30% of eligible voters took part in the UPEI Student Union general election this week, with Clare Henderson, Mark O'Halloran and Peter Grandy coming out on top to make next year's executive.

Grandy, receiving 340 votes (13.9% more than second place candidate Shaun Coady), beat Coady, Meaghan Rogers and Adam Doucette for the hotly con- tested position of Vice President Activities. "First I would like to thank every- one who helped me during my campaign, and also thank the candidates who I ran against — it was quite a battle," he said. "I was serious when I was talk- ing about the relationship between the Student Union and the clubs and soci- eties, and I would like to strengthen that as much as possible. Also I'm plan- ning on working hard to get all the best bands to come out and play at UPEI."”

The closest race for an executive seat saw three people vying for the position of Executive Vice President. O'Halloran emerged a victor upon beating oppo- nents Laurel Murphy and Ryan McDermott. He narrowly won his bid for this position, coming out with 329 votes, only ten (1.2%) more than Murphy's 319. "It was such a close election," he said, "and I would like to congratulate all the candidates, especially Laurel and Ryan, on running great campaigns... I feel very fortunate and honored to have been elected to represent the student body. I will definitely work my hardest, tirelessly and endlessly, to put forth the con- cerns and see that every student gets the best bang for their buck."

Henderson, having run uncontested for the position of SU President, was test- ed with a yes / no / abstain vote, and received a final count of 635 (82%) yes and 143 no votes."First, thanks to everyone who voted," she said, "The fact that 30% of the student population did so is an indication that students do want to get involved. Looking at the roster of candidates that were just elected, next year looks promising for the students of UPEI. I take it as a personal chal- lenge to ensure that at the very least, those students who voted stay involved in the Union and I look forward to working with everyone next year."

Lloyd MacKenzie, who received the support of 81.6% or voters, will fill the position of Ombudsman. Matthew O'Halloran was granted the seat of Board of Governors Rep upon receiving support from 90.3% of voters. Six people

Student Council members 2004:2005

2005 Executive Members Clare Henderson (suprez), Mark O'Halloran (suvp)

competed for four Senate rep positions, which will be filled by Erin Coady, Patrick Curley, Megan MacKinnon and Sarah Simpson.

The newly elected faculty Reps are as follows: Arts — Ryan Gallant, Jeremy Hogan, Ellen Klein, Chelsea MacLellan and Brandy MacLellan; Science — Tristan Murray, Johnny Love, Arlo Sutherland and Katie Younker; Business — Natasha MacKinnon, Shelley MacNeill and Ryan Palmer; Nursing — Lindsay Currie.

Shauna Blois defeated Kieran Hennessey and Abbey MacPherson for morn- ing convocation Valedictorian, and Joel Walker defeated Mike Roberts and David Coughlin for speaking rights at the afternoon ceremony.

Two referendum questions were also voted on in this election. The first, the addition of a non-voting disabled student representative to council, was passed with 537 (86.9%) yes and 81 no votes; however, the second, changing the student-to-representative ratio from 200:1 to 300:1 (in an attempt to decrease the number of representative positions) was defeated. Many students reported concerns about decreasing representation, not understanding the

Student Union's attempt to tighten the current structure of council. It is unfortunate that the position was not publicized so students could realize the benefit of changing the represen- tative formula. According to council members, the Student Union was aiming for quality not quantity in the composition — something that all students probably would have agreed with had they understood what they were voting for.

Executive position candidates Ryan McDermott and Shaun Coady consoie each other over election disappointment

_,UREI Cadre:March 29.2004 ,page 12

cave