Ian Smedley is an outside candidate from within. He has no experience as an elected official within the Students Union, but has been variously employed by the organization. In addition to prior experience overseeing facilities for the Calgary Rowing Club as Vice-President and involvement in civic politics, Smedley’s unique insight into the day-to-day operations of the SU should make him a potentially valuable addition to next year’s executive as VP Operations and Finance.
Unfortunately, most of Smedley’s ideas are unoriginal and can be summarized as continuations of efforts already underway. Seating, microwaves and clubs space in the MacEwan Students’ Incompletoplex have been unresolved issues for ages, as is finishing expansion and redevelopment. Though he strongly supports the U-Pass, Smedley lacks strong positions on issues such as corporate sponsorship or dedicated group-specific spaces in MSC, which facilitates promises of consulting frequently with students and resolving conflict by seeking common ground.
Like most other Op-Fi candidates, Smedley recognizes the importance of the Op-Fi portfolio within the SU and recapitulates a desire maintain services while reducing SU fees championed by the current VP Op-Fi. He also has some logical ideas to accomplish those goals, by increasing efficiency of SU businesses, for example. Smedley is very clearly capable of learning about and synthesizing the important issues in his portfolio.
Smedley is a solid but bland candidate for the VP Op-Fi position vis-Ã -vis two equally qualified internal candidates who have the advantage of experience with the SU.
What do students need and how will you find this out?
“It’s amazing how, if you just walk around asking students ‘what do you want?
what do you think?’ they’ll let you know. Students need to know they’re not
being overridden by large groups.”
What will your priorities once you’re in office?
“Renovations is really the big one. The microwaves, the seating, the ballroom,
those all go along with keeping the building going. Ensuring the services we
provide to students don’t slip.”
What is your position on the U-Pass?
“I am a big fan of the U-Pass. Prior to U-Pass, you’d wait an hour to get into
the parking lot. Post U-Pass there is no wait to get into the parking lot. The
U-Pass is beneficial to students who walk, students who drive. I think it’s
a good idea.”
What is your experience with money and finances?
“The best experience I’ve had managing money and finances is the vice presidency
of the Calgary Rowing Club, not managing the building personally but I’m making
sure that it’s getting done.”