The Athenaeum

Tag: election

  • Co-op Students: The Forgotten Party in the ASU Election

    Co-op Students: The Forgotten Party in the ASU Election

    Since I arrived at Acadia in the fall of 2014, I have had the privilege of voting in the Acadia Student’s Union General Election. I have always been a proud supporter of the ASU, and all that they provide to Acadia students. When election time rolls around, I read the candidates platforms, attend the candidates’ debate, and eventually cast my vote for who I feel will best represent me for the following academic year.

    This year was no different, despite being on a Co-op work term in Saint John, New Brunswick. I was ecstatic when the ASU live streamed the candidates debate, as I thought it was such an amazing way to give those who could not attend, including students currently on exchange or in co-op, a chance to be present at the debate. Throughout the month of January, I spoke with many of my friends who are running for positions in the ASU, read their platforms on their Facebook pages, and became educated on the issues that they care about. When the day came to log onto Acadia Central and cast my vote, I felt that I was well educated on many of the issues brought up, and I knew who was receiving my vote. When I went to log on, I was greeted with a message under “ASU General Election: “there are no questions for you to answer.”

    I was confused by this post, so I reached out to many of my other friends to see if they too were having this technical glitch. My friend who is also on a co-op term reached out to me to say that the message I was getting wasn’t a mistake, Co-op students are not eligible to vote in the ASU election. I was incredibly confused. I didn’t understand why I wasn’t eligible to vote, as I was always told that I was still considered an Acadia student while on a Co-op work term. After all, I pay $800 in Co-op fees for the semester, and am working towards a university credit. I decided to reach out to the Chief Returning Officer of the ASU to discuss the issue, and voice my concern over not being allowed to vote.

    Shortly after, I received a reply. I was told that because Co-op students don’t pay winter fees to the Student’s Union, they are ineligible to vote. A brief apology was given, and I was told to reach out the Student Representative Council when I returned to Acadia in September. I was slightly baffled, so I went onto the ASU constitution to understand what she meant.

    The ASU Constitution states that only Ordinary and Associate members are eligible to vote in the ASU General Election. An Associate member is defined as:

    Associate members, who shall be all students who are registered at Acadia University as part-time students and have paid the prevailing membership fee for part-time student. Associate members defined: Any student registered in fewer than 3 courses.

    So to clarify, if you are taking fewer than three Acadia courses, you are considered a part-time student, and as long as you pay your ASU membership fee, you are eligible to vote in the election. I then went on to see what the ASU fee for part-time students is. Financial services states that part-time students are required to pay $10.30 per 3H course taken at Acadia as a membership fee. With this conclusion, the $86.45 that I had paid in the fall semester to be part of the Students Union makes me less eligible to vote in an ASU election than the minimum $10.30 paid by part time students, because I had paid that due in a semester where the general election had not taken place.

    One of the things about the Co-op program at Acadia that I am most thankful for is how it allows you to leave and develop as a professional in a working environment, while still holding close ties with the Acadia community and the wonderful resources that come with it. Co-op students are so tightly connected with Acadia while away, with many even taking additional courses through the university. By neglecting to include Co-op students as eligible members able to vote in the ASU election, they are seriously forgetting an important part of our small but close-knit community. Co-op students represent nearly every faculty at Acadia, and bring an important voice to the ASU. In addition, if a Co-op student is on a winter work term, more than likely they are currently third year students. They know the candidates well, and have experienced Acadia alongside them for many years. Most importantly, moving into their graduating year, they are directly affected by all of the decisions made by the ASU. By not allowing them to vote, they are taking away the opportunity for them to have their voices heard, and have a say in what really matters.

    Every student, whether part time, full time, Co-op, or on exchange, deserves to have their voice heard in the ASU election. I love Acadia, and I truly care about the student body chosen to govern over it. I look forward to bringing this issue forward to the SRC in the 2017/2018 school year, and working to have this issue resolved.

  • Have Hope for 2017

    Sitting down at the dinner table with my family I faced an awkward conversation. It started with griping about the state of the world: America, Europe, crisis after pandemic after crash. It was a depressing start to a conversation, to say the least. The picture that was painted was one resembling the worst of the first Mad Max film, or the beginnings of Roland Emmerich’s 2012: undesirable and unnecessary.

