All Candidates Debates
Audio recordings of all-candidate debates are available from the CJSF.
Executive: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4
Candidates
Please note: All online campaigning materials (websites, Facebook, etc) linked from this page will be unavailable during voting period, in accordance with elections regulation. We apologize for the inconvenience.
President
Ali Godson
My name is Ali Godson. I am running to be your next President!
I am passionate about ensuring students have the best possible experience at SFU. I will work hard to ensure that vision is central to everything the Simon Fraser Student Society does.
In 2008-2009 I was elected as your University Relations Officer. As URO, I gained extensive insight into the way SFU works and, more importantly, the ways in which students can affect change. During my term I developed an excellent relationship with the university administration, established the Student Space Committee (which oversaw Rotunda and Forum Chamber renovations) and successfully completed the undergrad health plan implementation with the University. I was co-chair of the Ombuds Advisory Committee, and served on Senate committees and other University committees. In 2009-2010, I was elected as a Student Senator, and I proudly served as the Undergraduate Student Society Representative on the Presidential Search Committee.
If elected as your President I will work with the university to fight for fair access to affordable, high-quality education — no exceptions! That means advocating for more accessible and better financial aid, more tutorials, more TAs, and better career opportunities for graduating students. SFU already has a budding campus community, and I want to work with clubs and departmental student unions to ensure students are aware of campus events and opportunities for involvement. I will introduce strong sustainability initiatives, hold more all-age events, lead student-centered campaigns and fight for more student space on campus! Above all, I will be a president you can trust! I hope I can count on your support!
I am a member of FOCUS SFU, you can view our platform at www.FocusSFU.ca
Contact me at aligodson@gmail.com and search for 'FOCUS SFU' and 'Ali Godson for SFSS President' on Facebook.
In Godson We Trust.
Treasurer
Anna Belkine
Hi! My name is Anna Belkine. I was the SFSS Treasurer during the years 2008-2009. I'm a fifth year Mathematics student. I love mathematical modeling, knitting, petting dogs and sailing my yacht Essorant. Here is why you should vote for me:
(1) I'm a fanatically committed penny-pinching nut job. In the years 2008-2009 the Society's budget projected a $300,000 deficit (and that is before the Pub's losses!) It was under my leadership as Treasurer that the SFSS curtailed its overhead spending and remained solvent. At the same time, the funding devoted to student services was affected very minimally. The Departmental Student Union funding was not affected at all.
(2) I value and respect money. I think money is the source of good. I am forever painfully aware that the SFSS forcibly taxes the entire student population. I consider my job as Treasurer to make certain that not a penny of that money ends up misspent -- or spent on something the students never get to see. If it ever is, I am never afraid to call bulls**t.
(3) I know the ropes. The first three months of a newly elected executive are spent simply learning the bureaucratic hurdles. To internalize the Society's by-laws and policy is a long and laborious process -- and I've done it already!
(4) I've plans to do Useful Stuff. I announce my candidacy with set of concrete plans in mind. I am, sadly, limited to 300 words in this space. For a detailed list of campaign promises, please visit my Facebook page (just search Anna Belkine on Facebook). Alternatively, if you see a bespectacled girl in the halls with a sandwich board and a red beret, say hello and ask for a spiel!
David Hughes
Hey students, I’m Dave Hughes, and I’m running for Treasurer. Here are a few reasons why I will be accountable and transparent to you as members. As you may know, you pay $60 in student fees to the SFSS every semester. Do you know how this money is spent? I have sat on the Finance and Administrative Services and Constitution and Policy Review Committees for nearly two years, positions which have allowed me to gain a deep insight in this society’s budget and the many policies that control it. As a result of a budget deficit over the last two years, several cuts have been made across the board. In my term as Treasurer, I will work to ensure that further cuts are made to non-service areas, and see that funding is restored to the areas that serve our membership. Vote Dave Hughes for Treasurer, that’s money well spent!
Member Services Officer
Diego Reyeros
As Business Forum Representative and Executive to several student groups, I understand the importance of cooperation within our society to achieve a higher quality of education.
