The prestigious Golden Soap Box!

Since the beginning, these elections have been: crowded, intense, fun, sometimes slow, and at times controversial, but never dull.

The decision to hold a contest for the best blog coverage by the Elections Bureau caused a mushrooming seemingly overnight of amateur student journalists, who were mandated to cover the elections from their own point-of-view. And they did. With an overwhelming amount of enthusiasm and inventiveness.

On my part, I haven’t provided nearly as many posts as some of the other bloggers, but I’ve tried my best to follow them on a daily (hourly?) basis.

In my searching, some blogs have stood out throughout this crazy week for me, and I’d like to give them a little honourable mention here, at the Soapbox, to show them that their invaluable perspectives are worth more than an iPod Touch.

Please keep your acceptance speeches short and sweet, though, or else I’ll be forced to rudely cut you off for commercial!

While every blog has had something different to offer, whether it be in terms of content, point-of-view or coverage in specific candidate races, these blogs stood out for me because of their purported influence and dynamic approaches.

So, with that said, I am pleased to announce the winners of the 2009 Soapie Awards!

Drum-roll please!

Best Overall Blog – SergeMiville.ca

First out of the gate in the race for the iPod Touch, this gee-gee has provided some of the most comprehensive coverage from all facets of the election. Utilizing every piece of multimedia at his disposal, he has blogged with intelligence and wit, not to mention his blog has the brightest and most professional-looking interface of them all.

Although he blogs exclusively in French, those fortunate enough to be bilingual have had an invaluable resource at their disposal in his eponymous blog. He basically did everything right, and if you didn’t know any better, you’d think his was actually THE official blog of the SFUO election.

I wonder if this guy is even taking classes; it’s like he’s blogging as a full-time job! I guess that’s why he’s been proclaimed as the greatest.

Best Multimedia/Video Blog – SFUO Blog (Kyle Ryc)

Kyle is an extremely well-spoken and informed individual. You’ll see him around campus usually working in the background, but also engaging students and the student leaders, especially during this election period. Currently a sitting member of the Board of Administration for Health Sciences, he is also seeking a second mandate, though his elections blog has overshadowed his nearly invisible campaign in a big way.

His blog is the best visual documentation of these elections, which has been defined by the dynamic use of new media. Podcasts, digital pictures, blogs, video blogs; students at the University of Ottawa have embraced the digital revolution (not really breaking news there).

I would also attribute to him the title of Best Student Journalist, because he knows how to ask the right questions to the candidates in his videos. Seeing him sit outside of 1848 with his laptop and a borrowed microphone after the elections debates cemented his dedication in my mind.  A true beat reporter at heart.

Jon Stewart Award for Irreverence – I liek SFUO elections (Fedesaurus et. al.)

The reason I named this one the Jon Stewart award was because of what this blog made me think of immediately when I first stumbled upon it: this is the Daily Show of election blogs, in a sea of CNNs and MSNBCs.

Not to say that some other blogs aren’t entertaining at times, but this one is in it squarely for the lulz.

Much like its cable television counterpart, I liek SFUO elections has a team of hilarious contributors who inject just the right mix of irrevent inanity and biting political satire into every post.  They brought a little fun into the fold, reminding us that student politics isn’t anything really THAT serious.  Unless a zombie apocalypse is involved.

Most Inventive Concept – Selman: Election 2009 uOttawa (Mohammed)

Mohammed Selman incorporated personal vlogs (video blogs) with an easy-to-consume Top 5 countdown interface in his blog, which is important when trying to convey information to an apathetic and easily distracted audience.  Great use of multimedia communication concepts, this is a guy who understands his audience.  Not only that, but he was completely bilingual too!

Most Personable Blog – iBlogSFUO (Amalia Savva)

Amalia had, hands down, the most approachable concept in her blog.  She blogged from the people’s perspective, as a student simply observing and contemplating results and goings-on.  Her opinions and snarky comments were refreshing, because she didn’t take anything too seriously.  I mean, come on: it’s student elections.  Serious bizniss for some, controlled clusterf*%& of fun for others.  This is the blog people read to get the info, with a healthy dose of personality from one bouncy Poli Sci student.

For the winners above, here’s a little award button you can post on your respective blogs:

2009 Soapie Award

[Link the button back to this post: http://sfuo2009.wordpress.com/2009/02/10/2009-soapies/]

I would also like to take this opportunity to announce my retirement from blogging. I tried my best to stay on top of things, but frankly, too many other people have been doing such better jobs (and updating a quadruple times as much more!), my little blog just seems insignificant. Not to mention I’m trying to hold down two jobs, classes, midterms, projects, volunteering and a social life in between.

I may post once or twice more with some opinion, and I may finally complete my debate transcripts, but otherwise I’m dunzo.