    After some thinking, I chimed into the conversation. Yes, I wasn’t going to lie, things did look bad. There were a lot of things that were beyond the scope of positivity. But after the dinner was over I stopped and asked my parents: why did they think things were so bad? Their answers were different in their wording but the general message was the same: things were changing and they were changing in a direction they didn’t like.

    It’s undeniable that the world is changing. Former reality TV star Donald Trump is now President of the United States, the UK is (trying to begin the process of) leaving the European Union, Syria is falling back under the control of Bashar Al-Assad, and the Islamic State is branching out around the world, with attacks occurring everywhere from Christmas markets in Berlin to bazaars in Turkey and malls in the United States. It’s a different world, and it’s one that doesn’t have the prettiest face. By a lot of metrics, the world is sliding back into a reality eerily reminiscent of the 1930s, with fascism, racism, and neo-Nazism on the rise and tensions erupting around the world. This all came to the boiling point in 2016, a year we’re all very glad is over.

    Denying that the world is facing a challenging new reality is arrogant and irresponsible. To say that everything is going to be fine and dandy is dangerously naïve. But it doesn’t warrant being pessimistic about the future.

    2016 will be a year that will be long analyzed by historians of the future. We lost countless stars, from David Bowie to Prince and Carrie Fisher, we saw the worst of humanity in Aleppo, and we saw hate take precedence over love through xenophobia and racism. Needless to say, it was a year that will live in infamy.

    But it doesn’t warrant despair. In the face of adversity, the worst thing one can do is curl up in a ball and refuse to believe that anything they do can change things. Even the littlest of things, from throwing your coffee cup in the recycling or telling somebody they look good today, makes a difference. It may be small and but it is not insignificant. Maya Angelou once said “people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel”. In the face of an uncertain future it makes all the difference to be there for one another.

    As much as those around us may want to pessimistic about 2016, there were just as many reasons to be optimistic. The Colombian government signed an agreement with the FARC, ending a decades long conflict that had killed thousands. Tiger numbers around the world were on the rise for the first time in 100 years. A solar powered airplane flew across the Pacific Ocean. World hunger has reached its lowest point in 25 years. People pouring buckets of ice over their heads raised enough money to help isolate the gene that causes the disease. When you look back over the bigger events, last year wasn’t so bad.

    It’s impressive how far we’ve come in the past year. The Paris Agreement has been signed, and even though there are plenty of climate change skeptics and outright deniers in high office, the ball has begun rolling towards a greener future. We’ve seen compassion in Canada, with our own Prime Minister personally greeting refugees fleeing war and utter devastation. Love him or hate him, it takes someone with genuine character to take ownership of an issue and face the fruits of their labour head-on. Even here at Acadia, our first year population has grown by 25%. New blood and new minds are being welcomed into Wolfville, a stark contrast from the previous year’s intake.

    I have hope for 2017. There are elections coming up around the world where candidates are basing their campaigns on an ‘us vs. them’ message, fearmongering and hatemongering. But while there are those candidates, there are just as many promoting what makes democracy worth fighting for: peace, compassion, tolerance, justice, and love. The fight for a free and fair society isn’t an easy or bloodless one. Relationships are ruined, reputations are soured, and feelings are hurt. But if you truly believe in something worth fighting for, stand up for it.

    There will always be headlines that strike fear into our hearts. There will always be those who preach hate and practice malice. There will always be those who believe that the impossible is exactly that- impossible. And yet there will always be those tiny instances of human compassion that amount to something greater. There will always be those who preach love and practice tolerance. There will always be those who believe that the impossible is exactly the opposite- possible.

    Let’s not despair for 2017. Let’s go out and make it a good one.