There are four main areas I want to work on; (1) student involvement and representation, (2) the consistency and magnitude of SFU’s undergrad social life, (3) the communication between students and the SFSS, and (4) financial accountability.
It is not right for such an important body as the SFSS to have low involvement from its own members; moreover, it is not fair for the undergrad society that the SFSS does not create concern among the society about its operations. As MSO I will work towards a bigger participation of the undergrad society by raising awareness among students.
If we want our University to be internationally recognized, we need to improve the events held at SFU and the social experience overall. Thanks to my experience on event planning at SFU I will approach student groups, and facilitate them with the tools available not only at the SFSS but around University to develop a stronger community.
Lastly, I will use the SFSS’ Forum, Committees, and Publicity to assure a fair communication between the students, and the SFSS regarding the major issues concerning both sides. I will ensure that the opinion and perspective of students are considered at the Board of Directors, so that the decisions that are made are aligned with the needs and demands of the undergrad society.
I expect to be elected as MSO so I can continue to serve my community, in the same direct, honest, professional and shrewd way as always; moreover, I will continue to aid the integration of our diverse society, and will keep improving student life as a whole, something that I practice in my personal life, in the things that I love, in SFU.
Diego Reyeros
dra15@sfu.ca
778-316-7450
Focus SFU slate
External Relations Officer
Kyle Acierno
My name is Kyle Acierno. I am a first year undergrad student majoring in International Studies.
I am running for the position of External Relations Officer for the Simon Fraser Student Society.
In Canada it is becoming more difficult and more expensive to get a quality education that everyone should be entitled to. It is my goal to find out what can be done to make university more accessible.
Sustainable living is a very important concept in the 21st century. We live in a world that is running out of resources and becoming less hospitable. Universities are places that brew ideas, inspire change and pave the way to a better future. I plan on finding ways to make SFU the most sustainable University in B.C. and a role model for the rest of Canada.
Finally, I believe that as students who have to travel up a mountain to get an education, we should be rewarded with a decent transit system that will meet our needs. I will work with city transit to make our commutes faster.
By being elected into the SFSS I will be able to give students a voice. My main goal for this term is to open a direct channel of information. Through Facebook and other social mediums I will provide students with a place to learn, share, and speak out. I will arrange events for students to meet and talk about any questions or concerns they are having. As a fulltime student, I will always be around the various campuses to have a chat.
SFU is not just a place to learn, but a place to be inspired. Each of us has the power to make this university and this world a better place. Let’s start now.
Vote Kyle Acierno for ERO
Samuel Reynolds
(no platform submitted)
University Relations Officer
Arry Dhillon
Arry for URO!
Hi, My name is Arry Dhillon.
I am a fourth year business student studying entrepreneurship and accounting.
I have recently been re-elected to the Board of Governors and elected to Senate at SFU.
I have chosen to run for University Relations Officer for the SFSS to:
- Connect the SFSS to higher decision making bodies in order to achieve large scale goals. I want topics to be pushed through at the SFSS level to referendum. Including:
- Completion of the Student Union Building. In conversations with President Stevenson and other administration, I have found there is a profound interest at the higher levels to see this project through.
- Acquiring the Fox Field Stadium. Doctor Murphy (Athletics Director) shows great interest in seeing such a stadium brought to SFU.
I have limited words. Visit arrydhillon.com for more details. - Link the SFSS to higher level university policy decisions. As a member of SFUs Senate and Board of Governors, I will be able to enhance policy decisions at the SFSS level and then bring those to higher governing bodies (the Board of Governors and Senate). To achieve this goal, I will be working at least 30 hrs/wk, every week, to ensure policies best reflect student interests. This includes improving policies regarding parking, residences, and housing issues, grade disputes, makeup exams, course availabilities, among other student concerns.
Vote Arry online March 16-18, for a student rep who has kept every one of his promises.
