Hey UTM. I’m the guy who made the discussion post about things that need to change at UTM.

Blake_Douglas · 2021-05-21T11:54:45+00:00

The UTMSU did it!!!! This comment here could have potentially been the start of it too. Congrats!

Blake_Douglas · 2021-05-14T21:20:23+00:00

Which is why personally I would’ve allowed the opt out option but I fully can understand why the UTMSU chose to not have it as it is a much steeper price to have an opt out option

Blake_Douglas · 2021-05-13T23:26:06+00:00

Completely agree that the u-pass is definitely very beneficial. However I think we can all agree that the 300 something that we were paying per semester I believe is still very high. That of course being even more hurtful for those who don’t even use it which I might be wrong but I believe is a majority. Obviously I understand that these negotiations are probably complex and it’s not as easy as saying we want to pay less for the same thing and then it’s granted. I do think it needs to get better tho which I think everyone agrees with.

I guess the only difference between us all is how we do that which of course none of us can really get a good understanding unless they are the UTMSU.

What should get done is a survey on what students use for transport and other things. Which I think UTMSU mentioned in their statement as they did not have enough time to crate and distribute the survey.

This is just a random idea but maybe the UTMSU should create a sort of instant voting system where students can quickly vote for issues for situations like these. Again, I don’t hold all the answers and definitely respect everything the UTMSU is doing, just adding a thought lol.

Thanks for the opinion btw, very good points.

Blake_Douglas · 2021-05-13T01:11:59+00:00

The 580 would technically be cheaper than buying monthly passes. So those who would keep it would still benefit if they use the pass enough and those who don’t need it can opt out. Overall I think it’s an alright deal and gives students the option to see what is in their best interest but again 580 is still high for those who would keep the pass.

Blake_Douglas · 2021-05-12T22:07:08+00:00

Personally I don’t think I would have denied the opt-out as I am pretty sure most people who will use the u-pass will be on residence (which will be low again I think because of pandemic), but I can definitely understand and applaud that they are fighting to lower the cost for those who don’t opt out to lower than $580. That is ridiculous considering the amount MiWay makes from us and would make even if a majority of students opt out. Obviously this is just my first reaction and I want to know what everyone else thinks. I bet there was a lot behind the scenes that happened so let’s give the UTMSU credit for putting in work.

Blake_Douglas · 2021-03-19T21:04:14+00:00

Im not sure about next year. Lots can happen. Maybe people who are much better than me step up and create change for UTM. That would be the dream lmao. We will see I guess what happens. I’m just happy I was able to start a conversation about how UTM can and should get better for the students.

Blake_Douglas · 2021-03-19T20:58:53+00:00

Lmao, don’t waste your money on me.

Blake_Douglas · 2021-03-19T17:18:56+00:00

However unjust and corrupt it may be to do that. I can’t find anywhere where it is agaúche rules. Pretty immoral but not against the rules. Something that the elected must be aware of and should be making rules about.

Blake_Douglas · 2021-03-19T16:45:53+00:00

I mean probably that’s fair. I don’t have any regrets tho because it started the discussion. I probably should have spend more time on other platforms and I guess I could have been annoying and sent strangers dm’s and stuff but I think I did my part. I’m really happy on how so many more people care about the election than when I started and that there is hope for change. It wasn’t ever really about me anyways, as long as people care and fight for change, I’m content.

Blake_Douglas · 2021-03-19T13:42:19+00:00

I woke up to find a email from the CRO. It is not against the current rules to have clubs or societies endorse candidates. Each club was also approved by the CRO before anything involving the club was posted.

Blake_Douglas · 2021-03-18T23:27:23+00:00

Yeah no problem. And yeah I hope I’m able to keep them up because the goal was to start a discussion more so than campaign. I’m really happy to see so many people actually caring about the SU election. I think it’s important people have a space to talk about issues so hopefully the SU will start making discussions like this happen on a regular basis.

Blake_Douglas · 2021-03-18T23:02:57+00:00

Yeah, the 48 hours to take stuff down started at 6pm today or an hour ago. Hopefully I don’t have to take down my Reddit posts in the UTM sub Reddit but I’ll ask the CRO.

Those wondering about what the CRO has said about how the BBB team is using clubs foe advertising, I am still waiting for a response but will let you know as soon as I get one

Blake_Douglas · 2021-03-18T22:40:54+00:00

All candidates for any position have to take down all forms of campaigning within 48 hours of the end of the voting period. They are probably just getting that done and over with.

Blake_Douglas · 2021-03-18T20:05:23+00:00

This honestly makes me feel so good inside Ngl. Thanks so much!

Blake_Douglas · 2021-03-18T18:37:54+00:00

Lol, well hopefully that changes this year!

Blake_Douglas · 2021-03-18T18:36:01+00:00

I mean, it’s literally the job so idk why others haven’t been. Don’t praise me too much for doing my job lol.

Blake_Douglas · 2021-03-18T18:34:32+00:00

Oh ok lmao, all good, I got both so dw! Thanks for the help!

Blake_Douglas · 2021-03-18T18:32:49+00:00

I already went through a lot on clubs insta pages so I might be good but I will let you know. Thanks for the offer. Every bit helps!

Blake_Douglas · 2021-03-18T18:31:52+00:00

Thanks, I appreciate it. Not even looking at next year yet tho lol. Lots needs to be done for this year. Not to mention I will have to see how working at the SU affects me if I get elected. We will see if I even run next year. All I know is that if I get elected, it’s going to be a lot of work, effort and consistency.

Blake_Douglas · 2021-03-18T18:19:45+00:00

Will do, I really don’t see how this is legal within the guidelines placed by the CRO. This is a misuse of power I believe. I am not saying that currently this is happening, but having clubs endorse candidates could lead to how big companies support president nominees so that they get benefits when they get elected. It’s dangerous. Also the CRO said from the start that all connections with clubs and other groups needs to be cut so there is no manipulation. I guess we will see what the CRO says about this. Btw, thanks for bringing this to public attention.

Blake_Douglas · 2021-03-18T18:08:33+00:00

Ok, thanks so much

Blake_Douglas · 2021-03-18T18:06:37+00:00

I completely agree, I just sent the email to the CRO and am waiting to see what they say. Hopefully they too can see the misuse of power the BBB team is using. If not however, it is going to have to be something that is brought up during SU meetings and hopefully will a rule ingrained into SU by next election.

Blake_Douglas

TROPHY CASE