  • The Votes Are In

    The people have spoken, the votes are in, and the ballots are counted. The 2016 municipal election for Wolfville took place on October 15th and the outcome was far from the norm – 5 out of the 6 elected councilors are women. “We are a progressive town,” says elected councilor Wendy Donavon and I couldn’t agree more. This contrasts Halifax whose council is the least equally gender representative that they have been in years with only 2 female councilors out of 16. Leading the votes was esteemed councilor Carl Oldham with 767 votes. He was followed in order by Wendy Elliot, Wendy Donovan, Mercedes Brian, Jodi Mackay, and Oonagh Proudfoot. This council is made up of three returning candidates and three new representatives, lead by Mayor Cantwell.  With an equal mix of returning candidates and fresh perspective, a previously minute female voice refreshingly liberated and a Mayor so good at his job no one will run against him, I think that town of Wolfville is in for a prosperous term. Thank you to every Wolfville resident and politically awakened student who took the time to ensure his or her voice was heard this election season. 

  • Introducing the Candidates for Councillor of Wolfville

    As promised in the previous issue, I would like to introduce you to the candidates running for Councilor in the upcoming Municipal Election. They have all answered the same question in an effort to tell you, the student residents of Wolfville, about their platform and why they deserve your vote. The question they were asked is: What is the most important reason that students should vote in the upcoming municipal election and why should that vote be for you? 

     

    Oonagh Proudfoot

    Currently: Senior Alumni Officer, Alumni Affairs; Part-time Lecturer, Kinesiology; Acadia University

    [Students should vote] because they are a part of this community. [Students should vote for me because] each student is permitted six votes as there are six seats. Those six votes should go to the six people (of the ten) that the student believes can contribute to a meaningful conversation about each of the issues that are brought forward to the council for review, discussion and decision.

     

    Wendy Donovan 

    Currently: Deputy Mayor Town of Wolfville; Recreation Planner/Owner Recreation & Library Consulting Firm

    Formerly: Municipal Recreation Planner Cities of North York and Burlington ON; Recreation Planning Consultant to municipalities across Canada

    Municipal councils establish policies, the budget being the most significant, that govern how taxpayers’ money is spent, e.g., are there recreation programs, which roads are most in need of maintenance, what streets have sidewalks, what events receive Town support, how is land zoned, where are parks. Council policies create the type of Town Wolfville will be – now and into the future.

    A few years ago Acadia students created a Word Cloud of reasons they choose Acadia. COMMUNITY was the most frequent word. Students said programs like SMILE, the small town feel, festivals and events, contribute to this sense of community. Many policies take years to bear fruit, and voters need to consider how decisions will play out over the longer term. Your vote contributes to the kind of community you would like to live in now, as well as after graduation. I would like a Wolfville where students want to remain long after graduation.

    I support policies that contribute to: safe and affordable housing, neighbourhoods where all residents feel they belong, fair partnerships with business, institutions and organizations, managed growth and infrastructure renewal, and opportunities for residents to enjoy the things Acadia students say brought them to Wolfville.

     

    Wil Lang

    Currently: Co-Owner/Operator, Troy Restaurant, Member of Wolfville Town and Gown Committee, Member of Town of Wolfville Design Review Committee

    Formerly: Committee Vise President – Wolfville Business Development Corporation,

    President of Wolfville Business Development Corporation,

    For me it is all about embracing your voice. The Acadia community is why Wolfville is where it’s at! That fact is something that needs to be embraced by this town! As an Acadia Alumni who has chosen to make Wolfville my home, I want to see more opportunities for Acadia students to make the same decision. Whether that means staying to work for the summer in between school years or staying after graduation to start your own business, Wolfville needs to provide the opportunities that make staying viable and exciting!

    Originally from Banff, Alberta, I first came to Wolfville to attend Acadia University in 2005. After leaving to complete my Master’s Degree in Architecture from the University of Calgary, I chose to return to Wolfville with my two young boys to raise them in what I truly believe to be one of the great communities in our country!

    I have resided in the downtown core since returning to Wolfville and I am the Co-owner and operator of Troy Restaurant. I see an exciting future for Wolfville and I will be passionate and dedicated to helping us achieve it together! I ask for your vote on October 15th!

