The King’s Student Union called an election after one executive member and one councillor stepped down from their positions on Sept. 13. Here’s what you need to know before casting your vote, as outlined by the King’s Student Union and the candidate speeches.
Voting takes place Wednesday September 24 and Thursday September 25 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. outside Prince Hall. A King’s student ID is required to vote. Ballots will include options for the candidates, as well as RON (re-open nominations).
Board of Governors representative
The BOG representative is to function as a liaison between the school’s supreme governing body, and the student population. The representatives are tasked with bringing student concerns to the board at its four annual meetings. There are typically two designated BOG representatives on council. Eleanor Hornbeck holds one spot, while the other is up for grabs in the by-election.
Candidate: Aidan McNally
McNally is in her second year and studying Biology and Contemporary Studies.
- Promotes open communication and transparency of the board.
- Would make her decisions reflect the need for accessible higher education.
- Believes that King’s small size and focus on critical thinking is special and that decisions need to reflect the vision of the university.
- Thinks that engaging students is not just for times of voting, it is ongoing.
- Brings “patience, willingness to collaborate and professionalism” to the position.
- Has never been on a board like this but intends to rise to the challenge and serve the students as best as she can.
Candidate: Kyril Wolfe
Wolfe is in his second year and studying Classics.
- Wants to ensure transparency for students and to raise awareness of issues within the school.
- Endeavors to be approachable, wants all students to be comfortable coming up to him and speaking with him.
- Believes in the importance of representing the student voice and all opinions contained within.
- Will try to help preserve what is fundamental to King’s despite changes the board may suggest.
- Hopes to promote and discuss issues among students more generally without breaking confidentiality of the board.
Vice-President External
Responsibilities of the VP External include representing King’s on the Canadian Federation of Students’ provincial executive, taking the role of chair of External Affairs Committee and Campaigns Committee (or Action! Kings), and generally attending to external affairs in accordance with the Union’s policies.
Candidate: Anika Roberts-Stahlbrand
Roberts-Stahlbrand is in her fifth year and studying Sustainability and History of Science and Technology. She held the position of BOG representative since 2013, but stepped down to run for VP External.
- Gained experience as both BOG rep and a page seeing how decisions are made, how policies work and how politicians talk.
- Takes pride in her commitment to transparency, accessibility and communication.
- Wants to make the external action committee more active. Believes that personal connections to issues of equity will lead to the political.
- Rather than attempt to speak for people that she cannot speak for (re: equity), she hopes to facilitate and empower.
- Hopes to promote the upcoming Day of Action and show government that education is a priority.
- Hopes for a more positive outcome for the Memorandum of Understanding (an agreement between the province and universities that regulates fees).
- Believes in “YOLO-darity” – that even serious issues should be approached with a light heart and youthful attitude.
