Connors/Matheson - Where's the filling?

The following is Written by Brian Cauley, following the Connors/Matheson campaign. If you don't have an affiliation with any campaign and are interested in writing, please e-mail su_comm@stfx.ca . The following is independent thought and not the opinion of the StFX Student Union.
There are three headings that formulate the beginning of what could be an amazing plan for innovation and change in theU recently featured on VotePatandScott.com. These three headings - labeled "Innovation", "Communication", "Participation" - each are formed with good ideals and intentions yet lack the substance to really provide both a true concept of what Connors and Matheson are planning or how they plan to achieve these goals. Now before I get into my specific issues with each of the three groupings I have another issue to hash.
On January 29 Scott Matheson wrote: "So last night Pat and I finished consolidating our platform with the terrific help of Mr. Glenn Horne, Mr. Jon Adams, and Mr. Ben Gallant." I waited until now - when the beginnings of this platform have been released - to address my major concern. See anything missing? No? Can't find it? Well it comes with ovaries and an important point of view not assisting as a primary role in this campaign - Woman! Yes, 2 male candidates and 3 male consultants just creates a bias that makes me worry a little. Now all 5 may be able to identify with the plight of the average woman at StFX, however I think one woman position in the team responsible for finalizing the main focus of this campaign is essential.
So...now on to addressing the actual platform in its 3 parts.

1. Innovation
C&M speak to environmental concerns, an issue that really hasn't been effectively addressed by any Union to date as one form of their innovative plan. However they never say how they will reduce our ecological footprint or make the campus greener. Suggestions..anyone?

2. Communication
With good perspective that seems to come from Connors experience as a Student Advocate, C&M state working better with administration while never forgetting to represent student concerns. Under this umbrella they also plan to work closer with the radio station (92.5 The Fox) and the news paper (The Xaverian Weekly) to "support them in initiatives to innovate and improve upon their past success". I become wary of team using popular student resources to endorse their campaign without a full understanding of the issues. The radio needs money and a full-time station manager. The paper needs to be completely online - utilizing blogging and continual updates - which requires enough infrastructure to maintain a reliable and large team of reporters. So far both The Fox and The Weekly have been left relatively to their own devices. Without proof of considerable communication with both groups and planning I can not put faith in the proposed support of initiatives and innovation.

3. Participation
C&M have been great at inviting student participation in their campaign. While I have not seen the two reaching out as much to the LGBTQ and Women's groups as I would like, they are doing their best to make everyone feel welcome to give their "Two cents" (even me!). I am glad to see the positive traditions as X addressed here and I have little concern about C&M following through as they both are Burk alumni. It is more so the mentioning of additional society support (both financially and structurally) that I grow wearisome. TheU is already stretched far too thin when it comes to societies. A decently sized society budget over an exorbitant number of societies does no good. But where do C&M plan to find this additional money? More so, applying more infrastructure support to such a large and growing number becomes increasingly difficult.

Overall my main complaint with the beginnings of the C&M platform is the lack of specifics. I want to know the "how", or at least a few examples of exactly what these two are planning. Their overall ideas are good, even if sometimes overtly optimistic. However once again I feel these two are too scarred to say anything to0 concrete that will get them stuck in a jam.
-Brian