The Engineering Society’s (EngSoc) “Five-Oh and Go Vote” campaign led to the faculty’s highest voter turnout in several years.
EngSoc’s goal in this year’s election was to have 50 per cent of engineering students vote. That number was exceeded, with turnout at 53 per cent — 13.2 per cent higher than the 2014 elections. The announcement of the turnout elicited cheers from the crowd gathered inside Clark Hall.
Heading the trio brought in by the high turnout is President-elect Julie Tseng, who beat hopefuls Logan Bell and Kristy Tu.
Tseng, Sci ’16, said the win was bittersweet because Bell and Tu were equally worthy.
“It’s just going to push me to do even better and make them proud,” she said, “because they had the best ideas and greatest ideas as well.”
She added that she’s grateful for the support she received from her fellow students, including both of her opponents in the race.
“I couldn’t have done it without all the people who supported me, and that includes Kristy and Logan,” she said.
Tseng added that she’s excited to get around to hiring directors and to putting forth her platform points, saying, “everything starts from day one”.
While Bell, Sci ’16, said he’s disappointed he didn’t receive the presidential nod, he added that he’s confident Tseng will do a good job as president.
“I put my heart and soul into this campaign and I’m a little bit disappointed,” Bell said. “Obviously I wanted to win, but JT’s a great competitor, a great person. I’ve known her since first-year and EngSoc couldn’t be in better hands.”
Bell said he was excited for EngSoc’s future, especially in light of the high voter turnout.
Joining Tseng on the executive was Vice-President-elect (Student Affairs) Alex Wood, who topped Jerry Haron in the election.
Wood, Sci ’16, said his next step heading forward is transitioning with Alexander Savides, who currently holds the position.
“I’m not incredibly versed in the AMS, so I’m going to be sitting with him for probably a couple of days, making sure I know everything there is to know about it,” he said.
“Probably getting in touch with some of the commissioners, making sure I have a good grasp of what’s going on, so that I can represent the students as well as possible.”
Wood and the new Vice-President (Operations) Andrew Crawford were housemates last year, increasing Wood’s excitement in working with Crawford and Tseng.
“I’m looking forward to working with all of them,” he said.
Crawford, Sci ’15, came out on top over Erin Murphy for the Vice-President (Operations) position. He showed his admiration for his opponent in the election.
“I just want to say Erin is my best friend and I’m so happy to be able to run against her,” he said. “If this could be a two-person job, it would have been both of us and that’s about it.”
He added that his first priority was his lab in the morning, but afterwards he would be focused on getting his bearings and taking part in meetings.
Current EngSoc President Carolyn Fisher said any of the candidates could have won their respective elections.
“There wasn’t a bad candidate, so no matter who won, I’m so happy,” Fisher said. “They’ll make a great team and I’m excited to see what they’ll do.”
Fisher, Sci ’15, added that she’s excited to turn over the executive to the incoming team.
“It’ll be nice to see what they can do and what their experience will be,” she said. “I wish them the best.”
In addition to the new executive, the Society also elected a pair of student senators. Brandon Tseung, Sci ’18, will serve for one year, while Emily Townshend, Sci ’15, was tabbed as the two-year senator.
Tags
Elections, EngSoc, EngSoc elections
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