Ethan D’Mello
Mechatronics, Engineering and Management III
Did you feel like it changed your opinion?
Yes, it definitely did. I got to see who the candidates were in terms of personality, I got to see how they act under pressure. It was good to see how they interact with other candidates. I got more informed about their ideas. Before, they would tell me about their ideas and I was like “oh that’s good” but now after seeing rebuttals from everybody I have more of an idea of what’s feasible, and that’s really going to affect my decision.
Favourite?
I’m a strong supporter of Jama, right now. I could see the passion in her answers, and that’s what I want in a leader. They’ll do what it takes to get it done.
Did you come in with someone in mind?
I had nobody until now. Before the week I just met everybody and got to know their ideas.
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Daniel Tuba D’Souza
Biochemistry III
Personally I prefer to read platforms and see on paper what the individuals have thought out and their plans. I think debates are good because you really get to see the individuals on their feet and how they respond to each other, but at the same time, there are some individuals who may not be as good at public speaking and because of that some of their platform points, or their ideas and their ambition or the things they can accomplish for the school do get drowned out. I think that’s a little bit sad to see. But I think that it is good to have this visual out here, it draws people out, it gets their attention, especially the main points. Students should go further and research platform points to see if some of the statements candidates are making are backed up and if the are valid and what they really connect to on that level.
I base my own voting on the platforms themselves… It was more entertaining to see them fire at each other.
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Brian Zheng
Kinesiology II
Not really. I think generally with debates like this, often times depending on the popularity of yourself and your public speaking skills it heavily influences how people respond to your arguments and debates. Oftentimes people just come up with buzzwords and end off with a really strong tone and attempt to get people really rallied up and none of their points are really backed up. I think everyone covers it up with really fuzzy words and it’s not backed up… it’s unfortunate that some, like Justin, his points were really good but he’s not as good a public speaker as others, and some of his points get covered up. Some people are just louder than others; some just have bigger teams than others.
I don’t really have a favourite. I think there are obvious leads… but I don’t really have a favourite at all.
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Labika Ghani
Commerce I
After watching the debate I really got to understand the candidates and what they believe and their stance and everything, and I feel that I’m more informed about their candidates and their platforms. I know who I’m voting for: Mike Gill.
I think he did a really good job at explaining why he was running for MSU president and what he can accomplish and help students with.
I know all of them, besides Toni and Devante, so I did have a pretty un-bias perspective before coming in. Sarah, Justin and Mike, I know all of them, so I wanted to make sure I had an unbiased perspective and get to see their platforms. But I did read their platforms before coming to the debate.
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Nada El Naiem
CSMM II
I didn’t watch the full debate because I had class for an hour.
I found the debate was very informative. There was one question that asked about their views on other peoples platform points, which was good, because you got to see if they actually know about other platform points and if they did their research. Because were supposed to be informed as voters, and I believe that they should also be informed, so it’s nice to know that they also asked questions apart from their own platform points so we can see how they view other points that they might not mention.
I don’t think I have a favourite. I still want to read more about their platform points and visit each table. Also I’m a community advisor, so I’m not allowed to endorse a certain person.
When Mike Gill got rallied up, I’m not sure how he meant to come across, but I know the audience was taken aback. He was defending his 38 platform points, because that was attacked, and he said “I think you should have big goals as MSU president, and if you want to aim low,” not quite sure what the exact quote was, “if you don’t really want much of a change, re-elect Ehima,” I think that was really unprofessional and made a lot of people feel uncomfortable.
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Photos taken by: Jon White/Photo Editor
Photo Credit: Jon White/Photo Editor
Sarah Jama
Social Psychology Level IV
Sarah Jama considers her presidential campaign a “people’s platform” and her effort to put forward a diverse platform have not gone unnoticed. Her platform breakdown makes it clear that Jama did careful research into the needs of multiple groups on campus, and has set out goals to properly represent them.
