Union Board Elections 2007 (3 Viewers)

[Bobness]

Re: The Official Union Board Elections 2007 Thread

have you been to that place near the broadway bus stops? $4 or so Thai and Chinese meals. Quite good for the money too. Pube-free, as well.

Pube free is pretty hawt

What is the place called? I once had some generic asian soup and noodles at the restaurant by the tennis courts which matches your description but they were around $7.50 a blow.

 

[townie]

Re: The Official Union Board Elections 2007 Thread

Justin Simon has an STI

from me *shame*

 

[townie]

Re: The Official Union Board Elections 2007 Thread

pleased that the elected women canditates will be giving a talk on the policies, as this was one of my primary concerns....

i hope the Bull (at LEAST) will still publish their nomination form (i.e. policy statement, nominators etc.)

 

[stazi]

Re: The Official Union Board Elections 2007 Thread

Pube free is pretty hawt

What is the place called? I once had some generic asian soup and noodles at the restaurant by the tennis courts which matches your description but they were around $7.50 a blow.

That place you ate at is called Miso Honi (not kidding either). Can't remember what the other place is called but it's not in uni. It's at the broadway bus stops - the ones on the opposite side of usyd at paramatta road, just down from the shopping centre. You will see a kebab place there, but if you go up the stairs next to it, you'll find yourself in a cheap food court.

 

[jemsta]

Re: The Official Union Board Elections 2007 Thread

hahaha what a name to call the restaurant
might go and check it out when i have my break at uts

 

[Phanatical]

Re: The Official Union Board Elections 2007 Thread

AA highlights the differences between men and women by essentially saying that only women can represent women's views. Which is patently false.

Exactly! I couldn't agree with this post more.

 

[withoutaface]

Re: The Official Union Board Elections 2007 Thread

Just to clarify a few things about this whole affirmative action situation

(context / disclaimer - I'm a card carrying feminist, and am good friends with both Alice and Vyv.)

-Abi is not the only female candidate disappointed to not have been elected 'on her own merits'. Alice and Vyv were both incredibly disappointed that they were unable to campaign and make their voices heard, and their policies known, on campus

Well they can thank their Trotskyite bum chums who passed it at the 2005 AGM for that

- which is a large part of the whole point of AA, that women's contribution to debate on campus be heard.

Well you guys fucked up then, didn't you?

- To this end, a forum is being held for students to meet the female candidates / newly elected board directors, and to hear their policies, next Tuesday at 2pm (venue to be confirmed, I can give people more details if they would like them)

Yeah, and about 50 people will hear them, and those 50 won't be able to make a judgement on their policies because they don't have a vote.

The point of AA is not to discriminate against men.

Yes it is. The point is to discriminate against men because you're angsty about wrongs committed by their ancestors.

It's a recognition of longstanding cultural, social and economic bias and/or discrimination against women in the public sphere, and an attempt to correct this.

But that's minimal in Sydney Uni. The year before AA was introduced (i.e. the election a week before the AGM) the two top polling candidates were female.

What we have seen in the past is that, despite the fact that there are just as many women as men on campus, women have been significantly under-represented on union board.

And significantly overrepresented in the exec positions that matter.

The logic of implementing AA to correct this is that a lack of female representation is an artificially created problem - consider it like this - if we accept that a system without stipulation as to the make up of board leads to the best candidates being elected, and we also see that less women are elected to board time and time again, there are only two conclusions that can be drawn - either that women are inherently less capable, or that there are artificial barriers to women being elected.

Both false. It's because women choose not to run. Their success rate in Union Board elections far exceeds that of their male counterparts.

I think the vast majority of us can agree that women aren't inherently less capable, which means that we have to acknowledge that women face certain discrimination or obstacles in running campaigns on campus - consider the 'campaigns' run against female candidates in recent times - slurs about them having sexually transmitted infections, for example.

And I face slurs calling me a fascist and insinuating that I'm personally responsible for a war I didn't support.

A lot of women show up to the pre-application networking events, express an interest in running, and then decide against it because of the kinds of personal attacks that are made against female candidates.

Then they can harden the fuck up. It's politics, mud will be slung and it's not just one way.

It's phenomenally intimidating, manifestly unfair, and one of the primary reasons why women are reluctant to run at all, and if they do decide to run, reluctant to put themselves out there the way that male candidates do, for fear of making themselves targets.

I put myself out there, I'm a target. Dave does the same when members of his faction were consistently and maliciously assaulted by Trots such as yourself.

AA seeks to correct this by ensuring that women are well-represented on board, in the hope that this will encourage a culture change, so that we may reach the point where the policy is no longer needed, when women are respected as board members and candidates, and do not fear slanderous attacks whilst running their campaigns.

