Perkins up for the challenge

Andy Perkins won Governance and Finance Officer after a well-run and tight campaign week.

After the win he felt decidedly “overwhelmed” and called his mother to tell her the news.

One of the priorities put forward in his manifesto, however, is an SU democracy overhaul. He said he felt that the SU needs “streamlining” and more “consultation with students.” He did recognise the huge rise in Union participation this year with the Emergency General Meeting and the huge increase in SU elections voter turnout, and said he wants to take this further next year.

The main issue for the Governance and Finance Officer will be overseeing a smooth transition for the Union rebuild and helping ensure that the SU earns a surplus next year.

Despite the tight economy and the looming deficit he has pledged more funding for sports and societies in his manifesto. He believes that the commercial success of the new Union building will cover the deficit and that “if plans are as robust as they seem” this should not be a problem. Perkins said that if there is not a surplus at the end of next year, “questions need to be asked.”

The rising cost of living for students has been one of the most important issues this year, but Perkins did not mention it in his manifesto, something he admitted was “a shortfall.” He did say he “would like to do something” as he fears the “effects are only going to get worse.” He did not detail any plans on how he would tackle this issue.

Transparency with finances has also been promised, something that has been an issue this year for media societies and students. “If it is in the students interests I absolutely would [release finacial information],” he said. “Most people don’t know where the Union money goes,” he explained. He feels that more transparancy will also help ensure that “we’ve got a cost-effective Union.”

Perkins vowed to “publicise more [figures],” possibly on a monthly basis. “If the Union looks like its going to falter, I think people should know,” he added. Just as he could not take all credit if the SU is financially successful, he said he cannot take all the blame if it does “falter.”

“I’m looking forward to the challenge…its going to be scary at times,” he concluded.