One of Jama’s focuses is on interfaith equity. Jama hopes to collaborate with Hospitality Services to encourage a wider variety of food for religious restrictions by making kosher food available beyond the Student Center.
Space on campus is a big point in this year’s presidential election. Jama wants to advocate for prayer space around campus.
In comparison to the platforms of other candidates, Jama strayed away from adding a new building to our campus. “Rather than creating an entirely new space, I think we should use what we have now,” Jama said. As an alternative, she referenced the opportunity for a prayer space out of Bridges Café as well as the ongoing construction of the LR Wilson Building.
In our discussion, Jama put the greatest emphasis on her point to advocate for the reversal of MSAF changes. In May of 2015, the MSAF was changed to allow students to only use it during a three-day span of time instead of five days, and only for assignments less than 25 percent instead of 30 percent.
“Students are intelligent. If we ask them, they will give us better solutions.”
“The MSAF helps people with disabilities as well. People who can’t access accommodations from Student Accessibility Services because they’re newly diagnosed with disabilities,” she explained.
The reversal of the MSAF is only the first step. Jama is also pushing for students to be involved in further dialogues about MSAF changes. “As MSU president, I want to hold working groups to make sure that student voices are being brought to the table,” as they have been scarce in the past. “At the committee discussion MSAF changes, it was students who were lacking. Students are intelligent. If we ask them, they will give us better solutions.”
As for her most ambitious platform point, Jama wants to work with every Student Union across Ontario to lobby the government for lower tuition. Knowing that tackling tuition is no small beast, Jama met with McMaster University President Patrick Deane twice to discuss ideas and was met with approval. “[Deane] actually sits on a similar province-wide board at an administrative level. I want to mirror that at the province level for student unions.” The student unions at Brock University and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology have joined the MSU in expressing support for the idea.
If elected, Jama would be continuing the efforts to lower tuition that current President Ehima Osazuwa began this year. The MSU is currently campaigning for a tuition freeze, but Jama is skeptical of how much a tuition freeze can do given that Ontario has the highest provincial tuition rates in the entire country and that it will only continue to rise due to inflation.
Jama also plans to instill an Emergency Meal Plan that will function similarly to the MSU Emergency Bursary. Students demonstrating financial need receive a meal card to use for the month. However, the project will likely face many of the same issues as the Emergency Bursary, which has struggled with exhausted budget in the face of high demand.
While her campaign might not have the most illustrious or attention-grabbing platforms in this year’s election, Jama’s quieter approach shows that she is listening.
#StudentsUnited
In her words...
Most ambitious platform point
“Lowering tuition”
Candidate platform you are critical of
Justin’s courseware price reduction
I’m unsure of how the current space will accommodate for long lines.”
For or against VP Referendum
For
Opponent you would vote for
“Jonathon Tonietto”
Website
Photo Credits: Jon White/Photo Editor, Michael Gallagher/Production Editor
Justin Monaco-Barnes
English and Cultural Studies Level IV
Justin Monaco-Barnes’ unusual MSU-related experience as the service coordinator for Underground, the Union’s media and design service, makes him a standout. His campaign shows that he is in touch with student and campus needs, as his platform discusses several of the major themes in this year’s election: sustainability, student costs and campus space.
Building on current MSU President Ehima Osazuwa’s commitment to lowering student costs, Monaco-Barnes aims to make courseware more affordable by having students print it at Underground. As the service coordinator of Underground, Monaco-Barnes’ experience with affordable printing is pushing him to expand the service’s ability to offer courseware at a lower price.
Yet, the critical consideration of how much money would really be saved through reduced courseware prices definitely comes into question. Despite promised price cuts of up to 30 to 50 percent, the unfortunate reality is that the financial benefits from this are pennies compared to the fortune students pay for tuition.
Making a direct impact with regards to environmental sustainability is another principle aspect of Monaco-Barnes’ campaign. He plans on working with McMaster to address the recycling issue on campus, and perhaps even the implementation of solar panels and low-flush toilets across campus.
