Presidential breakdown: John Tambakis

[feather_share show="twitter, google_plus, facebook, reddit, tumblr" hide="pinterest, linkedin, mail"]

John Tambakis’ theme seems to be giving students value for their money. As a Commerce student, that’s certainly his area of expertise.

“A big issue for me is understanding that students’ money is valuable, and respecting that, and having the MSU reflect that,” he said. “Life’s so expensive on campus [and] I’ve addressed that on numerous issues within my platform.”

One of Tambakis’ goals includes a takeout area at TwelvEighty to rival the on-the-go ease and quality of food at La Piazza, to erode at the large share that Paradise Catering currently holds. He also wants to establish a customer loyalty program for various MSU-owned businesses like TwelvEighty and Underground, where discounts would accumulate based on the total amount in purchases made.

In terms of his platform on food, Tambakis said, “I think this will have an effect on campus that will drive prices down.”

“I think my platform is the most feasible. I think it also gives students concrete results, instead of giving initiatives that may or may not happen in 3-5 years,” he continued.

His most ambitious plan is a new MSU service that will be called the Exam Assistance Review Network, or EARN. Citing the high cost of courses run by companies like Prep101, Tambakis is looking to establish a cheaper exam prep service, run by and for the students.

Q: Opponent you would vote for?

A: Ehima

Q: Opponent's platform point you would criticize?

A: Tristan Paul – Grocery store

“You don’t need a grocery store on campus if you have more affordable takeout options.”

Q: Most ambitious goal?

A: Exam assistance review network (EARN)

However, with current MSU President Teddy Saull still implementing the Peer Tutoring Network, the redundancy of having two similar MSU services is immediately appreciable. In addition, the need for an MSU-run, paid, and specialized exam prep service is questionable at best, particularly when clubs like Students Offering Support provide similar services.

One of Tambakis’ platform points is the Marauder Club, which will serve as an avenue for students to gather and support McMaster’s sports teams. While the idea is similar in premise to one of the functions of the Maroons, Tambakis wants the club to remain open for any students interested in supporting the school, and is promoting free t-shirts and discounts as incentives.

“I want to make this an inclusive fan club for students, where fans feel welcome to go to these games. What I’ve found is that some of the greatest community-building and friends that I’ve made have been at sporting games,” said Tambakis.

But whether this incentive is enough to gather students is debatable, and it’s difficult to see the greater draw and sustainability of the idea.

Tambakis is also looking for greater club collaboration through his Club Spotlight plan, where clubs would jointly produce events that are sponsored by the MSU. Examples such as a joint performance between the Mac Marching Band and Dance Crew, or an interdisciplinary speaker series, indicate some flexibility in the style of event, although the benefit of the spotlight still appears to be inclined towards more publicly engaging clubs.

Taken as a whole, a number of Tambakis’ platform points seem to target specific interests in the population, and don’t necessarily apply to the greater McMaster community. While it’s worth noting that the aim of these ideas are to ultimately expand these populations, their sustainability remains in question. His focus on the use of incentives in his platform is creative and corresponds to his background, but he’ll need to better justify why his ideas are worth implementing.

[feather_share show="twitter, google_plus, facebook, reddit, tumblr" hide="pinterest, linkedin, mail"]