Richard Vickery
I am running for this position again because we need good people in office with good ideas and real experience on how to run a non-profit organisation. I have over 10 years of experience working with people on executive committees. I almost got elected to city council in North Vancouver.
The reason I am running for University Relations Officer is that I have a few ideas about how to represent your interests to the power of the university that can make our experience at Simon Fraser University that much more smoothly than it already is.
Those who know me know that I am genuinely interested in people much more than in the interests of power: our interests as individual, as well as collective, students come first.
I also want to put at least one Linux computer in the library.
I hope I can count on your vote.
warm regards,
Richard Vickery
Internal Relations Officer
Andrew Fergusson
My name is Andrew Fergusson and I am seeking re-election to a third term as your Internal Relations Officer of the Simon Fraser Student Society.
Over the past two years I have brought consistency and experience to one of the most important positions on the SFSS Board of Directors. As the IRO, my responsibilities have included human resources and management of our 75 staff, and chair of the Commercial Services Committee. Most of my time the past year has been spent in preparation for Collective Bargaining with CUPE 3338's Administrative Unit, which is now ongoing.
The Collective Agreements between the Society and CUPE 3338 are the most important contracts any Board of Directors can sign. In order for our negotiations this year to be successful, we must achieve the mandate as set out by Board. This will require my knowledge of how the CAs impact our organization's operations coupled with my experience at the bargaining table. My experience should not be discarded as the Society is currently in its best bargaining position in years.
This year saw major progress on pub renovations, in my capacity as IRO I will make sure that Food and Beverage Services sees them through.
For my 2010-2011 term in office I pledge to:
- Continue my office hours so members can check in
- Continue to work with other directors on policy and improve best practises
- Continue the work of Space Committee's pub renovation project
- Continue to develop accountable management practises for the Society
- Finish negotiating the CA with CUPE
I encourage all members of the SFSS to participate in the election by being informed of the candidates and issues.
Andrew Fergusson is a team member of FOCUS SFU www.focussfu.ca
Re-elect Fergusson for IRO March 16-18 online elections.sfss.ca
Panther Kuol
Panther Kuol: An Independent Fresh Perspective
- I love our university and student union. I am running for Internal Relations Officer because I want to make our SFSS work on four key issues:
- ensuring an environmentally and financially sustainable campus and union,
- operating under the principles of democracy and fairness,
- negotiating a fair collective agreement that balances the needs of students with an appropriate level of compensation for staff that rewards initiative and excellence,
- providing students the best services for their money.
SFU has given us so much – I want to give something back to our community.
I want the SFSS to be an example of a sustainable organization instead of being known for waste and inefficiency.
Thankfully, we can do better. I will negotiate a fair collective agreement. I promise that I will work for a better deal so the SFSS can spend more of your money on things that matter; like bursaries, events, and DSU funding.
My Experience
- Two years experience with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), I am the former SFSS Chief Commissioner for the IEC. I am known for my transparency and fairness
- Student teacher in Africa
- Real world office administration work experience
My Goals:
- Increase student space
- Generate revenue for the SFSS to improve our services
- Promote engaging events
- Restore democracy, first by replacing the controversial and unconstitutional election policy [http://the-peak.ca/article/20916].
- Work to maintain our independence, adhering to By-Law 22
These are my core principles. Beyond that, I will serve you to the very best of my abilities and will adhere to the highest moral standards. We need cooperation, not in-fighting.
This March 16th - 18th vote online for a Fresh Perspective and real world experience. Vote Panther Kuol for Internal Relations.
Arts and Social Sciences Faculty Representative
Peter Qumsieh
(no platform submitted)
Business Faculty Representative
Ken Ying
As a Business Representative, I will:
- deal with students directly
- express your interests
- bring more money to the faculty and clubs from SFSS
My goal is simple, when I was a project-manager, I did not know how to book rooms, how to create a comprehensive budget, or know what kind of food can be served on campus. This confusion was shared among a lot of the project-managers that wanted to get things done; I want people to approach me as the Go-To person where all questions and confusions can be easily answered.