“We need to take advantage of our relationship with McMaster and the Office of Sustainability to ensure that we are not just doing grassroots things like creating awareness, but actually investing in the infrastructure itself,” he said.
Monaco-Barnes’ charisma combined with his genuine passion for a greener tomorrow may have a shot at winning over students who are indifferent to environmental awareness. “A lot of this has to do with creating that passion,” Monaco-Barnes added. “It is my responsibility if I want to see change, to become that change itself... I want to act and hopefully inspire those around me to think the same way.” However, with Jonathon Tonietto’s campaign focusing strictly on sustainability, environmentally conscious voters are faced with a tough decision.
An expansion of The Pulse is something on the minds of many of the presidential candidates, Justin Monaco-Barnes being no exception. With a number of complaints being expressed regarding the overloaded gym, Monaco-Barnes’ campaign hopes to facilitate and support this expansion in the interest of the student body.
A discussion on an expansion of The Pulse is already underway by the Athletics Department. “It’s really for us partner with them and to work alongside them,” he said, “as well as to aid and assist with what they need to ensure that everything happens effectively and efficiently with student needs in mind.”
Although The Pulse expansion would certainly be beneficial for much of the student body, the role which Monaco-Barnes would play appears small. It is doubtful if the involvement of the MSU in the facility’s expansion would be truly impactful. Additionally, it is unclear why in his online platform Monaco-Barnes’ expansion of the Pulse is presented as a novel idea rather than as an initiative that is already in progress.
His platform also addresses the topic of bursting the “MSU Bubble.”
“There has been conversation throughout campus that the same individuals have been doing a lot of the same roles and keeping all the MSU activities internal,” he said. “What we are really looking at is expanding the MSU into regions of the campus that don’t normally get touched upon and creating more opportunity for a wide scale of students.”
With a strong and clean image but no strong focus on a particular issue, the debates will be important in determining where Monaco-Barnes stands relative to the other candidates.
#BeTheChange
In his words…
Most ambitious platform point
“Sustainable McMaster”
Candidate platform you are critical of
Mike’s Student Life Centre
“I think it will end up costing students more money, and I’d rather look at what can we do with what we have, as far as addressing space.”
For or against VP Referendum
For
Opponent you would vote for
“Jonathon Tonietto”
Website
Photo Credits: Jon White/Photo Editor, Michael Gallagher/Production Editor
Mike Gill
Integrated Sciences Level IV
If Mike Gill can take satisfaction with one thing, it’s in the well-oiled campaign machine his team is running. From a platform of around 40 distinct ideas to professional quality online media that rivals the caliber of TV advertising, it’s clear that Gill has come prepared for this campaign.
Gill’s most significant platform point is big in every sense of the word, as he’s hoping to tackle major infrastructure changes in his campaign with a plan for a new student-centred building he’s calling the “Student Life Centre.”
Part of a larger plan known as “Build our McMaster,” it comes on the heels of concerns about student space at McMaster.
“Initially we were doing a bit of research in lots of areas, and the tangible research saying that we are so horribly over capacity is just not something that I could feel comfortable ignoring,” explained Gill.
It’s a project that Gill expects to cost $75 million, with about $15 million of it dedicated to several Athletics & Recreation upgrades, including an expansion of the Pulse and the installation of a covered, outdoor field.
Gill certainly isn’t shy about talking numbers for his project, and it’s worth noting that none of his competitors have tangible budgets for any of their platform points.
But a closer look at the financial breakdown indicates that some concern is warranted on how feasible such a project would be, since a large portion of the budget will remain dependent on student approval.
Essentially, Gill’s argument involves the redistribution of about $115 in fees per student that include the cost of Marmor — the MSU yearbook service — and the David Braley Athletic Centre’s mortgage that extends until 2022. His budget hopes to use the majority of these fees towards building costs until 2047, which in and of itself would be one of the longest financial agreements in recent memory at McMaster, but also comes with no guarantee that students will be willing to subsidize such a long-term plan.