So does that mean we can have a quota for Liberals and Jews, then? I want a cultural change where people no longer associate me with an authoritarian communist from the Weimar republic.

On a brighter note, both Alice and Vyvyan are incredibly hard working people, and have some great ideas for the union. They both have a tremendous amount of energy and will bring a lot to their roles in the coming two years. I don't know Abi personally, but she is spoken of highly here and I am sure she will do an equally fantastic job. Don't for one second assume that just because these women weren't elected, they won't do just as good a job as any of the male candidates. The situation at hand has led to both Alice and Vyv being being very determined to prove that they deserve their positions, and I'm confident they will do their utmost to serve the interests of students at Sydney University.

Wank, wank, wank, wank, wank.

If Alice and Vyvyan are disappointed by the result, if they see that the entire platform on which AA is based is a load of shit, then they'll be proposing a constitutional change at the upcoming AGM. I look forward to arguing and voting with them when they do.

In the mean time I'd urge anyone who actually believes that an election should be somewhat democratic and based on the overall competence of the candidates to get out there and bring this to people's attention, as well as find out what the other candidates' stances are on this and make them accountable for them.

 

[withoutaface]

Re: The Official Union Board Elections 2007 Thread

Ruchir handed me a pamphlet this morning. I was gonna say something, but I was in a rush. He's won my vote!

Read it and find me one policy that hasn't been on an NLS campaign in the last 2 years (i.e. student radio, c&s websites) or doesn't already exist (using the ACCESS card to access gigs and c&s).

 

[Libbster]

Re: The Official Union Board Elections 2007 Thread

Wank, wank, wank, wank, wank.

If Alice and Vyvyan are disappointed by the result, if they see that the entire platform on which AA is based is a load of shit, then they'll be proposing a constitutional change at the upcoming AGM. I look forward to arguing and voting with them when they do.

In the mean time I'd urge anyone who actually believes that an election should be somewhat democratic and based on the overall competence of the candidates to get out there and bring this to people's attention, as well as find out what the other candidates' stances are on this and make them accountable for them.

qft

 

[Ruchir]

Re: The Official Union Board Elections 2007 Thread

Read it and find me one policy that hasn't been on an NLS campaign in the last 2 years (i.e. student radio, c&s websites) or doesn't already exist (using the ACCESS card to access gigs and c&s).

Thanks for the personal attacks Simon, here and on your website.

Lets make a few things clear, if you have ACTUALLY READ any of the previous NLS policies and my policies, you will realise how most of them are different from the ones I'm running on. Besides, there are a few great policies in the previous years too which I wish to take forward. I am running because I am passionate about the Union and passionate about what I stand for, not just because NLS is running my campaign. And of course, they are great people and have been working hard for students for so long. How many times have you been to the SRC Executive and represented their views if you really care so much about students?

I've been to two previous Board meetings and I realise what is possible or not. While you talk about $5 meals or more parties, firstly the board doesn't deal with that issue - its the issue of the operations & marketing manager of USU - George Livery(have you spoken to him yet? - he is a great guy and he'd tell you if this is possible). Secondly, you need to realise how to have a sustainable Union. The Union has had a revenue loss of about 8 million dollars since last year and if you promise things such as cost-price beer, where will the money to run the Union and the various students programs come from?

Not to forget my stand on Affirmative Action, please read my website again. I have said what has happened this year is very unfortunate and the problem is not enough women running for the Board, not AA. Also, there is a reason why AA was brought into place and you need to understand that reason. Further, when you talk about only 50 people listening to the two board members - don't forget, people are elected on 300 votes. That is not so many more than 300 in a 45000 student University. In fact I also mention how important it is for them to be on the ballot paper and have an attempt of getting elected. Please please please get your facts straight. I have and will not slander about you, but if you wish to do the same, don't do it blindly.

Also, how many students have you attempted to speak with so far? If you are really passionate then go out and talk with them, let them know what you think. I'm sure they'll go great guns for you if you spoke to them. I have been speaking with so many of them over the past few days and students are great - they are extremely responsive and you realise how much more important it is to run - so that you can carry their views forward. My apologies if you find this rude, but I was hoping for a cleaner fight where you run for what you stand for, not on why the other guy is bad.

Nebuchanezzar, thanks a lot for your note. It would have been lovely if you had let me known. In fact, if you want to come to Manning one of these days from Monday and see me, I would love to talk with you and talk with you about my policies and why I'm running.

For the people who have been requesting t-shirts, I'm sorry, we ran out of all the ones we printed on second day. While it is a good thing people are supporting my campaign, I feel bad to have to say no. However, we are printing more this weekend and should have them at Manning soon. Feel free to walk up to our stall on Monday and get one.