I want voices to be heard and make students know that someone in their faculty truly cares about their problems and concerns. I will make a legitimate effort to voice it out to the Board of Directors of SFSS and make things happen.
I will provide insights through experiences from SFSS to give every executive an exclusive budget review on whether a grant request will be secured or not, this will ideally give off a more flexible budget for project-managers to work with.
By voting for me, you would have a faculty that can execute events that are inspiring, meaningful, and outstanding.
Thank you.
Science Faculty Representative
Lorenz Yeung
If elected as Science Rep, my primary focus would be to further develop the Science Community Initiative (SCI). This will include obtaining a common room accessible to all science students. SCI will act as a group for undeclared and underrepresented science students in addition to being a hub for all Science DSUs to organise and participate in events. This allows the students to participate in events in the community, without the need to do so from within a DSU. This will also allow any issues to be brought up and discussed by any member of the faculty of science. I will work with existing DSUs to discuss any thoughts on improvement and growth of their activities as well. I plan on continuing Science Frosh, and Geek Week. Oh and semesterly dodgeball tournaments. Because its awesome.
Education Faculty Representative
Todd McDonald
I am the current Faculty of Education representative with the SFSS.
I am a fourth year education student currently enrolled in the SFU PDP program.
Serving as an ACTIVE voice for the needs of Faculty of Education students. Currently serving as Chairperson of the Education Students Association.
Passionate about our Simon Fraser student community and raising awareness of the critical issues that concern them.
Active in our education community working on fundraising for SFU students and Burnaby School District students, and students globally.
Genuine concern and knowledge of the current state of the provincial and federal student loan programs. I am an accessible communicator with experience and knowledge of the student loan system. I am dedicated to helping students gain better access to loans, and educating them about their options for student debt.
Committed to raising student awareness of our SFSS so that it continues to have the educated support of the university student body.
At-Large Representative
Jordan Kohn
Hello, my name is Jordan Kohn and I hope to be your next At-Large Member of the SFSS Board of Directors. I am currently a full time student in my fifth year at SFU and in the process of completing concurrent BAs with majors in History and Humanities along with certificates in Religious Studies and Exploration in Arts and Social Sciences. During my time at SFU I have been an active member of the SFSS and campus community and would like to be given the opportunity to continue to do so with a more active role.
I have been the History Representative on the SFSS Forum since January 2007. During that time Forum has appointed me to fill Forum’s spots several of the Student Societies committees including the Advocacy, Remunerations Advisory, Finance and Administrative Services committees. Currently I sit on the Constitution and Policy Review and Commercial Services committees along with taking an active interest in other aspects of the Society. I have also been an active member of the History Student Union having been Secretary, Vice-President, President and am currently Treasurer.
If elected I will work to advocate for student’s needs to government and build community spirit at SFU.
Focus SFU slate
Frederick Bantados
My name is Frederick Bantados and I am a 5th year Science and Business student and am running for the position of Member at Large. I believe I am the most qualified candidate for this position because my experiences span across a wide range of activities and am already familiar with the operations of the SFSS. My current experience as the President of the Student Marketing Association allows me to visualize concepts and translate them to feasible action plans ultimately realizing the organization’s goals. Also, I have been a part of the Student Development and Programing Center’s projects in Week of Welcome, Orientation, and Open Houses in both volunteer and leader capacities. I currently sit on 2 SFSS Committes as a Forum Representattive; FASC and Advocacy. My experience in both Forum and these committees has provided me with an extensive background in the operations of the SFSS and will allow me to transition quickly to the daily tasks of the SFSS if elected. I have made it a mission this year and will be my mission next year to raise the awareness of what services the SFSS has to offer and to make it easier for students to access them.
Focus SFU slate
Uncontested positions appear on the ballot as Yes/No votes.
No candidates are registered for the following positions:
- Environment Faculty Representative
- Applied Science Faculty Representative
- Faculty of Communication Art and Technology (FCAT) Representative
- Health Science Faculty Representative
These positions will remain vacant until filled by a byelection in Fall 2010.