It’s an ambitious plan to strive for that carries a long ticket for future McMaster students, and it’s really unclear as to how much of the foundation of this project could feasibly be accomplished in a year.
As much as Gill’s platform is centered around “Build our McMaster,” it’s worth noting that Gill has left no stone unturned in attempting to address a glut of campus issues. Some of his other unique platform points include a Homecoming Craft Beer Festival, a transition to online, open textbooks, changes to the policies of Student Accessibility Services, a standardization of podcasted courses and the elimination of Welcome Week Rep Suit fees, to name a few.
Gill certainly isn’t shy about talking numbers for his project, and it’s worth noting that none of his competitors have tangible budgets for any of their platform points.
In some ways, it’s an overwhelmingly dense platform that reasonably addresses most concerns an average student might have, but the large scope of Gill’s platform is perhaps a point of caution as well. In appealing to any and every student, his platform beyond “Build our McMaster” feels like a melting pot of an excess of ideas.
Despite this, it’s difficult to dismiss Gill’s platform based on its ambition, and he’s certainly done his research. It’s an enticing platform, and while it’ll require some convincing, it clearly indicates a high level of commitment and preparation.
#OurMcMaster
In his words...
Most ambitious platform point
“Student Life Centre”
Candidate platform you are critical of
Justin’s safer campus initiative
“I think that that is a critical initiative, but I also question whether that point was done in collaboration with WGEN, with the sexual violence response coordinator Megan Ross, with the PACBIC working group that works on sexual violence”
For or against VP Referendum
Against
Opponent you would vote for
"Sarah Jama"
Website
Photo Credits: Jon White/Photo Editor, Michael Gallagher/Production Editor
Jonathon Tonietto
Materials Science and Engineering with Society and Co-op, Level VI
From his ever-present “This is a good sign” sign to campaign strategy, Jonathon Tonietto has taken a different approach to the MSU Presidential race.
Tonietto’s campaign is focused on sustainability. Each of his five platform points highlights an area where McMaster could improve its sustainability efforts. Having talked to five of the six previous MSU presidents on their successes and failures, Tonietto was struck by how many discussed Frost Week. “It’s a big task to try to appease an entire university with something that will entice. I think that mine does because I would be bringing hockey to McMaster as well as the idea that the students build the Winter Fair,” he said.
Despite his research into the MSU’s history, Tonietto has no previous experience within the students union, something he cited as an advantage due to his extensive time spent as an objective third-party. He also has not critically evaluated the platforms of the other four candidates. “I’m running my campaign. I need to concentrate on what I want to do, what I can implement,” he explained.
Even if not elected, Tonietto hopes the MSU will improve its political continuity, something he vows to do if he wins the election. “I would go during these next three months and learn what they’ve done on each and every point so that I’m at their level and can take a fresh set of eyes and can not have animosity between anyone because I’ve not been a part of the MSU [government] ever,” he said. Tonietto cited his accomplishments at the numerous short-term co-op placements he has had. “In those four months, I’ve had to learn the entire business structure of the place […] I’ll be up to snuff with the MSU within my first month, maybe two because it’s a bigger organization and I have to be the CEO instead of just an intern.” If elected, he would shadow the current Board of Directors until the end of their term, and gave the example of accompanying VP (Finance) Daniel D’Angela on his space audits.
Despite his research into the MSU’s history, Tonietto has no previous experience within the students union, something he cited as an advantage due to his extensive time spent as an objective third-party.
Many of Tonietto’s platform points, while smaller, are seemingly feasible. He wants to launch a discount program throughout Hamilton and Dundas, and hopes to implement a “living wall” covered with plants. However, as the information on his website is sparse, it is difficult to critically assess the details of his campaign. An expanded version of his platform is due for release later in the week, but it remains to be seen whether or not his “slow burn” technique will work for a campaign period this short.