     

    Hayden McKee

     

    Being both a recent Acadia Grad and a current Acadia student I can perhaps relate better than any candidate to the plight and feelings of many students. Acadia students make up an important part of the future of this great country and this great town of Wolfville – they are the ones able to stand up and make a difference if they so choose. When they do rally behind a cause their voice can drown all opposition out and their power is deafening. In this election students can vote for the first time, in a long time, for one of their own, some one they can relate with and feel at ease bringing their issue to. Because the same issues that effect many students are also experienced by myself. I believe it is high time that the students of Acadia University once again have a voice on town council, and I would be humbled and honored if they choose me to represent them. It is my hope this Oct 6th -11th and 15th they vote for change, vote for the future.

     

    Jodi MacKay 

    Currently: Office/Finance Manager in the health care sector.

     

    I feel strongly that students should vote because they can contribute to their communities in a tangible way. Knowing who your community’s government officials are is valuable, as they are making decisions that impact your daily life. Decisions on planning, housing, bylaws, and safety all have a direct effect on your days, and you can contribute by voting for the policy makers you believe in. Wolfville is a vibrant, active university town and I appreciate Acadia students taking the time to contribute to our community. I believe a community is made up of and can only thrive if we have a varied demographic, as we all have something to contribute. I believe we can all coexist and lend our strengths to enhance our community. I have an open mind and am committed to lifelong learning. Positive change and innovation are two of my favorite things. It never ceases to amaze me what our next generations can do! More details about myself and what to look for in a candidate can be found on my Facebook page: Elect Jodi MacKay as Town Councillor – Wolfville.

     

    Mercedes Brian

     

    Everyone should vote in the municipal election, especially under-represented students. It’s your chance to influence the grassroots level of government regarding issues like water quality, roads, sidewalks, bike lanes, trails, fire protection, recreation opportunities, growing local jobs, having safe, affordable housing, an effective, respectful, police presence, lively festivals, … I can go on! My love for Wolfville and Acadia began when I stepped off the train in 1978. Now I am a married mother of four young adults, an artisan fermented food and drink producer, and a huge fan of outdoor recreation, local food, and local culture. A vote for me is a vote for experience and enthusiasm. As a councilor, I volunteered for hard work. I chaired the Planning Committee and continue to be a member. I chair the inter-municipal Kings Transit Board (we now have on-board Wi-fi and a new route through Port Williams). I chair the Audit Committee, where we have the first and detailed look at Wolfville’s finances. I’m also a member of the Source Water Protection Committee and attend the Environmental Sustainability Committee, which speaks to my commitment to clean air, pure water, healthy soil, and addressing climate change through alternative energy strategies and efficiencies.

     

    Carl Oldham

     

    My name is councilor Carl Oldham. I have lived in the Town of Wolfville for the last twenty years. I am also a business man, owner of the Carl’s Independent grocery store, with my son, Carl Jr. I have been a councilor for the last eight years in the Town of Wolfville, and I sit on a number of committees. I bring lots of experience to the town with my last eight years on the town council. I am also very active in the community, taking on lots of volunteer work. For example: Wolfville Lions Club, Mud Creek Rotary Club, Wolfville School, Wolfville Food Bank. Our store sponsors many events and teams at Acadia University. These include the hockey team, football team, and the girls’ rugby team. I am a very community-minded person who cares about his community. I love the energy that Acadia University brings to the town. I would love your support on October 15th.

     

     

    Adam Fraser

     

    Four years ago my wife and I moved to Wolfville to start a family.  We wanted to be part of a growing, vibrant, and young town. Part of the appeal of Wolfville is having Acadia University on our doorstep. Having a regular influx of young, motivated, and educated people is part of what makes our town so special; however, I have found that sometimes a friction exists between full-time residents and students.  This has resulted in discussions about the town “cracking down” on students and talks of additional by-laws regarding student housing and noise. It is almost like the town council has forgotten that you are residents as well. It is my goal to work with our university and its students to create solutions rather than focusing on restricting by-laws and enforcement. I think that it is time for some new, young minds to be part of the discussion. It is time for a fresh perspective. I encourage you all to take the time to cast your vote on October 15th, and start being part of the discussion.

