By-elections for VP-Admin set for Nov. 9 and Nov. 10

In an announcement that sent shock waves through the student union’s weekly meeting Thursday, Corben McLean, Vice President Administration, resigned from his position.

Serving in his second year as VP, McLean heads two committees and is one of the most prominent figures on the SU.

Citing personal reasons, McLean also raised issues of internal conflict in the SU contributing to his resignation.

“(Student executive council) has been publicly noted as dysfunctional, and I think that’s true,” he said.

Due process quickly dominated the meeting after his speech.

Alex Vietinghoff, off-campus representative, raised concerns about the fall elections poor turn-out and how to remedy that in the coming by-election for McLean’s position.

By-elections are set for Nov. 9 and Nov. 10, with polling stations in James Dunn Hall.

McLean’s motion to resign had not officially been passed yet.

It was voted through council 12 in favour, one opposed.

The only vote against was cast by SU president Mark Henick.

“Obviously I was surprised. I voted against it because he was good at his position, and I didn’t want to see him go,” said Henick.

He also felt an obligation to vote against it since he was “unaware of the resignation until it was made,” and said the motion violated a by-law that requires the resignation to be in writing to the council and president at a regularly scheduled meeting.

Henick said he feels partially at fault for McLean’s departure.

“I feel personally responsible anytime anyone resigns. It’s my job to keep the team together,” he said.

Henick acknowledged problems within executive council, which is made up of three vp’s and a president, and said the problems being taken care of.

McLean described the current SU as “uninspired,” and said, “the only reason you should take this job is if you care and are concerned for the students.”

McLean’s second motion of the meeting laid out procedure for the by-election to find his replacement.

He will stay on as VP until a replacement is found.

“You don’t quit a job and just run,” said McLean

The motion of the bi-election was passed 12 to one, the opposing vote belonging to off-campus representative Mitch Messom.

He raised the possibility of skipping elections and just appointing an existing member to the position.

“Frankly, there are people I won’t run against because they’re better for the position and could hit the ground running, if they want to run for it. I’m talking to them, but I wanted to appoint these people,” he said.