After hearing from the Sports President candidates, the audience at the Union elections hustings turned to the Vice President Communities role.
Justine Pedussel is the only candidate running for VP Communities this year. During her introduction, she spoke about her work as current housing officer and how she has taken a hands-on approach.
She mentioned how she has opposed the rent increases on campus last year. She will also be participating in a protest next week when there will be a meeting to decide whether rents should be increased again.
Questions
Turning to questions, the first focused on sustainability. When asked how she would promote sustainability initiatives, she said she would work with other societies and the sustainability officer. She also drew attention to poor quality housing in Stirling, which is not sustainable.
Next she was asked about how she would advocate for improved transport. Pedussel said she would work with the Scottish Socialist Youth if she’s elected and highlighted their Better Buses campaign.
Supporting the development of societies is a crucial aspect of the VP Communities role. When asked how she would increase engagement, she said societies have a lot of power and their own unique voices. However, they often can’t reach a lot of students. She said this is where the Union comes in and that she would help amplify their voices to the forefront of student politics.
Housing is also in the VP’s responsibility. She said she would support students affected by the housing crisis by working with the Solidarity Space and other clubs to mobilise and change things. She also highlighted her work as housing officer and that she is very against rent increases on campus.
Find out more about the elections and read all the candidates’ manifestos in full here.
Voting opens on Tuesday, February 27 at 10am.
Featured Image Credit: Jonathan Boomer
Film, media and journalism student. I like writing about my inability to eat gluten.
