came out of the womb with a road map to the Presidency. I think the Presidency is a wide open race. I’ve seen Saulnier and Bailey gearing up, and the same to a lesser extent from Mekhail. Debogorski, as always, will provide us with a series of valuable life lessons.
Blake, in my experience, is very personable and I can assure you that he smiles on a regular basis. I’m also not sure I would agree that Hiltz, as the Societies Coordinator, wouldn’t have much experience with societies.
Price has a fair bit of external experience, such as being the CFO of Mavericks for Social Change. With that said, I agree that Rob will be difficult to unseat not just because he’s worked hard, but because he has tangible things to show for it. The fall break, late night study space, and the comprehensive review are all things he’s going to be able to point to. I wouldn’t underestimate Price, but he’s in an uphill battle.
Dahn’s race is boring.
Senate is a battle to avoid last place. I don’t know much about Browne (other than that he sits on the Board of Operations), but I expect Nicholson to be a force to contend with. She’s a former councilor, active in the residence community and currently the External Commissioner. She was also an ANSSA Student Assembly delegate. I think this is anyone’s to lose, and that it will come down to whoever campaigns the least missing out. My money is on a seat for Wedge (at least for now), but beyond that, anything could happen.
Just to clarify – I’m a member of Sustaindal (student society) and on the board for DSUSO.
Also, my green blood is a diagnosed condition… I don’t really like to talk about it.
Oh Punditry… I wish I had the knowledge of more than 2 of these people to have an opinion. I will remain as a reader with my afternoon coffee and much appreciation for all commentary
Just wanted to correct Amyotte’s criticisms of the VPI candidates that are a bit off. Blake is very cheerful, assertive yet willing to work to reach agreements on issues. Kurin is quite dynamic and vocal on council. I would hardly call her a ‘mouse.’
RE: Tim Hiltz
1. Council: As my illustrious roommate pointed out, Tim is the Societies Commissioner and has no doubt been to a couple of Councils in his day. He’s also probably had to close the building down on a couple during his day…
2. Societies: As a Night Manager, Tim would actually know A LOT more about student societies then you would think. Who do you think handles the majority of the liasing between societies and the building on the day of most big event? The Night Manager does. And, as with Council, Tim is the current VPI’s Societies Commissioner and has no doubt sat in on his fair share of meetings regarding grants, ratification, and all the other jazz.
3. Greek Life: Tim is a Brother in the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. His partner (Nancy) is an Omega Pi. Edgar Burns (a candidate for VP Ed last year) is a Phi Kappa Pi. I am a Sigma Chi. And I believe Hannah Dahn is an Alpha Gamma Delta. Greeks are everywhere on campus. Be afraid
@Keith S
Hannah is not a member of Alpha Gamma Delta, but your right about the others.
I think it was Machiavelli who said every empire begins in fratricide.
My two cents:
President: I only know about Chris, but he’s skilled enough that I’ll give him my vote despite the total lack of information.
VPI: My money is on Glenn. I’m not sure who I’m voting for yet, but Glenn will definitely get what I like to call the “hippie vote”. Having talked with him at length though, his positions are actually really reasonable, well thought out, and frequently unrelated to NSPIG’s. I’d say he’s a moderate who’s capable of interacting with extremists, and thus can achieve fairly broad appeal.
Kayla will have to be a lot more aggressive than she seems in council, but I wouldn’t count her out until we’ve seen some campaigning.
I’m not going to completely discount the other candidates, but they aren’t at all likely to get my support.
I’ll second Eric’s thought that Wedge will get a senate seat. The Engineering voting block will probably see to that.
I’m not at all certain what’s going to happen in any of the other races, but I’m sure punditry will provide that info eventually.
@Richard Bell
Yep. My bad. She does live with one according to the aforementioned Omega Pi on my list. Also, the immediate past President is an Iota Beta Chi.
I think it’s interesting how everyone’s take on the VPI race varies so vastly. I’ve heard many who would be considered “in the know” say that is definitely a two headed race between Kayla Kurin and Henry Whitfield. I’ve heard people call Glenn Blake a total write off and the number one favorite. People say Kayla’s not aggressive enough or well known enough while others peg her as the solid favorite because arts students will vote in droves. Tim and Henry are both very popular, and I’ve heard their experiences been described as completely inadequate by some people and then described as the most qualified by others. While I really believe Kayla has a strong platform, key experience and would perform the duties of VPI very well, the campaigns of Tim and Henry will likely be very strong. I haven’t been invited to Glenn or Henry’s groups yet so I haven’t seen much of their websites or platforms, though Tim’s looks clean and concise. Ultimate prediction? K.K for the victory closely followed by Tim.
Predictions already? really?
I think VPI is probably anyone’s race, or will at least depend very heavily on the campaigns. I don’t think anyone has a clear advantage over the rest in name recognition or experience right out of the gate.
If there is anyone I am suprised by in terms of campaign platform
and website, it would be K.K’s. It’s pretty thorough and more attractive in terms of poster and web design. Have not seen a single poster or ad for Henry or Glenn. Dissapointing. Tim’s poster is a little amateurish, sadly. Face value – it goes to kk. I am suprised by the comment about arts students as the voting block this year. Considering there were more arts students running last year, I can see why this has become so important for the Kurin campaign – especially with the arts students almost militant activism this year.
With all do respect Eric, we’re over twelve hours into the campaign. I think we’ve seen just about everything necessary to call these races:
Senate: Wedge might seem a lock, but from what I’ve seen, Senate has a way of foiling the ambitions of pompous know-it-alls bent on world domination (at least on their first try, eh Eric?).
VPSL: I’m going out on a limb and saying Dahn. Call it a gut feeling.