Despite the differences in his campaign strategy, Tonietto is as adamant about winning the election as any of the other four candidates. He is eager to implement his holistic approach to improving the MSU. When asked about which part of his platform he is most excited to put into action, he said: “I will let you know [...] when I see checkmarks beside every one of them.”
#ThisIsAGoodSign
In his words…
Most ambitious platform point
“Frost Week expansion”
Candidate platform you are critical of
“Anyone who focuses on lack of space on campus.”
For or against VP Referendum
Neutral
Opponent you would vote for
“Justin Monaco-Barnes”
Website
Photo Credits: Jon White/Photo Editor, Michael Gallagher/Production Editor
Devante Mowatt
Honours Life Sciences Level IV
Devante Mowatt prides himself on the feasibility and the relative ease of implementation in his platform. Mowatt’s platform can be boiled down to minor improvements and tweaks to the services the MSU provides and its communication with the student body. While few of these points are disagreeable, Mowatt does not provide any substantial changes to the union that will provide for students concerned with more significant student issues.
Mowatt aims to centralize information about MSU services, academics, library and campus hospitality hours, and the staff directory into an all-encompassing phone app. The MacApp will seek to address the awkward navigation of McMaster’s websites, and the separation of important information through various online platforms and pages.
“At McMaster in order to find information you have to make like four Google searches, and it’s so cumbersome especially when we’re in such a fast-paced environment,” said Mowatt. The presidential candidate further noted that although the app could potentially include partial access to Mosaic and Avenue, it would not replace these sites, and would strictly act as an additional means of accessing information.
To increase transparency and communication between the MSU and the student body, Mowatt is hoping to hold public “office hours” in more accessible, open forums throughout campus. He also wants to reintroduce a news and community television network. Mowatt’s “McMaster TV” is slated for daily broadcasts, and will be run by both volunteers and paid staff, and will also include “Fireside Chats” delivered by the President twice a month as a formal update to the activity of the Board of Directors. This is in spite of the fact that previous efforts to manage a McMaster TV ultimately folded in 2013.
To address tuition and student costs, Mowatt plans to advocate for the lowering of student meal plan prices, offering the option to opt out of the HSR bus pass and lowering parking costs. Mowatt’s platform does not elaborate on how he will maintain the same low price for the full-year HSR bus pass if opt-out is an option. The point is also counterintuitive to MSU initiatives in the past few years to encourage students to explore Hamilton.
Mowatt’s platform does not offer any points to address academic costs. A significant number of students would be unaffected by his current plan to lower student costs, as meal plans are predominantly held by first years, and commuting students who do not drive will still not be able to opt out of the bus pass. With no plans to address larger academic costs such as textbooks, and no long-term goals to continue provincial tuition advocacy, Mowatt’s platform offers few financial benefits for the majority of the student population.
To address tuition and student costs, Mowatt plans to advocate for the lowering of student meal plan prices, offering the option to opt out of the HSR bus pass and lowering parking costs.
Mowatt is in support of the VP Election referendum stating, “We currently already vote for most things at the school. We vote for the President obviously, but we also vote for like first-year representatives and stuff like that. If we’re going to elect three VPs and students don’t have a say in any of them? I think that’s kind of wrong.”
Mowatt does not have any mention of improving accessibility, equity or student health. Ultimately, his platform is composed of some novel ideas that may only appeal to students who are relatively satisfied with the status quo.
#DevelopingTogether
In his words…
Most ambitious platform point
HSR opt-out
Candidate platform you are critical of
Mike’s and Justin’s Pulse expansion
“How are we supposed to create new space for the gym, unless we create another gym, which I understand, but, I don’t think that is a priority in the school right now.”
For or against VP Referendum
For
Opponent you would vote for
“Jonathon Tonietto”
Website
Photo Credits: Jon White/Photo Editor, Michael Gallagher/Production Editor
Presidentials are an exciting (and exhausting) time for a lot of students on campus, including the staff at The Silhouette. As writers and editors, our first instinct will often be to find and fairly assess merits and shortcomings in the candidates’ platforms. You will notice this in our print and online coverage over the next week. While we want to hold student politicians accountable, it’s important to recognize the great things that come out of presidential elections.
