Yes, it is that time of year again. AMS elections! This is the time of year that student politics reaches
its zenith. A more vulgar form of public politics is dominant, as several AMS hopefuls bid for your . One way in which they deserve or attain your confidence is by stressing student issues which
the general Queen’s populace holds dear. This is why I thought I should give my opinion on what issues will be (and are) important to Queen’s University.
South Africa is not the “in” issue that is being tackled by these AMS hopefuls. This is not to say that it should not be dealt with, but there are other pressing and important issues facing our Alma Mater. This
year the “big” issue is improved “communications” between the AMS and the students and especially the Kingston community. Improved communications between the candidate and the voter are always stressed by the candidate hopefuls.
Student participation and access in the AMS are vote catchers. The AMS will, as in the past, attempt
to reduce student apathy. Still, this year, improved community relations is probably the most important issue to be faced by the candidates.
In response to city outcries and demands concerning student housing, Homecoming, and student behaviour, these issues have been thrust into the “limelight.” If institutions such as Alfie’s, Homecoming, the Ghetto, and Frosh Week are to endure, community relations must be a high priority of any AMS istration. Many demands will be made of the AMS by the sometimes hostile Kingston City Council. To smooth relations and ensure student interests, a separate branch of the AMS city relations committee would actually lobby for student issues in Kingston.
Sending booklets outlining student accomplishments to the council that will not get read are not totally effective. Community projects are excellent devices to improve the student body and university profile
among Kingstonians, and may improve the Queen’s standing in the community. These may also treat the sores left by student events and mishaps.
A team of lobbyists (or whatever name one has in mind) could tactfully and constantly ensure that
student problems and concerns are dealt with by the city. It would be similar to the Ontario Federation
of Students. This committee could also work harder in getting students to vote in local elections, especially for candidates who will truly represent the student population. Maybe a “serious” student should run for council in the Sydenham ward. Clearly, ideas and concerns like these should be fielded by the AMS candidates. This year, most of the student population, being unknowledgeable about student issues, will vote by image. Since the executives are basically equally experienced, their qualifications are a static entity in the equation even though a distinction will try to be made.
Notwithstanding, the image of a candidate is an important device for the average student to gauge a candidate. Of course, every student has a different set of priorities. Since the bulk of the students will
want a candidate to be “down with earth,” able to communicate clearly, friendly, resolute, and know the pertinent issues facing Queen’s University. These qualities will have an important effect on their ability to represent and ensure student concerns in the Kingston political and social arena. The Alma Mater Society must that no university is an island. Queen’s must possess a sizeable and effective voice in the affairs of Kingston which affect the university and the students which they represent. It is hopeful that the victorious candidates will stress and be able to best improve communications during 1987-88 semesters.
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