 

[dagwoman]

Re: The Official Union Board Elections 2007 Thread

Thanks for the personal attacks Simon, here and on your website.

Lets make a few things clear, if you have ACTUALLY READ any of the previous NLS policies and my policies, you will realise how most of them are different from the ones I'm running on. Besides, there are a few great policies in the previous years too which I wish to take forward. I am running because I am passionate about the Union and passionate about what I stand for, not just because NLS is running my campaign. And of course, they are great people and have been working hard for students for so long. How many times have you been to the SRC Executive and represented their views if you really care so much about students?

I've been to two previous Board meetings and I realise what is possible or not. While you talk about $5 meals or more parties, firstly the board doesn't deal with that issue - its the issue of the operations & marketing manager of USU - George Livery(have you spoken to him yet? - he is a great guy and he'd tell you if this is possible). Secondly, you need to realise how to have a sustainable Union. The Union has had a revenue loss of about 8 million dollars since last year and if you promise things such as cost-price beer, where will the money to run the Union and the various students programs come from?

Not to forget my stand on Affirmative Action, please read my website again. I have said what has happened this year is very unfortunate and the problem is not enough women running for the Board, not AA. Also, there is a reason why AA was brought into place and you need to understand that reason. Further, when you talk about only 50 people listening to the two board members - don't forget, people are elected on 300 votes. That is not so many more than 300 in a 45000 student University. In fact I also mention how important it is for them to be on the ballot paper and have an attempt of getting elected. Please please please get your facts straight. I have and will not slander about you, but if you wish to do the same, don't do it blindly.

Also, how many students have you attempted to speak with so far? If you are really passionate then go out and talk with them, let them know what you think. I'm sure they'll go great guns for you if you spoke to them. I have been speaking with so many of them over the past few days and students are great - they are extremely responsive and you realise how much more important it is to run - so that you can carry their views forward. My apologies if you find this rude, but I was hoping for a cleaner fight where you run for what you stand for, not on why the other guy is bad.

Nebuchanezzar, thanks a lot for your note. It would have been lovely if you had let me known. In fact, if you want to come to Manning one of these days from Monday and see me, I would love to talk with you and talk with you about my policies and why I'm running.

For the people who have been requesting t-shirts, I'm sorry, we ran out of all the ones we printed on second day. While it is a good thing people are supporting my campaign, I feel bad to have to say no. However, we are printing more this weekend and should have them at Manning soon. Feel free to walk up to our stall on Monday and get one.

Well said. You already had my vote, but hearing your thoughts on these issues has reaffirmed it.

 

[withoutaface]

Re: The Official Union Board Elections 2007 Thread

Thanks for the personal attacks Simon, here and on your website.

I haven't made any personal attacks. I've attacked what you stand for, your stance on AA and the consistent failure of NLS to deliver.

Lets make a few things clear, if you have ACTUALLY READ any of the previous NLS policies and my policies, you will realise how most of them are different from the ones I'm running on. Besides, there are a few great policies in the previous years too which I wish to take forward.

Why aren't they already instituted? Are you telling me you have enough people to get half the exec then fuck Simon over but can't push through student radio?

I am running because I am passionate about the Union and passionate about what I stand for, not just because NLS is running my campaign. And of course, they are great people and have been working hard for students for so long. How many times have you been to the SRC Executive and represented their views if you really care so much about students?

Every meeting I've been invited to, bar one. Perhaps the SRC should make an effort to let me know what the fuck was going on because I haven't been invited to an exec meeting in months.

I've been to two previous Board meetings and I realise what is possible or not. While you talk about $5 meals or more parties,

$5 meals are offered by the Lansdowne, a profitable operation, and the party I speak of is something that would've happened last year had the headline item not pulled out.

firstly the board doesn't deal with that issue - its the issue of the operations & marketing manager of USU - George Livery(have you spoken to him yet? - he is a great guy and he'd tell you if this is possible).

If board sends a recommendation to the managers of departments which is well reasoned and has significant board support, it's generally going to be implemented. Direct control isn't a necessity.

Secondly, you need to realise how to have a sustainable Union. The Union has had a revenue loss of about 8 million dollars since last year and if you promise things such as cost-price beer, where will the money to run the Union and the various students programs come from?

As I said, the first is profitable, the second is run at Macq every year and was going to be run at USyd last year but was cancelled for reasons which weren't financial in nature.

Not to forget my stand on Affirmative Action, please read my website again. I have said what has happened this year is very unfortunate and the problem is not enough women running for the Board, not AA.

"The theory is perfect! It's the population who refuse to act in the manner that we theorise!"
Wait, I think I've heard the same defence of socialism.