I hope this final piece was entertaining and informative! Congrats winners, I foresee you all winning iPod Touches.

Courtesy of the official elections website, iwillvote.ca

Why will I vote?  Good question.

Quite simply, I want my voice to matter.  This blog can only do so much, but that “X” on the ballot is a physical manifestation of my right and duty as a student and member of the SFUO.

She offers regular updates with insightful behind-the-scenes commentary.  A refreshing difference from the copy-and-paste journalism style of many of the other blogs.

As of right now [12:30am on Saturday, February 7th, 2009], Tyler Steeves and Seamus Wolfe, candidates for President of the SFUO, have a very similar number of people in their campaign Facebook groups:

Tyler Steeves pour/for PRESIDENT of the SFUO/FÉUO – 461 members

Seamus WOLFE for/comme Président – SFUO/FÉUO – 447 members

(In comparison, Renaud Garner‘s presidential group stands at 230 members, and I imagine Marc Kelly is too busy pissing off the administration to make a Facebook group, so we’ll just count him out.)

Image courtesy of Serge Miville.

Slight edge to Steeves, but the numbers don’t necessarily mean much, since people (like me) might be a member of both, but it is still interesting to note that:

a) They both have such a significant amount of supporters (on Facebook, granted);

b) They’re neck-and-neck pretty much in terms of support (but it’s all relative, going back to the fact that people can be double-dipping).

Referring to the presidential by-election results from last year on The SFUO Blog™, Dean Haldenby won his mandate with 651 votes. Does it then bode well for both candidates, who have amassed the equivalent of approximately 70% that number in Facebook confidence votes?

If they can be translated into an “X” beside their names on the ballot, than either will be well on their way to the presidency.

Personally, my thoughts are that Wolfe has the name-recognition, the push of his two terms as VP University Affairs, and enough of that somewhat moderate, non-polarizing vibe about him to be the front-runner.

[Notice I don't talk about platforms, for two reasons:

a) Regular Joes don't want to hear about policy, and other bloggers have probably deconstructed them better than I have the ability to anyway;

b) I'm actually saving my criticisms for another post.]

Steeves, on the other hand, comes out of virtually nowhere to land in the centre of the political map, with a face you just can’t say no to.  While he may be a bit green politically (as evidenced by his rather lackluster answers at the debates), he has a very polished image and gregarious personality that could endear him to many students who may not be following this election as closely as those who are either blogging or reading this blog.

‘Cuz let’s be honest: as much as we’d like everybody to be informed, the majority of students out there will vote based on cursory knowledge about the candidates, maybe a bit of hearsay, and then image.

Who will profit the most from this?  Well, he’s got the best image of the four (fantastic video, but he loses points for not having a French counterpart on his site).

Oh, and I think it’s safe to say we can discount Marc Kelly as a serious contender, since you’d have to take the guy seriously in the first place to vote for him.

Not to say that a certain amount of his supporters probably won’t crawl out of their holes to vote for him…

Finally, I still have to be convinced about RPG, since I have this nagging feeling based on his platform last year that he may just be a little too extreme for me (does anyone else get a Guy Fawkes impression from him?).  Although, he did mention in the debates he’s in it to win it this year, unlike last year when his goal was to apparently stir things up.

I’ve seen him in action, he seems genuinely in it for a “positive change”, for a level-headed management style; and as I’ve mentioned before, too, he’s a spectacularly intelligent and well-spoken individual.

So yah.  Long rant, I think this one took me two hours to spit out coherently.  Now, it’s back to work!

I’m currently going over all my debates posts to streamline their content, as well as add the notes I had to take on paper when my battery died.

Also, shout out to I LIEK SFUO ELECTIONS for mentioning me and giving my blog a review of 6750.76 out of 9001. They mentioned the blandness of my approach, but I’m working on adding a little more commentary in the future; time is a precious commodity.

Our four candidates for President of the SFUO.

Opening Statements

• Marc Kelly: We’re part of a hierarchy, which means we are subjected to different rights; quotes Policy 1-10; uOttawa admin doesn’t want to implement policies that give us enough power, they wants to keep it for themselves to subjugate us; we do not have democratic control over our education, our institution; we need to gain more rights, freedoms (i.e. over the syllabus, currently decided by professor); we need a policy that permits students to decide how we want to learn.

• Renaud Garner: Wasn’t in the race to win at last year’s by-election, just in it to prove a point; now he wants to be in charge.  What needs to be improved on campus, potshot at Seamus!  24 hour libraries a necessity, already exists in many university; scalable scholarships, already exist, just need to change the rules; ethics committee, respect in Shinerama campaigns (bullshit; know what you’re talking about first).  Co-op programs needed.  There’s a time for strikes, campaigns, but it needs to be balanced out.  Respect goes a long way, and it needs to be the number 1 policy; serve students with REASON.

