The incoming and incumbents take to the floor for questions
Tamara Khandaker
Staff Writer
@anima_tk
A week before the start of the voting period, on the morning of March 14, both parties running for executive positions for YFS 2012-2013 gathered at the Underground for a forum-style debate.
Candidates were given three to five minutes to make opening remarks, after which they each answered questions from the audience of about 40 people, followed by closing remarks. Candidates from York United and Free York University (FYU) sat on either side of the chief returning officer (CRO) Cécile Des Vignes, who moderated the two-hour long debate.
President : Jupiter vs. Hunt
In his opening statement, Jonathan Jupiter (FYU) thanked God, family, friends, and the York community for giving him the chance to run, and confidently stated, “I will be your president for 2012-2013.”
He addressed issues such as campus unity, repeatedly referring to Schulich as a separate campus. He talked about the need for bursaries for international students, increased school spirit, transparency about the allocation of funds from YFS membership fees, and a health care plan that allows students to opt in rather than out.
Current president for 2011-2012 and president hopeful Vanessa Hunt promised to push for the implementation of the recommendations of the METRAC safety audit, a concrete sexual assault policy, and elimination of the late payment interest fees on tuition.
Jupiter stressed the importance of making students aware of the METRAC recommendations, Hunt said she would increase pressure from various parts of campus on the administration to make sure they are all implemented.
In a brief interview after the debate, Hunt said she had confidence in her slate. She also clarified why York United made a slate name change from Students First: they wanted to better reflect this year’s brand-new slate.
In a post-debate interview, Jupiter explained that the message he wanted to get across was that lack of experience would not be a problem for FYU. He expressed happiness with his slate’s overall performance in the debate.
VP Campaigns and Advocacy : Villagran vs. Woods
When asked about continued advocacy for women, Gaston Villagran of FYU admitted he was caught off-guard. “If I don’t know the answer to a question, I’d rather keep quiet,” he said. Villagran was not aware of the current YFS’s achievements in advocacy for women. “I wasn’t prepared for this question as I’m sure Alastair is,” he said.
When asked about upcoming solidarity work, Woods said he wanted to be responsive to the issues that arise and the students of this campus. Villagran seemed to have misunderstood the question, and addressed it by discussing increasing office space for certain cultural groups.
On the subject of CUPE 3903, Woods stated that he would not be supporting either side but encouraging both sides to go back to the negotiating table, while Villagran explicitly stated that while TAs deserved to have their voices heard, problems could be resolved without a strike.
VP Operations: Leonard vs. Cerjanec
Robert Cerjanec claimed his past experience showed him that spaces unite, and he is in favour of building a new Student Centre. If elected, he also plans to expand the YFS printing centre, to maintain a balanced budget in the next fiscal year and to enhance services.
Leonard, who has experienced both resident and commuter student life, plans to ensure commuters are more involved and informed about YFS services.
Candidates received a number of questions about Welcome Week concerts in past years where artists failed to show up and perform. Cerjanec reminded the audience that even though Nas cancelled last minute due to illness, the YFS was able to organize a “redemption” concert the next day and brought artists on short notice.
Leonard brought up the Drake initiative, assertive that Drake would not let down his fans from the area he grew up in. “He’s not going to cancel for no reason,” she said.
VP Campus Life: Brathwaite vs. Thyriar
When asked about organizing a queer night at the Underground, both York United’s Jessica Thyriar and FYU’s Roger Brathwaite focused on the organization and promotion of the event but neither candidate was able to address the issue of safety.
When it came to the issue of Blueberry Hill’s impending closure, both candidates expressed support for the eatery. However, Brathwaite incorrectly stated that Excalibur had reported that the current YFS was not involved in the Save Blueberry Hill initiative and subsequently received three demerit points from the CRO.
When an audience member asked about FYU’s campaign promise to bring the artist Drake to York, Thyriar noted that it would cost about $700,000 to bring the Toronto native to campus. Brathwaite indicated that FYU never promised to bring Drake to perform, but that they want him to come and speak to students. “There would be someone there to welcome them who has worldwide recognition,” he says.
VP Equity : Millington vs. Husein
York United’s Safiyah Husein and FYU’s Abraham Millington, both candidates for vp equity, addressed issues of equity and accessibility on campus. Husein was in favour of an independently conducted accessibility audit which would assess the current level of accessibility on campus and increase prayer space.
Millington stressed the importance of equal employment opportunities for marginalized groups on campus, and revamping the international students’ insurance plan. To address women’s issues, Millington proposed a men’s club which would correct improper social practises to address problems facing women. He also suggested a plan to increase lighting on campus to address women’s safety concerns.
To ensure that the YFS operates under an anti-oppressive framework, Millington proposed holding “multicultural seminars” to promote an atmosphere of tolerance. Husein would encourage event follow-ups to get student feedback on how to fix issues of inequality on campus.
Data accurate as of March 20, 2012
With files from Yuni Kim
