It is always a delight to see an individual so passionate about their school and their education. In the case of Students’ Union Presidential candidate Mike Soron, however, it’s unfortunate that passion isn’t tempered with a better understanding of the position he seeks.
Soron is one of the best communicators in any executive race, speaking forcefully and eloquently without coming off as overbearing. He has the ability to make his ideas sound much better and much more exciting than they truly are. Alas, the bulk of them are nothing new, as many have either been tried and failed, or are currently being attempted.
Nearly his entire campaign is built around the notion of greater political involvement–both on campus and at the provincial and federal level–and of greater awareness of what the SU has to offer. Both of these main thrusts are staples in nearly every presidential candidate’s spiel and Soron, like many of his competitors, gives no tangible means of achieving this.
We are all fortunate to have Soron in the race, as his Health and Wellness agenda is something overlooked by every other candidate, something that may strike a chord with students. His passion will also hopefully reach otherwise disinterested students and spur them to action.
Soron speaks highly of his ability to inspire and lead, an ability I can’t deny. The only problem being once you have followers, you need to know where you’re going–and Soron doesn’t.
How will you effectively represent students and the SU to the general public?
“I represent an average student better than some student leaders in the past and
I have a very professional and respectable attitude.”
What is your strategy when approaching tuition?
“I want to build a sanctioning structure [for the provincial government] through
increased political participation at the university. The more people we have voting,
the more likely it is the government will pay attention.”
How will you effectively communicate with students?
“Most students feel very disconnected from the Students’ Union, they don’t know
what’s going on. I think more people need to know what the Students’ Union has
to offer.”
How will you lead the SU?
“I can inspire not only the students of this university but the executive cabinet,
SLC and SAA to move forward with an agenda we can all push to the province, the
federal government and the general public.”‘