Matt Todd's Pursuit of Idyll Minds

I am offering my services to KPU students again this year – this time, as Director of Operations.

Over the last year as Director of External Affairs, I got a lot of good things done:

• Negotiated the U-Pass BC contract on behalf of KPU students.
• Got student union building (SUB) negotiations back on track.
• Started a governance review of how decisions are made and performance is measured.
• Put in place new systems to make the KSA more professional and accountable.

As Director of Operations, I would be able to continue guiding development of the SUB and intercampus shuttle service. I would also be responsible for ensuring that the changes recommended in the governance review actually get implemented.

These initiatives represent millions of dollars of student fees. My training and experience makes me the best candidate for ensuring these funds are well managed and spent wisely.

My competitor in the KSA election has done a great job on messaging. He has some strong sounding claims.

I do not intend to discount his successes over the past years. They are worthy. However, my question is, sooo… is that it? There are no tangible results. It appears that there have been more bridges burned than built over the past couple years, more opportunities missed than used. I congratulate Mr. Robertson on his achievements. I just think I can do better.

A campaign platform promise from the Liberals for the Upass is NOT money in the bank. There are very sensitive negotiations and much creative thought still required to complete this initiative. I have seen no evidence that Mr. Robertson has this capacity. On the contrary, a quick Google search finds articles and forums indicating that he may have done more harm than good over his tenure. The KSA needs someone with proven skills for finding common ground.

I already know many of the people that the KSA needs to work with to achieve the Upass. I have worked with them successfully in the past when I was on White Rock City Council. I can do it once again. My skills and established relationships would give the KSA a better position than Mr. Robertson can offer. He has been responsible for this file for years and accomplished little more than hollow promises and a record of failed offers. I can do better.

This is my candidate profile for the upcoming Kwantlen Student Association election:

I am studying psychology and economics toward a masters degree in community planning. 

I offer a lot of practical experience to the role of External Affairs.
For example:

served on White Rock City Council for 6 years

successfully lobbied for new bylaws across the region

have positive working relationships with Translink & elected leaders throughout the region

I would bring a fresh, intelligent and cooperative approach to how the KSA deals with governments and other student unions. 

Proven effective, I have the skills and experience needed to negotiate the U-Pass for Kwantlen. 

I am seeking the role of Director External Affairs for the Kwantlen Student Association. The main reason is because I think Kwantlen should have the U-Pass. It appears to me as though Kwantlen has fumbled its opportunities in the past and continues to do so now. The Student Association needs to develop a more cooperative attitude in its dealings with Translink, local politicians, and student associations from other universities. The KSA needs to adopt a more pragmatic strategy. I can develop that strategy. I have the experience, and I already have positive relationships with the people who can help Kwantlen get the U-Pass. I’ve achieved more difficult tasks. I can get this one done. Finally.