     

    Wendy Elliot 

     

    Acadia students living in Wolfville have the right to vote in the upcoming municipal election. I urge all students to consider voting on October 6 at the advance poll, or on election day October 15. Municipal government is the closest government to all of us (next in line to the ASU for students) and impacts our lives here every day; it’s where we as voters can have a real impact by paying attention to the issues of local government. Balancing “Town and Gown” concerns are no less important than when I graduated from Acadia. In fact, finding a mutually-beneficial blend for sustaining both populations is absolutely vital to the future of the Town and the University. We are linked in many important ways and each needs to make the effort to understand the other. I have been covering Wolfville town politics since 1980 as a reporter for the local newspaper, now the Valley Journal Advertiser (I used to be a staffer on the Atheneum while at Acadia). Being a good listener and a long time resident, my motivation for running for council is to help broker better understanding.

     

    These are your candidates for councilor in this municipal election. Now all you have to do is decide which six best represent your values and hopes for the town of Wolfville. Advance polls are at the Student Union at 8:00pm, see you all there!

  • First American Presidential Debate 2016

    The first US presidential debate took place on Monday evening of September 26th, 2016, featuring a much anticipated and polarized pair of candidates, Donald Trump and Hilary Clinton. Being the first time that Trump and Clinton have taken the stage together in this type of setting, the debate revealed the presidential nominees’ ability to address today’s issues, how they differ from one another, and how their philosophies appear to add up. Both candidates bring a lot to the table. Between taxation, trade, and foreign policy especially, there is a lot to be said about their differences.

    In brief, Clinton advocates a more or less traditional and neoliberal view of these affairs: tax the rich, enhance and facilitate free trade arrangements, maintain strong ties with our allies, and always engage in diplomacy at first instance. Secretary Clinton views the importance of building the middle class, with much of her policy aligning with this outlook. Her education and experience in the political sphere should warrant her much credibility for her plans, being very careful of the political implications of the POTUS’ actions on the national and international level and not suggesting any radical policies that could potentially compromise any number of political or economic institutions.

    Trump sees things differently. Straying from convention, Trump proposes not to tax the upper class, rather provide tax cuts for purposes of encouraging corporate reinvestment in technology, growth and employment. On the trade front, scrap free trade agreements and start taxing foreign entities for trading with the US. And for those who wish to move and produce in China to then sell back to America, they will experience heavy penalization. His stance on foreign policy also possesses an interesting economic perspective: to engage with and support our allies is important, but relationships within organizations like NATO need to be equal, and nations need to provide equal funding toward global efforts. In short: our money is ours, not yours, and we will not be pulling any dead weight anymore.

    Both candidates possess different but valid outlooks on America’s future. It should be granted that Trump does have an understanding in the workings of business, economic imperatives, and the world from a capitalist’s eyeview. Many people find him appealing in this way. For one, the assumption that big business will necessarily reinvest their capital in growth is not ridiculous: in competitive environments it is in fact an imperative to a certain extent. Indeed he is right. Hilary Clinton is also right, however, in the sure bet: tax the wealthy more to ensure services and programs are provided to the public.

    Trump also places heavy emphasis on America making better deals and earning their fair share, which illustrates the thin line that Trump ultimately walks on between the economic and the political. The United States sits near the top of the global economic and political pyramid, but to build a strong global leadership role depends on maintaining and strengthening relationships between states, whether through trade or diplomacy alike. What Trump may ignore in international relations is the major influence that the political sphere can have on a nations economic well-being. Relationships matter. In light of Trump’s views emphasizing the US as the main priority between tax, trade, and foreign policy, his contention on the standing economic relationships between global partners make his foreign policy focus seem merely ‘domestic’.

    Hilary Clinton makes it clear to international partners during the debate that the word of the US is good. Under a Clinton administration, global relationships will be maintained, and the focus will not only be on growing America’s core middle class, but assisting their international partners as well. It is hard to criticize one for this double standard, especially considering where the US fits into the global scene, and it takes much consideration for policy goals to strike a balance between the two.

    However, the American public have been seeing things differently. It seems that post-debate polls indicate no clear winner, many claiming Clinton was the stronger debater, others indicating Trump was the winner. Even after such a determinative event like this, the nation is still divided.