Some of the biggest changes to the MSU and the University have come from presidential campaigns. Mac Farmstand was introduced by Mary Koziol. Fall break and the Peer Support Line were introduced by Siobhan Stewart. David Campbell advocated for our full-year bus pass. Last year, the controversial Light Up The Night end-of-year celebration, being held again this April, was the brainchild of Teddy Saull. And this year, talking about tuition in Ontario has been a priority for the MSU more than ever before because of Ehima Osazuwa’s campaign promise.
However, ideas that change the way our student government functions and what it prioritizes aren’t limited to those of winning candidates.
Every year, candidates bring forward what may seem like a never-ending list of ideas. Although many might seem infeasible, impractical and sometimes stale, they speak to the needs of the McMaster community.
A survey of the last three years of Silhouette coverage highlights some specific issues.
In 2013, Dan Fahey (would recommend looking up the coverage for this year — it’s quite entertaining), pushed for radical reform in the MSU, including more open vice presidential elections and a focus on marginalized groups. As an exchange student, he saw something MSU insiders couldn’t. Even if not entirely because of his campaign, these issues have struck a chord with many students since, especially considering the VP election referendum this year. In his first presidential run that same year, Jacob Brodka introduced the idea of a Freedom Credit (taking a course out of your discipline on a pass/fail basis). Although Brodka never won, and the Freedom Credit hasn’t been given a chance, it continues to appear in presidential platforms, showing that it’s still something many students want.
In the 2014 presidential election, some big campaign points included Israa Ali’s Spirituality Centre and Jyssika Russell’s Emergency Fund. The need for an interfaith space is still an issue to this day, even though temporary solutions (such as a small room in the basement of Thode) have been implemented. Additionally, an MSU emergency fund was implemented this past year in the form of a $500 bursary for students in financial need.
Institutional and financial transparency has also been a recurring theme in presidential elections, from Tristan Paul’s 2015 run to Rory Yendt’s 2013 campaign. In recent years, transparency has undeniably improved between the MSU and the student body, a sign that our student government is listening to the members that cast their vote in support of these candidates.
Ultimately, presidentials are another opportunity for the student government to listen to its student body by taking each point from accessibility to sustainability to financial strain as seriously as if the candidate that’s bringing it forward won the election. And even though some platforms might seem outlandish, full of holes (that The Silhouette will definitely continue to point out in the days to come) or outright ridiculous, it’s important to remember that every candidate is bringing forward a unique perspective on what a better university experience means to them.
Every year, candidates bring forward what may seem like a never-ending list of ideas. Although many might seem infeasible, impractical and sometimes stale, they speak to the needs of the McMaster community.
This logo and visual identity analysis will focus on the analysis of campaign colours, logo shape and design, layout and use of photography. To keep the analyses fair, the cover photo from each candidate’s Facebook page is being used as the central design feature, with some mention of other elements in their physical branding.
Sarah Jama
Colour: Orange
While colours can have many meanings, in North American society, certain colours have grown to have more associated meanings than others. Orange is often linked to freshness — think of the actual citrus fruit and its refreshing connotation. Jama’s choice to use orange is reflective of her emphasis on innovation and bringing new, inclusive ideas to campus. In Canadian society, orange is also tied to another association: socialism. Jama’s shade of orange is the same as that of the New Democratic Party, an unsurprising choice given her emphasis on equity and her slogan, “Students united; a place for everyone.”
Logo: Unity Triangle
Jama’s logo has two main elements, shape and content. The logo itself is a triangle, the strongest shape used in design. Its strength comes from the fact that any pressure placed on the shape will be evenly distributed across all three sides. The content of the logo is three ambiguously diverse arms and hands, united. Together these two elements create the image of strength in unity.
