http://www.bcusu.com/blogs/blog/Robin%20Eves/http://www.bcusu.com/blogs/blog/Robin Eves/2012/02/23/Council-hustings/http://www.bcusu.com/blogs/blog/Robin%20Eves/2012/02/23/Council-hustings/<p>  </p> <p> Ahhhh student council. The outdated tool to tackle the problems of the future.  The highest decision making body within the students' union. I bet most of you didn't know that. Hosted by someone arguably more important than the Sabbatical Team, after all he is the one who would fire us if we weren't doing our jobs. Today I had the privilege of sitting next to the Chair of student council, acting myself as Vice Chair.  Today was hustings. Today was the chance to question those who wish to do what I have done this year. Today was the opportunity to meet those with the potential to lead the union during what will be one of the biggest challenges the higher education sector has ever faced. Today I was disappointed, not in the candidates I met but in those who didn't even turn up. </p> <p>  </p> <p> Now I know elections is a busy time of year but this was a very important meeting to say the least. Its the best opportunity a candidate has to showcase themselves as a leader of the union. To be questioned on the issues they may eventually have to lead on. Not just a meeting but a test, if you can't talk to a room full of students at council then you'll struggle to deliver the voice of 25 000 students to university senate. It was a pleasure to listen to every candidate who attended, all of which answering the questions fantastically. </p> <p>  </p> <p> Unfortunately I'm not really allowed to pass preference on candidates so I won't. However what I can say is anyone mandated to attend a meeting and didn't, without sending apologies to either the chair or vice chair of the meeting,  does not sit well with myself or the rest of student council. If people wish to run for a position, of which the core is delivering the student voice, believe they don't need to attend then I have pity for the students they wish to represent. Student voice seems to be the buzz word of this year. I'm claiming that from my manifesto last year. #trendsetter. It's in almost every manifesto this year but only a few candidates had the respect to represent it. </p> <p>  </p> <p> I won't say who attended and who didn't but I urge you to ask the question, they'll have to answer to you eventually. I voted on what I heard tonight. If only our democracy we spend so much time defending was remotely democratic. </p> <p>  </p> <p> Come to student council. We give you free food. Fact. </p>Thu, 23 Feb 2012 20:34:00 Z2012-02-23T20:34:39Z