| The halls and the walls of the U or R have been adorned with election paraphernalia, but not all candidates were able to cover the campus with their images and thoughts. The poster campaigns for U of R Students' Union positions wrapped up last Tuesday, but some candidates were more prominent than others. Candidates were allowed to spend $175 on their campaigns, with a limit of 150 posters, but as V-P Academic candidate Jamie Reban pointed out, not all students can afford that amount and it isn't necessarily fair that students with more money are able to conduct a more extensive campaign. "I think that for a student election most students can't afford to spend [$175]. If it's too high people can't afford to run," said Reban. Aaron Sklar, a V-P Administration candidate, agreed. "I think it's too high. It favors people who have lots of money to spend on the campaign," he said. Fellow candidate | Jerred Moore agreed that $175 might be a high limit, saying it only cost him $5 to get his posters up. Angela Mann, the CRO (Chief Returning Officer) was happy with the way that the campaign went. "The candidates have been good at making sure that they haven't overstepped the bounds (of the money and poster limits)." David McGrane, Eileen Wadel, Kim Krett, Shaun McEachern, and Hitomi Suzuta were the presidential candidates. Suzuta was not available for comment but the others were largely happy with the campaign limits. "(The poster limit) was more than enough. I didn't even spend it all," said McGrane. McGrane and Wadel both commented that 100 posters would have probably been sufficient, though. Krett agreed but thought that maybe the money limit could be lowered. Pamplets were the only avenue that candidates had for promotion that wasn't regulated. While not all candidates distributed them | many felt that they were an important tool for getting their message out. "I think that they're fine. It gives voters a more comprehensive feel," said McGrane. Other candidates felt that the pamplets were more waste than information. Moore, Sklar, and Wadel felt that they littered the campus and are largely ignored by students. "Freedom of speech is good but I think that it isn't as helpful as they (candidates) might think. They get thrown out; it's a definite waste," said Wadel. Largely it was a peaceful campaign. Candidates found little to complain about besides the fact that some felt that the posters came down too soon. A small smear campaign was run but it did little damage. Students were satisfied with the campaign. "It was good to see everyone's posters made it over there (Education Bldg). Usually only one or two make it," said Jeremy Thorson, a fourth-year Engineering student.. |