Also, there is a reason why AA was brought into place and you need to understand that reason. Further, when you talk about only 50 people listening to the two board members - don't forget, people are elected on 300 votes. That is not so many more than 300 in a 45000 student University. In fact I also mention how important it is for them to be on the ballot paper and have an attempt of getting elected. Please please please get your facts straight. I have and will not slander about you, but if you wish to do the same, don't do it blindly.

1. 300 votes or not, they speak to several thousand through their lecture bashes.
2. I have not slandered you because it's both true and in the university's general interest to know your stance on AA, because it's pertinent to both this election and the general running of the Union. But if you do think it's slander then I urge you to take up legal action against me, it'd be funny.

Also, how many students have you attempted to speak with so far? If you are really passionate then go out and talk with them, let them know what you think. I'm sure they'll go great guns for you if you spoke to them. I have been speaking with so many of them over the past few days and students are great - they are extremely responsive and you realise how much more important it is to run - so that you can carry their views forward. My apologies if you find this rude, but I was hoping for a cleaner fight where you run for what you stand for, not on why the other guy is bad.

I run on what I stand for, the viewpoints of the other candidates are necessary to provide some perspective on what I believe. I would've mentioned the policies of Dave, Hancock or Phil if I knew what their stances were on it, and I'll be specifically discussing this with them over the next couple of days.

 

[bazookajoe]

Re: The Official Union Board Elections 2007 Thread

Ruchir's lost my vote. Fucking chalk advertisements everywhere. You really think you're affecting people's decisions by just writing VOTE 4 RUCHIR LOLZ!?

 

[dagwoman]

Re: The Official Union Board Elections 2007 Thread

It's cheap and gets the message out.

 

[Triangulum]

Re: The Official Union Board Elections 2007 Thread

It's cheap and gets the message out.

Well, a 'message' of the complexity of 'Ruchir', 'Ruchir for Union' or 'Vote 1 Ruchir'.

That would apply to the other candidates as well, of course. 'Got Thai' is more creative, but also a bit abstract.

 

[withoutaface]

Re: The Official Union Board Elections 2007 Thread

It's cheap and gets the message out.

And if you do it wet you can have it there until you run for re-election in 2 year's time.

 

[Nebuchanezzar]

Re: The Official Union Board Elections 2007 Thread

Man, this shit's heating up!

Nebuchanezzar, thanks a lot for your note. It would have been lovely if you had let me known. In fact, if you want to come to Manning one of these days from Monday and see me, I would love to talk with you and talk with you about my policies and why I'm running.

Hehe. I have minimal interest in this particular election for a few reasons. a) I haven't been around for long enough to feel that it'll make a difference. b) I feel that regardless of the candidate, roughly the same policies will be pursued anyway (although if you wanna disagree on this, I'd be happy to chat about it at Holme [I dislike Manning in general]). c) I'm not currently a member of the SRC, so from what I understand I won't be able to vote.

Ruchir's lost my vote. Fucking chalk advertisements everywhere. You really think you're affecting people's decisions by just writing VOTE 4 RUCHIR LOLZ!?

I trust you have the same problems with Justin Simon then? Really, the only real problem I've had so far with all that advertising is that massive thing that the Ruchir team did in the Graffiti tunnel. That seemed a bit much, but meh, it'll be graffitied over in a few months anyway, once this is all done. I think that these elections are actually pretty cool, and it's rather groovy to see everyone getting so worked up about it, and debating about policies and whatever. What you guys should do, is have a little debate on the front lawns or something like that. That'd be awesome.

Read it and find me one policy that hasn't been on an NLS campaign in the last 2 years (i.e. student radio, c&s websites)

I don't really think you can discredit someone based on the fact that one of their policies has been around two years prior, and since repealed. If it's a good policy, and it doesn't exist, and they're promoting it then I very much doubt that it's a liability that you're able to exploit.

 

[withoutaface]

Re: The Official Union Board Elections 2007 Thread

I don't really think you can discredit someone based on the fact that one of their policies has been around two years prior, and since repealed. If it's a good policy, and it doesn't exist, and they're promoting it then I very much doubt that it's a liability that you're able to exploit.

The point is that if NLS were serious about these policies they probably would've happened already.

 

[Nebuchanezzar]

Re: The Official Union Board Elections 2007 Thread

What exactly are these policies? Put them in a list so I don't have to read too much.

 

[withoutaface]

Re: The Official Union Board Elections 2007 Thread

Last year Tom and Rose ran on:
- a Centrelink on campus
- Student markets
- Student radio (I think)
- Directly elected president

The year before Angus and Katy ran on:
- Directly elected president
- Centrelink on campus
- Stopping VSU

And I wasn't there in 2004, but I've been reliably informed that Asren also wanted a centrelink.