     

  • 2016 Acadia Students’ Union By-Election – Your Candidates

    2016 Acadia Students’ Union By-Election – Your Candidates

    14203377_1025423654237027_3252954718056433837_nOliver Jacobs

    Hey! I’m Oliver Jacob and I am a first year student from Arnprior, Ontario studying a Bachelor of Arts with Double Major in Political Science and French. I have been heavily involved in student leadership and volunteer work within my home community including sitting on the Ministers Student Advisory Council in 2013-2014. I have been heavily involved with Free The Children raising awareness for poverty and child labour in developing countries while teaching Canadian students that they are the leaders of today not tomorrow. This is what drew me to contribute to my local and global communities but more than that, I want to make a difference in your lives. I am committed to do everything that I can to create an environment here at Acadia where all students can achieve excellence in anything they put their minds to by creating a safe learning environment that promotes diversity and leadership.

     

    10608555_10204854501468198_4407368222101557376_oDena Williams

    Hey Acadia! For those who don’t know me, I’m Dena! My hopes in running for Equity Officer is to help create an environment where anyone can feel free to be themselves. Attending a school where you’re truly embraced by the student and staff body is crucial to our individuality and builds a foundation for the diversity we have on campus. I’ve had many experiences at Acadia which have affected me as a underrepresented minority on campus, although positive and negative these experiences have led me to want a position where I can emphasize the need for change and be part of the process. I love this school, and to have the opportunity to make it better would be an honor! I am more than ready to sit at the table and present the true vibrancy of Acadia in the SRC! Thank you for this opportunity!

     

    dsc_0138Colin Mitchell 

    Think different.

    Two words uttered by Apple in 1997. Think different.

    It meant to think beyond the bounds of the possible. We live in a world where we’re told the only way forward is coding or numbers.

    I disagree. The arts permeate every aspect of our lives, and as Arts Senator I’ll make sure they retain the same importance at Acadia.

    For nearly 150 years the arts have had an incomparable impact on Acadia. As a Senator I’ll ensure that the Faculty of Arts is fairly and equitably represented, with no program left behind. From English to Drama, Politics to Sociology, every program matters.

    This school’s diversity is a strength, not a weakness.

    On the Senate I’ll work tirelessly to ensure that the Arts stay strong, today and tomorrow.

    So let’s think different. From September 29-30th, vote Colin Mitchell for Arts Senator.

     

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    Chantalle Byron

    My name is Chantalle Byron. I’m in my 4th year majoring in Biology and Chemistry. I’m from Antigua, in the Caribbean. I am capable to serve as your equity officer due to my experience on my high school’s council and serving as the Public Relations Officer for my college’s Rotary Club. Also, I belong to a few of the underrepresented groups that contribute to Acadia’s diversity.

    As Equity Officer, I intend to keep an open mind and an open door to the concerns of any student. I will coordinate my efforts with organizations on campus, already working towards equal representation. I aim to help smaller clubs develop into successful, influential organizations like Acadia Pride or the Women’s Centre. The importance of knowing support is available cannot be overstated. I will take the concerns of the entire student body seriously to ensure that everyone has the best possible Acadia U experience!

     

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    Max Janes

    My name is Max Janes and I am running for SRC Council. I have a wealth of experiencing in working with others, and know how to get things done. Your ASU constitution is designed to ensure that you as a student have your rights respected, and the SRC council is the governing body elected by students that takes the time to read and be aware of constitutional infringements and the like. If elected, I will put the needs of the students first, ensuring that there are resources available when needed, and that students of all identities and backgrounds will have their voices heard. Every student deserves to have a voice, and I will listen to every voice willing to speak.

     

     

    tessa-janes-headshotTessa Janes

    Formally the head of Acadia Pride and now the head of the Women’s Centre after two years as an ASU Internal Organization coordinator, I’m well versed in the intricacies of the student government; specifically how to actually get things done instead of just creating groups and committees to talk about it. The SRC is the group that really controls what goes on. Elected by, and responsible directly to, the student body it’s the SRC that votes on everything from budgets to off-campus affairs, and I really want to be a part of that and make some serious changes. Too often there are students who run your student government like a friends club, not really having your interests in mind or really understanding their role. In government I’m going to make sure those union dues you pay go a lot further (because right now if you’re not angry about things, you should be).