Layout: A hint of MSU familiarity
If you’ve ever seen a promotional cover photo for an MSU service or event, this layout is probably very familiar to you. The central call to action in the larger right-most rectangle, and supplementary contact information in a left-hand, narrow rectangle are two staples for MSU promotional branding. Jama’s branding isn’t the only one reminiscent of MSU materials, and it definitely isn’t the most similar one.
Jonathon Tonietto
Colours: Yellow, purple
Tonietto has an unexpected colour palette compared to most of his competitors, who are sticking to conventionally popular darker tones and minimal colour mixing. Yellow, often associated with sunshine and summer, gives off a youthful, friendly vibe, which works well given Tonietto’s outgoing personality. The yellow also matches one of the symbols of his campaign, the “this is a good sign” sign that has been on his person at all times and used as his hashtag. Purple on the other hand gives off the opposite association, one of age and wisdom. It’s a more regal colour that is a technical compliment to yellow, and tones down the vivid nature of the rest of his campaign theme.
Logo: The Toni vector
The strongest element of Tonietto’s logo isn’t the graphics; rather, it is the actual tag that is attached to it, “TONI16.” Whether it was intentionally a play on “KONY2012” or not, it still rolls off the tongue nicely and feels simple and familiar. The logo itself uses an easy sans serif font that lets the focus fall on the vector cut-out of Toni’s face. It isn’t complicated, but it ties in Tonietto’s appearance without an obvious photo.
Layout: Kept to a minimum
Much like his colour scheme, Tonietto’s layout is different from most. It does not have any contact information, which is a bit of a letdown, but it is eye-catching at the least. It is much simpler than that of other candidate’s, but it still gets the point across.
Devante Mowatt
Colours: Tie-Dye
Mowatt’s colour scheme is one of a kind. Looking back on previous presidential campaigns, there have been a few candidates who worked with a rainbow or tie-dye colour palette, but Mowatt is the first in a while. Tie-dye is fun and funky and relates back to an era in time that led to open-mindedness and social change and progress. According to details on his website, the tie-dye was inspired by the university’s previous “colour”— multi-coloured plaid. Overall the tie-dye gives off a relaxed vibe in an otherwise buttoned-up race.
Logo: Balloons and stars
Mowatt’s logo is hard to notice at first, as it isn’t quite front and centre on his posters or other promotions, but it is there. It is a little yellow star attached to a tie-dye balloon. It includes the obvious colour element of his campaign, but other than that, the symbolism isn’t too clear. Balloons in general have an element of freedom, so for those who have seen his logo, this could be an associated meaning.
Layout: Familiar places
His promotions don’t seem to follow an obvious theme in terms of layout, but the use of photography of iconic McMaster locations is consistent. It seems to be trying to create a familiarity without using direct styles from pre-existing university branding.
Mike Gill
Colours: Green, black
Every year will have at least one MSU presidential candidate dawning the tried and true combination of green and black. Green has two iconic associations, sustainability and money. They’re both great things to subtly promote to the student body, so it’s no wonder it keeps being used. Gill’s branding is particularly reminiscent of Jacob Brodka’s 2014 campaign for MSU president. The use of black is associated with power and mystery à la business suits and covert operations. They are two meanings that could also work in Gill’s favour, whether intentional or not.
Logo: Layered triangles
Going back to comments made in Jama’s logo analysis, Gill also makes use of design’s strongest shape, the triangle. It’s unclear what the shape is supposed to represent other than strength, but for the most part it is quite chic and on most of his visuals, it doesn’t come across as distracting or unnecessary.
Layout: That beloved MSU touch
Brodka’s 2014 campaign isn’t the only thing Gill seems to be borrowing from. Like Jama, his cover photo design is very reminiscent of typical MSU layouts. It’s unsurprising for both of them, as they have both been involved in multiple MSU services, but Gill borrows more from MSU branding than Jama. The primary font, Gotham, is also the MSU’s official font. He features the acronym “MSU” in its official font, which doesn’t technically break rule 4.23 of presidential campaigning (“Material may not possess any logo(s) of the MSU”). Overall it is a strong design, but its MSU-esque qualities could provide students with a certain sense of trust and give him an advantage over his peers who are following less familiar layouts.
