INTERVIEW: VP Democracy and Creative Industries Candidates

As part of our Elections 2013 coverage, The Tab has been catching up with all the sabbatical candidates and hitting them with our own brand of questioning. This instalment features David Martin and Jon North (as well as RON) who are contesting VP Democracy and Creative Industries (… excuse me whilst I vom at that title). 

ST: Why are you best VP Democracy and Creative Industries?

David: I’m the best candidate for this position for several reasons. Firstly I’ve got well-rounded experience through my roles in media, democracy, liaison with the PA and student groups. I’m innovative, passionate and believe I’ve got the best policies which will give a fresh approach to this Union.

Jon: I believe am the best for this job as I have real solutions to issues people care about. I am hardworking, pragmatic and most importantly I get things done. I am easily approachable and want to make the sabs more accountable.

ST:  Do you think SUSU media suffers a clique issue?

Jon: It can be an overwhelming experience to come into any group where everyone already knows each other. I don’t know that there is necessarily a clique, but if people are being put off getting involved due to perceiving this then steps need to be put in place to combat it.

David: I don’t think so. Sometimes teams can appear insular, but getting involved is actually very easy and I encourage new talent! I think it’s harsh to call a group of friends that work together and are passionate about the same areas a ‘clique’ and I dislike the term.

ST: Which point in your opponent’s manifesto do you think is unrealistic and unachievable?

David: I believe replacing the Bunfight with fairs for societies several weeks in is unrealistic. I’ve spoken with student groups who are completely opposed to the idea. While having perhaps a separate societies/AU bunfight might work, having it a few weeks into term would lose our captive audience and be a logistical nightmare.

Jon: I think his point on creative spaces is the same one we see every year a 5 year vision is all very well and good but the problem is here now. In 5 years we’ll have a completely different union with their own ideas. I have included a short term real solution as well as looking at the long term. I’m also not sure students will appreciate having more surveys thrown at them.

ST: The role of VP DCI covers a huge area of students from democracy, SUSU media, and performing arts to Union Films. This is a lot of responsibility, how will you make sure each group receives the attention it deserves?

Jon: This is a very good point the range of different groups is enormous, luckily we have the student leaders for each group in place, I would ensure that they got all the support they needed to keep each group running smoothly by holding regular (ie Weekly) meetings with each one to keep an eye on things

David:  I will ensure I have fortnightly meetings with all of the student leaders in the Creative Industries zone as well as with the Student Groups officer. I plan to empower our society reps at every level so that they are able to make the changes they want to see.

ST: You both mention issues with Performing Arts space on your manifestos. How will you go about achieving more space?

David: I’m going to build on the current Master Plan and make a specific Creative Spaces strategy which will last for 5 years. This will involve several steps which culminate in a centralised hub while in the meantime, defending current spaces like the Performing Arts House and Media Resources.

Jon: Short Term: Create an open document with details of our current creative spaces and their resources, improving the management of our spaces is essential.
Long Term: Look into the creation of new spaces as part of a 5 year plan. For full details see my manifesto or videos.

ST: Do you think the staff-student protocol is an example of an effective policy? Why?

Jon: An effective policy responds to a genuine need, the staff-student protocol lays down the relationship between the parties in stone and protects the union, staff and students, it is important in terms of keeping SUSU a democratic organisation by keeping staff neutral and due to this I consider it an effective policy.

David: I believe it’s not effective for a couple of reasons. Firstly it’s not beneficial for either staff or students and can cause tension for both sides which is unneeded. The policy also causes a lot of confusion in its current format and needs to be clearer.

ST: Lots of policy proposals and ideas which could benefit students don’t make it to Union Council for discussion. How will you ensure that these ideas aren’t lost?

David: This is important for many people. Firstly we need to make sure there’s a clear list of all submissions made, in an accessible online place to refer to in future. Secondly, we need to work on having more informal sessions away from council which may be better suited to certain policies.

Jon: If elected I will hold an informal weekly meetings on campus in the same place. This will be a forum for any student to bring ideas to the table in a relaxed atmosphere, hopefully this will mean that good ideas will be less likely to be lost and can be discussed more.

ST: Being an independent publication, what are your views of the Soton Tab? How will you handle relations with them if you are elected?

Jon: I think The Tab plays an important role in providing genuine competition for The Scene and that this is a good thing for both. I would look into better communication between the two papers, as there has been some friction in the past I would try to foster a good working relationship with The Tab editors as anything else would be counter-productive.

David: I believe the Soton Tab is a great independent voice for Southampton students and a valuable addition to an already strong journalistic tradition that we have within SUSU. I want to give appropriate opportunities to The Tab and organise regular meetings with the Wessex Scene Editor and Tab Editors-in-Chief.

ST: What are your honest thoughts on the title of this position, VP Democracy and Creative Industries? 

David: Honestly, I really don’t like it! Although it represents the duties of the role, I believe that students will consistently be asking about the meaning of the role and it’s not short or snappy like other positions. Also I have to admit, it sounds like something out of 1984.

Jon: Just regarding the title, honestly I think it’s a bit of a mouthful, I think the role could be summed up more succinctly, it’s a bit too long to fit on some of my posters and a lot of people have asked me what it actually means which isn’t really a good thing.

ST: What’s in your fridge right now?

Jon: Very little… I need to go shopping

David: I’m fairly stocked at the moment. Got some bacon, lettuce, yoghurts, butter, bread and a variety of delicious sauces.

ST: NUS: Yes or No?

David: I remained impartial throughout the period due to my work on the NUS Working Group, but I voted NO because I believe we are better independent and that the NUS does not offer value for money.

Jon: No, while I’m sure the NUS is right for many unions across the country, I feel that the cost for SUSU would have far outweighed the benefits we would have gained from joining.

ST: You guys look identical, have you had a DNA test to make sure you two aren’t related?!

Jon: Results are, as of yet inconclusive, hopefully people will judge me on my ideas rather than my apparent resemblance to my opponent, trust me I was surprised as you are.

David: I have not had a DNA test. Maybe because I’m scared they’ll find us out? Maybe it’s because I’m scared of needles. Who knows.

ST: Which Sabb would you say you are most similar to, and why?

David: For me, it’s David Gilani. His campaign colour is blue, he loves democracy like me, and has a passion for music and is generally just a good friend.

Jon: I don’t really think I’m that similar to any of them, maybe Gilani as we have a similar passion for what we do but honestly no idea.

ST: Finally, is global warming real?

Jon: Yes and it’s a real threat but I think the real issue here is what we do about Manbearpig.

David: Yep definitely real. I took a whole module about Climate Change last year. I can show you my notes if you really want.