SAMRU 2016 Election Results
Nina Grossman, News Editor
It’s Wednesday, March 2 and a party is happening at The Hub. The Student Association of Mount Royal University (SAMRU) is announcing the results of the elections for a new Representation Executive Council.
A DJ is playing an assortment of techno and 90s hits that I haven’t heard since my last drunken night in Commonwealth’s basement, played at what some might call an alarmingly loud level.
Hub staff, the former president and vice presidents and the 2016 hopefuls drink and dance away their fears as the results roll in at a painfully slow pace.
Four SAMRU positions are up for grabs: President, Vice-President Academic, Vice-President External and Vice President Student Life.
Former president Eric Queenan stalks around the bar (looking pretty good not gonna lie) surveying his soon to be former kingdom. Ah the throes of democracy. Presidents come and presidents go.
“Whats going on?” shout some semi-drunk students who joined the party around 7pm (it’s now 9:41.) “I don’t know!” responds Sam Ulmer-Krol, adjusting his top hat and throwing some head bobs towards the ever-present beat from the DJ.
“SHE IS HERE,” yell the students.
We don’t know who they are talking about, but suddenly, she appears.
“She” appears to be a woman with a folder.
Lord, if you exist, now is the time to announce the results of this goddamn election.
Just as we suspected, the folder contained the results.
Criminal Justice Major Dexter Bruneau, the only running candidate for Vice President External, had a landslide win with 1,394 “Yes” votes. Bruneau campaigned with promises of “collaborative leadership” and “more money back in student’s pockets.”
Vice President Academic candidate Robbie Nelson won with 1,026 votes, pulling a 381 vote win over candidate Sam Ulmer-Krol. Ulmer-Krol took the loss graciously, applauding his opponent’s win. Policy Studies student Nelson’s slogan: “Your Voice for a Better MRU” will be the driving force behind his efforts for “strong, effective student representation” and an assortment of other goals like later course withdrawal dates and accessible, up-front grants for students.
Valerie Caden-Baptiste won the Vice President Student Life position by a mere 38 votes with candidate Isabelle Sinclair coming in close second. Like Nelson, Caden-Baptiste is a Policy Studies major. She campaigned on promises that include improving Wi-Fi, supporting mental health initiatives and increasing the number of events and concerts at The Hub.
Finally, the moment we all waited for: Shif Gadamsetti won the role of President with a grand total of 1,003 votes. Laurie Gaal took second place with 731. The opponents were seen hugging after the announcement.
Gadamsetti’s campaign listed initiatives’ like a “stronger student community,” free, open textbooks, increased student funding, “improved transit access to and from campus” and “healthy and diverse food options” for a “healthier and more energized community.”
We look forward to seeing if Gadamsetti can “get shif done,” like she’s promised.