PRESIDENTIAL SHOWDOWN: David Mendoza-Wolfson

I’m David Mendoza-Wolfson. I’m currently your Vice President Education and now I’m running to be Union President. I’m running because I believe that the Union has to be more than just a building, it should be about improving the life of every student. I believe that as Union President my experience, passion and drive will make sure that I’m the person who can steer the Union to ensure that everything we do helps you.

My manifesto is focussed on doing this; by giving Southampton students more opportunities than ever before, by making sure that the only thing challenging about University are the assessments and by improving the University campuses.

To me, what is most important is making sure that all students are ensured the best possible time at University, whether they ‘engage’ with the Union or not. SUSU doesn’t exist as a place that uses students as customers; we exist to give them advice, services, representation and support. That’s why so much of my manifesto is about how I’ll push the University to improve – from more part time jobs on campus, too free language lessons to a single online portal (with just one login for every service you need). I’ll push them to create a stigma-free pastoral hub with more councillors and advisors and a Teaching and Learning building with dedicated finalist undergraduate space and PGT space.

I believe that it’s important to improve our facilities as a Union so that we can give students a more comfortable social environment to escape work, and not to improve them so that we can make more from students. That’s why I’m seeking an increase in the amount of money we get from the University per student, it’s called the Block Grant, and if we get more of that (I want to take it from £109 per student to £125) then we can provide great services and increase our funding in clubs and societies without charging students more money.

What’s the time Mr Wolfson? It’s time to elect a President with experience and that you can rely on, which can be seen from my tenure as VP Education. It’s time to elect a President who will make the Union about improving the life of all students, not improving the Union as a company. It’s time to vote David Mendoza-Wolfson your Union President. For my full manifesto just click here.

David’s manifesto can be found here.

We also shot some quick-fire questions at David:

1. Describe SUSU in three words.

• For the Students

2. If you could compare yourself to a current Sabb, who would it be and why?

Myself, because just like me I’m reliable, honest and hard working…

3. What was your New Year’s resolution for 2014?

To go to the gym at least once a month. Yes, I’ve already failed.

4. Where’s your favourite place to go for a night out in Southampton?

The Hobbit. It’s a great bar with great drinks, and there’s loads of space just to chat.

5. If you could do any degree apart your current/previous one, what would it be?

Probably philosophy, possibly law…

6. NUS: Yes or No?

No, I think we work incredibly well independently.

To view what the other candidates have to say, click here.