Justin Monaco-Barnes
Colours: Navy, grey
Monaco-Barnes is sticking to a known-to-win colour scheme among presidential candidates, a combination also used by Ehima Osazuwa’s winning 2015 campaign. When thinking of blue, images of the sea and sky often come to mind, leading to an association of calmness and tranquility — two fair associations with Monaco-Barnes’ stoic personality. It’s popular use in political campaigns around the country, and the globe, also hint to confidence and professionalism.
Logo: Stand-alone name and slogan
His logo isn’t so much a logo as it is a slogan. His “#bethechange” quotes Ghandi, which for most people, brings to mind a positive association. His choice to use his name and slogan as his logo is a smart decision instead of trying to create a visual logo that could be lacking in substance. Like Gill, Monaco-Barnes is also using Gotham, the MSU’s favourite sans serif, as his campaign’s primary font. It’s hard to blame either of them for this choice, since it is a nice font, but like the comments made in Gill’s layout analysis, seeing “MSU” written in its typical font can be misleading to students, but can give Monaco-Barnes added support.
Layout: Simple but strong
The layout used in Monaco-Barnes’ campaign is probably the strongest from a design standpoint. It has a clear visual hierarchy and includes important details without being too heavy on content. His visual identity works well to tie together photos and text, having his name and face front and centre will work well in getting passers-by to notice his promotions. It has a strong association with other MSU promotions without using direct logos from their previous campaigns.
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Devante Mowatt
Life Sciences (Honours)
Level IV
"This may be a little selfish, but I want to see the school from a different perspective. I want to be able to change something in my school. I feel like a lot of universities, changing your own grades is about you, it's very personal. And I want to be able to provide for other people. I want to be able to say "I have an idea" or "you guys have an idea", "let me know, let me get your voice and then I want to change it for you guys" Seeing the university in a different perspective can change how you feel about school entirely, because everyone is always in the same: I am a student. I am a student. I am a student. And some people are going to be students for the rest of their lives; and that is totally fine, but I feel that if I have the chance to be something different than a student, I am going to take it."
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Jonathon Tonietto
Materials Science and Engineering with Society and Co-op
Level VI
"I have been at this school for six years, which is now a quarter of my life. A lot of people feel that university take from them, I feel like this university has only given to me and I think that in this position, I would be able to give back to this school the way it has given to me."
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Justin Monaco-Barnes
English and Cultural Studies
Level IV
"The main reason why I am running for MSU president is that I have been very involved from both an MSU standpoint as well as a student standpoint. I have gotten to work with a lot of passionate people who are very passionate about their own projects, whether they are part-time or full-time, or just general students. I would love to work with them more at a different kind of level. And to bring in certain ideas that can really impact everyone. It is kind of the idea of being a leader and working with these people that are so passionate with the student life."
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Mike Gill
Integrated Sciences concentrating in Mathematics
Level IV
"I'm running for MSU President because I believe that our campus and students are capable of really big exciting change and I think that it is time we start addressing the largest problems facing us as students here at Mac. Personally, I have benefited a ton from my time during the MSU. I have grown so much, I have met so many great people, but I know that a lot of people don't have that experience. So I am excited to see our organization do more, especially for those students who aren't involved and don't want to be involved. I think that together we can do a whole lot more to prioritize academics, employment, all sorts of things that extend beyond this MSU organization."
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Sarah Jama
Social Psychology
Level IV
"I am running for MSU President because I really want to make sure that student voices are being brought to the table that aren't being listened to during the conversations of student leadership and student government. I want to make sure that we are bringing as many voices to the table as possible."
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The campaign will officially begin Sunday, Jan. 17 at 12 p.m. Stay tuned at thesil.ca/category/msu2016 for ongoing coverage of the election.
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