• Tyler Steeves: Known as student, leader, friend; CA in residence, 101 week guide, dedicated involvement.  Time, attention and expertise – in leadership communication.  There’s no gap that effective communication can’t overcome.  Renew the compromise, cooperation; effervescent campus life, for all students.  It’s YOUR campus; every student has something to offer, but they need the resources to make change.  Have an open-source community, develop reciprocal relationship – working WITH, not FOR the administration, and resorting to activism as a final result.  Amalgamated events calendar, since the current one isn’t up to date.  Make sure 101 week doesn’t end after 101 week.

• Seamus Wolfe: The only one with SFUO executive experience; started Centre for Equity & Human Rights, students now have support in their time of need; also, brought Task Force on Campus Racism (meeting tonight @ 6pm!), worked collaboratively to try and end racism; had shuttles up and running two days after the OC Transpo bus strike, getting students to their exams (whoo!); ended proposed Code of Conduct from uOttawa administration, through long and drawn-out process; rights of students, community, and student life are key aspects of his platform.

Moderated Questions

Open-Floor Questions

Closing Statements

Candidates for VP University Affairs get a briefing from the Fulcrum's editor-in-chief, Frank Appleyard.

Opening Statements

• Ted Horton: We don’t share the same experiences; we need a bank of exams and smaller class sizes, wireless accessibility; need a candidate who has proven themselves,who represents all the students; has experience as director on BOA; need for communal transport; would organize info sessions for students who want to sign a lease.

• Sidney Loko: Virtual unknown before the elections; university is about learning from others, diversity, learning about issues; questioning the problems and solving them; has experience doing Foot Patrol, found out about problems on campus; volunteered with International House, got to talk with people from different cultures (found out that a lot of Canadian students want to know about other cultures); started the West African Youth Association, through which he had the opportunity to learn about new things, as well as gain better experiences to represent local and external causes; equity, excellence and diversity are his key buzzwords.

• Cameron Montgomery: Experience working with students, meeting with admins, current president of the Students Association of Classic Studies (under SAFA), BOA director; wants to change the method of communication with the administration, going to meetings as delegates, not opponents; we need to address needs of students (housing, accessibility, international community).

Moderated Questions

[French] How will you establish an equal representation of national/international campaigns?

• Horton: We need to establish an equal distribution method among campaigns; give the same importance on the citizen as the world.

• Loko: Run campaigns against anti-racism, etc. We need to start talking about the real problems, outlining them clearly, coming up with a viable solution.  Find the problems, make them visible and resolve them (good answer!).

• Montgomery: We need good international-level campaigns, but we need more focus on local and student-centred initiatives; 1000 students live in bad housing, so there needs to be more focus on that.

[English] Is there enough representation on the Board of Administration and the Senate?  What will you do to amend it?

• Loko: Not enough; we need campaigns that have a direct influence on students, talk about the issues (need to be described, open two-way communication); SFUO needs to represent ALL students, not just the student leaders… (umm…).

• Montgomery: Frankly, the seats that we do have aren’t always filled (students don’t always show up!), which is a problem that needs to be addressed, so they can focus on the issues of student politics.

• Horton: We don’t have enough representation on the BOG, students don’t have a proper voice; in the Senate, they can’t even speak; connect better with representation, why DO we have representation?  Rationale for each body, make sure their mandates are fulfilled (after carefully outlining them).

[FR] How do you see relations between SFUO and the University of Ottawa administration?

• Montgomery: Lack of respect from our end, we need to present ourselves as adults; the admin will respect us when we present ourselves maturely.

• Horton: Need to win respect of administration FIRST; if they don’t listen, talk louder, and then take further initiatives.

• Loko: There’s a way to go about things, so use respect; there’s been an abuse in the past, so nothing goes through; take the time to say what needs to be said to those who need to hear it.

[ENG] What is the biggest academic issue faced by students?  What will you do to appease it?

• Horton: There’s a lack of information, as students don’t know their rights; they’re not being informed of their rights by the administration, because it’s easier for them if students are like sheep.  Student Appeals Centre needs to be better informed to student at the start of every semester.

• Loko: Problem with the service; the administration doesn’t deal with problems adequately.

• Montgomery: University isn’t always here for the students, they’re here to make money instead; we need better representation, to remind the administration we’re here to learn.

Open-Floor Questions

[Logan Ouellette] What kind of things would you have done differently than our current VP University Affairs, Seamus Wolfe, during his two mandates?

• Horton: Students will not rally  behind letter writing; need for more quiet diplomacy; has previously met with director of CLS, OC Transpo for uPass; pursue both avenues, quiet & loud diplomacy.

• Loko: CRESAC (Student Appeals Centre) – students don’t know about it, so increase communication of resources.

