Winning SU executive, BoG rep revealed as polls close

Sam Brooks

The campaign to lead next year's Students' Union ended with jubilation for some candidates Thursday night, and disappointment for others.

Newly elected Vice President (External) Aden Murphy redeemed himself for last year's defeat, receiving 2,781 votes, or 61 per cent, to take the portfolio in the third round.

"It was a very close race, a very close campaign. It would've been a lot easier if I didn't have to run against two guys I respect so much," Murphy said.

Jaiman Chin, a fellow candidate for the position, was disappointed with the result but took it in stride.

"You know, it doesn't matter what the outcome was, it doesn't matter what the percentage was, whether it was one per cent or 12 per cent, it's going to be hard to take," Chin said.

Other defeated candidate Jon Mastel expressed confidence in Murphy's abilities.

"I believe Murphy's going to do a very good job; I'm happy he got elected. He's going to do a competent job and is the perfect man for this position," he said.

In the race for Vice President (Student Life), Rory Tighe narrowly claimed victory with 51 per cent in the first round.

"I'm pretty stoked. I'm excited. It was a really good campaign put up by both candidates and I'm honestly very happy with the results," Tighe said. "I think it shows that both races put out a very good campaign and I think it was great."

"I made a lot of promises; I better make sure that I can keep them this year, eh?"

Kayla McCarthy, the only other candidate for the Student Life portfolio said that both she and Tighe ran similarly strong campaigns.

"It's not surprising to me. Rory has an incredible support base and all in all it worked out fine. I'm not really heartbroken about it — life goes on. Me and Rory were both very strong candidates. We both had basically the same platforms," she said.

Tom L'Abbé and James Eastham competed for the position of Vice President (Academic). Eastham was named the winner, having garnered 52 per cent of votes in the first round.

"I'm really happy. It's a lot of pressure off me right now, and I mean all the best to Tom," Eastham stated. "This year's an important year, and I think we've got a big fight ahead of us but I think I'm ready for it."

"I wish James all the best and I hope he does an amazing job. I know that he will," L'Abbé said.

The position of Vice President (Operations and Finance) was the only uncontested race this year. Incumbent Zach Fentiman will resume his previous position, after garnering 81 per cent of the first-place votes after the first round.

"I'm excited to work with a new team, a different team," Fentiman said. "I'm happy that students are willing to see me back for another year to continue on the work that I started. For next year, I'll try to make sure the race is a contested one."

Sangram Hansra and Craig Turner ran for the role of undergraduate Board of Governors representative. Turner obtained 60 per cent of votes in the second round, facing electoral success after his defeat in the presidential race during last year's election.

"I'm excited. I'm really glad that my campaign resonated with students. That was my hope and I think students agreed that some of my ideas are what they're looking for," Turner said

Hansra accepted the students' decision in the election.

"The students voted. So yeah, Craig will be a good representative for students, so congratulations to him," Hansra said.

The new Students’ Union Executive will assume office on May 1, 2010.