VPE: Even if one of the other guys manages to pull an upset, Leforte will snap his puny neck and drink sweet wine from his skull.
VPI: HENRY’S MY BOY!!! YEAH!! TROJANS 4 EVA BITCHES!!!! (Whitfield by a drunken fratboy.)
President: Debogorski in a landslide. The last three elections were stunning successes in his four year plan to achieve ultimate power. The key to a crushing victory is to lull your opponents into a false sense of security, and he’s pulled off that with a string of brilliantly hapless electoral defeats. Now comes the Deboblitzkrieg.
Remember, you heard it here first.
I’ll second the comment about Kayla’s platform. Great plan. Some of those ideas will prove more difficult to achieve than others, but they are tangible if she pushes against the red tape restricting growth of the VPI’s office.
I hope through the course of the campaign (if she has not done so already) she boosts her confidence, because from seeing her at work on council she’s a smart woman, but she holds back and, yes, is mouse-like in her self-presentation. If Kayla can overcome this weakness, I’m confident she will be able to win this race, and judging from the stunning photos from her campaign site, she’ll have no trouble winning the hearts of boys like me either!
Perhaps Sarah has picked Whitfield because she was his campaign manager (she has since resigned). While I would hate punditry to be unbiased (that would be far too boring), I would like pundits to be upfront about any allegiances they might have.
I agree with most of the comments that VPI will be a definite race and one to watch.
Firstly, THANK GOODNESS the race for Undergrad Senate will be mildly interesting this year.
Second, not so sure I agree with the Senate predictions. As a past senator that managed to get more votes than the ever-so-involved, epitome-of-a-DSUer Eric Snow (Snow, sorry to continue to rub it in after 2 years…), I’ve learned 2 important lessons: (1) elections can surprise you and (2) whenever Snow offers to make a bet of a drink with you for whoever comes out on top, you take the offer.
Lastly, the grape vine has stretched across the Atlantic Ocean and made its way to Paris, and from what I’ve heard, Carly and Maggie are favoured candidates.
For those of you not aware, there are no posters up because the DSU Elections committee is putting them up on Monday, so fort hose of you that have not ‘seen’ posters from Candidates, well, that would be why.
@In The Know: Wierd, http://www.vote-henry.com was up right away, and I’m pretty sure there is a facebook group, actually, of course there is
@henry
OMG DSUTUBE! Don’t forget to give some of the credit for that one to Craig Jennex, and everyone else that has uttered the phrase DSYouTube over the past decade.
@Unwon Voter: Craig Jennex did indeed use this as part of his platform last year and that is where I was inspired by his idea. Since then, I have talked to him about the idea and had his imput on how he saw it working. I have his full support in the use of the idea in my campaign.
If other candidates have failed in implementing it, well, I can’t talk to that, however, it is something I am fully dedicated to launching next year.
Most candidates have Facebook and/or websites up – has anyone seen anything campaign related from Karl Dempsey yet or is he still a mystery?
@query
The ever elusive Karl does exist! Those of us lucky enough to make the trek down to the T-room yesterday for the Kick-Off Party, were graced with his presence! A fourth year Sosa student with rimless glasses, he was eager to mingle with everyone present, and told me “there are some things I’d like to see get done here” before graduating. I anxiously await a website/facebook group/debate to see what these “things” actually are. A for effort — at least he came out to the Party!
What happen to debating the issues at hand?
Elections SHOULD be about the evolution of proposed organisational solutions regardless of who wins.
No platform from Glenn Blake yet? Or am I just looking in the wrong places? For someone who seems to exhibit a lot of potential to have great ideas, this is strange. I bet he’s had a good read of the other three platforms though! I do however feel like he has now secured the gamer vote, especially the old school purists.
xoxo,
gossip guy
So I’m not in complete agreement with the predictions for VP internal… Henry Whitfield? Really? I mean yes the guy’s been howe pres for (cough) just over a year, but then got kicked off during the fall term! I mean, if he does that as Howe Prez, what’s he gonna do to the DSU??? He may “look” good on paper, but in reality he could bring the DSU down into the dumps without even trying. If he can provide me with a solid case as to what on earth happened this year to him in Howe, then maybe, but as of right now, my vote, as well as numerous others will lie either with Kayla or Tim. Being a big mouth on campus isn’t enough to win VP internal!
@Guy X…and I guess Girl X too
are these handles referencing the Jason Biggs movie when he’s in the army as writer and stationed in Greenland? I hope so!
@Girl X, Feel free to drop me an email and I’d love to explain.
For those who won’t; That was purely me stepping down to focus on academics, I spent the year still helping council wherever possible and worked with various council’s on campus to help them throughout the year.
@Girl X
I would wait until the debates before writing Whitfield completely off (I know what happened with the Howe presidency and it’s not going to affect my vote). But I understand the big mouth comment and his enthusiasm/some platform ideas makes me wonder why he didn’t go for VP(SL) which could use a big mouth to spread the word.
@Girl X
I think that the negative comments about candidates from uninformed parties are going a bit far. In my experience with him, Henry has shown 110% dedication to anything he has been involved in. He had to step down from the presidency at Howe Hall to focus on school because he was putting ALL of himself into his role as president. After stepping down he had no obligations to help those following him but none the less continues to be a source of aid on which the new council relies.
“If he does that as Howe Prez, what’s he gonna do to the DSU???”
If he does what as Howe Prez? Re-write the tradition of non-existent councils at Howe? Build strong relationships with the other res councils that weren’t there before? Turn Howe Hall back into the powerhouse res that it should be? … None of those things sound THAT bad… He took a residence whose council in years before simply didn’t give a *** and put the work in to turn it around.
I realize that some people who do not know him jump to conclusions about him but I believe in Henry and his ability to surprise those people with his dedication and immense work ethic.