     

    josieJosie Cross

    Hi, my name is Josie Cross. I am a second year student studying Psychology. I am running to be a Councillor because I feel it is great way to get involved with the school. As a second year student, and after volunteering with the Acadia Student Union, I now have a better understanding of how the student council works. My goal as councillor would be to make sure all students have a voice no matter their year of study. Everyone deserves an equal chance to share their opinion whether they’re involved with the school or not. Another thing I would do is make sure there were more events held on and off campus to allow students to interact more with each other and the university. Thank you, and vote for Josie! 🙂

     

    boobieCarter Bobbie

    My name is Carter Bobbie and I am a 4th year politics student running to be an ASU councilor. Getting involved in the ASU community is something I have always wanted and believe this opportunity is a fantastic way to contribute and show change. I am an enthusiastic, hardworking student that will step up to the plate and hit that home run when we need it. I will put forward only the best and dedicate myself in listening too the student body’s concerns regarding matters within Acadia because that is what the student body deserves. I continually push myself to achieve the best and will work day and night to get the job done. Acadia has given me so much and I would be thrilled to give something back. I believe I would best represent as well as promote the student body and would relish the opportunity to become a student councilor.

     

    chettaBrandon Giacchetta

    Hi, my name is Brandon Giacchetta, and I’m currently a fifth year student studying business. The reason I’m running in this election is because Acadia has given so much to me, that I feel I should try my best to give back to Acadia. My main goal is to make sure every student at Acadia, will have their voice heard on any issue they believe is important. Student equability will be a large focus of my campaign, and if elected it will be the focal point of my role. No student should ever have to feel like their opinion doesn’t matter, and I’m going to make sure they know it does.

    Vote For Brandon!

     

    calumCalum McCracken

    Hello my fellow Acadia peers! My name is Calum McCracken and I am a fourth year political science student, with a minor in legal studies. Moreover, I am running for the vacant Student Councillor position alongside my colleague, and fellow political science student Carter Bobbie! I am committed to fulfilling the duties of said office, and will strive to represent the entirety of the student body. Further, I will remain receptive and considerate to the diverse pallet of issues and interests that populate our Acadia community. As a political science student whom studies contemporary, cultural, and administrative issues on an intellectual level, I believe I can offer a unique input on matters pertaining to the sociopolitical makeup of the Acadia community. Over my three-year career at Acadia University I have gained insight both inside and outside the classroom, and hope to be given an opportunity to let my actions reflect this, if given the opportunity to hold the office of Student Councillor.

     

    athheadshotMichael Rumsby

    My name is Michael Rumsby and I’m from Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia. I’m also a second year Engineering student as well as President of Cutten House. The reason I took on a leadership role in Cutten was so that I could make a difference in the lives of students here at Acadia. I’m looking for an opportunity to be in a position where I can reach a much larger portion of students. My hope is to become a councillor so that I can get input during office hours from a wider range of students so that we can make Acadia as great a school as possible for all students. We can’t solve any issues if they are not discussed and I would like to be the person you can talk to, to make a difference at our beautiful school.

     

     

    headshot-asu-myers

    Ryan Myers

    Hello all, my name is Ryan Myers and I am a fourth year music major running for Equity Officer for the ASU! Being a thoroughly involved student on campus and with the Wolfville community, I have had the pleasure to meet a wide spectrum of individuals over my first three years at Acadia. As a member and strong supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, I feel that all of our contrasting differences complement one another to make our campus truly prosper. In this way, I believe that equal opportunity for all students is a necessity for the well-being of our student body. I hope to be a friendly face that any student will feel comfortable approaching with questions, concerns, or even just to chat! On September 29th and 30th, I graciously ask you to vote Ryan Myers for Equity Officer!

