Editors, the Gauntlet,
I am appalled and disgusted at the Students’ Union regarding the recent renovation of the SU office and the subsequent move to the clubs offices in old Mac Hall. This action by the SU is so indefensible to even their past supporters like myself that it seriously damages any credibility the organization has with the student body.
Most students who belong to any of the clubs who used to use those offices probably know that the SU has flipped-flopped on when those clubs would get their new office space. First, it was September, then it was October, then December and now it is uncertain. Meanwhile, the area around Council Chambers is filled with an eyesore of a construction area waiting to be utilized for months. And yet, as soon as the SU office was ready to be renovated, the SU moved in less than a week! I’m told that the construction company contracted out to do both projects cannot do both at the same time.
Clubs provide the life and vitality of a campus. I know many clubs are frustrated that they cannot carry out all of their usual services to students because of a lack of office space and resources (currently being held by the SU). For instance, the political clubs cannot campaign effectively during the current federal election. The SU doesn’t seem to care. Many of the clubs have three or four other clubs in their usual space making room sparse. Contrast that to the spacious offices attributed to one person like the SU President. And the SU office needs renovation?
Many times, the SU can rightfully blame others like the provincial government or the Administration for its failures. But this time around, the SU can only blame themselves. During the SU election in March, we heard rhetoric about accountability, leadership and fighting for students. But let the record show that when the SU was given a choice between going ahead with their own renovation or standing up as leaders and refusing not to be moved until the clubs were settled, they picked the former. Their decision shows how hollow their election campaigns really were. Their cowardice and lack of leadership is deafening.