• Montgomery: He had lots of enthusiasm, and brought a big focus on campaigns but neglect on certain issues; needed focus on all portfolios (academia, student appeals, etc.).

[Michael Cheevers] How are you going to expand the SFUO to reach outside of the “insider” membership?

• Loko: You need diversity in campaigns to have diversity in teams leading them.

• Montgomery: Students involved don’t know how to reach out (ORLY?); increase accessibility & bilingualism of BOA, campaigns; online EVERYTHING.

• Horton: Need a representative who can reach out beyond the click; reach out to all, candidate needs to reach out for all.  Have lunch at SITE, RGN, hang out with those students too.

[Random French Guy]  How will you help reinvest money in under-resourced facilities?

• Montgomery: There’s a hole in the relations between SFUO and federated bodies, they need better representation.

• Horton: Fed bodies are under-equipped; uOttawa budget has surplus that needs to be invested in students and facilities.

• Loko: Defined by equity, exellence…

[Serge Miville] What are the real issues at hand?

• Loko: SFUO needs to find its’ members; international students pay twice as much, yet have no rights and that needs to be amended.

[Random English Guy] If the Smoke-Free Campus referendum passes, what will you do to make sure it’s implemented properly?

• Montgomery: Work with administration, conversations (their space and our space); work with Protection Services.

• Horton: Not just working with admin, communicating with students too.  Involvement of all the students.

• Loko: Not just students, but admin is affected; explain WHY we are taking these steps to legitimize with uOttawa admin employees.

[French Question] How will you work with campaigns?

• Loko: Campaigns have not had enough strength; we need to represent campaigns for the students, by the students.

• Montgomery: Campaign Committee is open, and all students have a vote (important initiative this year); we need to let students know that they ALL have a say.

• Horton: Important change to let all students have a vote; interviews at SITE, RGN, and with federated bodies to get full campus input.

Closing Statements

• Montgomery: Need to address the concerns of the “quiet” students, not just the student leaders.

• Loko: Emphasis on excellence by promoting diversity & equity.  Everyone should achieve their highest potential, make it easier for them.

• Horton: Wants the uPass, better food services, community kitchen; if not uPass, then creation of a uniquely student bus fare; work on student housing.  Bring student housing appeals on campus (help students with their first lease signing).

Julie Séguin, candidate for second mandate as SFUO VP Communication

Opening Statement

Julie Séguin: [Insert platform here?  Sorry, I went for a smoke.]

Moderated Questions

Coming soon.

Open-Floor Questions

[Wassim Garzouzi] Bilinguism and simultaneous translation?

• Julie: Done research, $3000.00-$3500.00 for services; instead go for a casual hire (someone who can be there to translate in BOA meetings); buying equipment = expensive, but useful in the long run.

[Ryan Kennery]: Open-forum, communications – when is it gonna start?

• Julie: There HAS been communication; mass-email for motion on electoral reform, open committees for student feedback (student campaigns & sustainability), consultatiton on students rights, (rights.sfuo.ca), Student Centre consultation, survey for Green Week, Task Force on Campus Racism.

[Aminka Belvitt]: How do you plan on fully decreasing posters on campus?  Will you open Communication Roundtables for regular students to attend?

• Julie: Start diminishing over 4-5 years (paperless campus initiative), have a billboard online (events.sfuo.ca for info instead of posters); create a parallel roundtable to CRT, which will be seperate & open.

[Tristan Dénommée] Why vote Julie Seguin when she hasn’t held to her platform from last year on many points?

(Interesting to note that Julie is ultimately Tristan’s boss, as he is the Social Team Leader for Promo  Team, which is coordinated by one Becky Dier-McComb.)

• Julie (a tad flustered from the seemingly out-of-left-field attack): reiterated her successes from the past year; she can’t do it all, her term isn’t done yet.

[Melanie Book]: Why has it taken until the end of the year to implement the events calendar? (Editor’s note: publicity for which was noticeably dropped from the front page of the SFUO website.)

• Julie: Started working on it in September, was up and runner in mid-Oct, but then had trouble with server; complicated programming on the calendar, tried to do it from scratch; launching website & calendar at the same time now that they have the uOttawa server; taking the time needed to do it well.

[Sarah Burke]: Translations were missed/quality was horrible on the Winter Games publicity newspaper.  How can communication be held accountable in the future?

• Julie: In her own defence, the translation was perfect, but implementation was the problem; could have been great, fortunately not a lot were printed… woops, students did it, so it’s not a professional that revised the work.

Closing Statement

• Julie: Had a great year so far, even with no time to eat or sleep; hopes to strengthen relationships with student media and federated bodies; sharing resources, community communication; work on bilingualism issues; marketing strategies (i.e. less paper, more technology).