     

    img_1253Alyssa Hall

    Hello, my name is Alyssa Hall and I’d like to represent you as a council member in the Acadia Student Union. I am currently a second year business student here at Acadia and couldn’t be happier about it. Originally from Quispamsis NB, I’ve been blessed to move from one beautiful valley to another. I pride myself on my open-mindedness and will always be happy to take suggestions and ideas to better your experience with the Acadia community. My focus if elected will be ensuring that the student body at large is heard. In addition to my regular office hours, I am always open to talking with student at other times when requested. I believe school needs to be a balance between academics and extra-curricular, while always taking care of your physical and mental wellbeing. Thank you for your consideration and I encourage you to vote for the candidate you best believe will represent your voice.

     

    14513789_10208804360999565_1457070761_oJulianna Mutch

    Hello Acadia, I’m Julianna Mutch and I’m a fourth year Politics and French double major from Moncton, NB who would love to serve you all again as a Councillor on the Students’ Representative Council. During my time at Acadia I have been involved with S.M.I.L.E., student ambassador tours, and as a Councillor for two years. During my two terms as Councillor I was able to meet many amazing Acadia students and help inform them on what’s going on with the Students’ Representative Council, as well as putting on programs which involved promoting positive mental health and to bring awareness to the SRC, the ASU’s Internal Organizations and the Town of Wolfville. If re-elected I would like to focus on issues pertaining to consent and to further strengthen Acadia’s relations with the Town of Wolfville. It would be an honour and a pleasure to serve you all. Please VOTE, VOTE, VOTE!

  • Vote! Vote! Vote!

    Get off your arse and vote. Yes you. Wolfville is having a municipal election on October 15, 2016 and you should vote. You may be under the false pretense that this election does not pertain to you but I am here to assure you that as a resident of Wolfville and a student, this election has everything to do with you. Once you have read this list of compelling evidence, you are welcome to continue to be an apathetic citizen if I fail to persuade you of the utmost importance of your vote.

     

    Maybe you do not fall under the category of “people who refuse to vote.” Maybe you vote in your hometown. You are a step ahead of many of your classmates, but still you must vote here in Wolfville. You may love your hometown dearly but the fact remains that you live in Wolfville 8 out of the 12 months of the year. That, my friends, is a majority so mathematical logic suggests you are more affected by the municipal government here in the Valley than anywhere else.

     

    Perhaps you believe your vote won’t make a difference. Well, if everyone was as cynical as you, no one would vote, there would be no election, no democracy, and we would all live in a form of authoritarian regime that would make you wish you had voted.

     

    It may be the case that you simply have no idea what the municipal government does. Fair enough, Grade 8 was a long time ago. Municipal government is charged with the responsibility of maintenance of all the services here in Wolfville. For example, the construction on Highland Street that is ongoing is the responsibility of the municipal government. That alone should be enough incentive for you to cast your vote.

     

    Maybe you are a unicorn, and the inefficiency of Wolfville construction does not bother you. Well the election still pertains to you because you are a student living in a student town. This town cares about its students but it’s hard for this town to represent you if you don’t tell them what you want through your vote. There is a whole committee in this town dedicated to enhancing the relationship between the town and Acadia. The Acadia Town and Gown committee is made up of Council members, Acadia student representatives, and the mayor itself in order to address issues of common concern between these two bodies. There are also by laws that directly affect you as student residents of Wolfville, for example, The Prevention of Excessive Noise Bylaw is a common one that you may or may not encounter on a weekly basis.

     

    What goes on in the municipal government affects you as a citizen of democracy, a resident of Wolfville, and a student of Acadia. So now that I have convinced you to vote you need to ensure that you are 18 years old, a citizen of Canada (sorry International Students) and you’ve been a resident of Nova Scotia for 6 months (sorry out of province first years)! The Town of Wolfville is making it so easy for you to vote by offering an advanced polling location at the Acadia Student Union Building on October 6 from 8 am until 12 pm. Who do I vote for, you ask? Stay tuned for the next article of the Athenaeum for a list of candidates for Councillor.

     

     

  • Acadia Talks – The American Election

    Info on the American Election can be found here: American-Election-Info-Sheet

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