With almost 40 per cent of the votes, Barb Wright beat seven candidates to become Students’ Union President.
"I’m relieved. Surprised. Relieved," said Wright after the election results were posted last Friday. Wright expressed relief over both the end of the election and the winners of the Vice-presidential races.
"I am extremely happy about the rest of the exec," said Wright, cradling a cup brimming with champagne. "I’ve had a lot of opportunities to work with everyone so far this year and I’m really looking forward to working with them again."
Wright wasn’t alone in her relief.
"I trust Barb in everything she does, which makes the other executive positions easier," said Oliver Bladek, who was acclaimed VP External. "She has the experience and the capability to lead and I’m confident that she will effectively and competently represent students."
Current President Toby White was reluctant to sing Wright’s praises.
"It’ll be a cold day in hell before I give up the reins of this organization to Wright," he declared facetiously. "They will have to drag me kicking and screaming from my office."
White also expressed a more orthodox perspective regarding Wright’s win.
"Barb was a very qualified candidate, and I think students made a great choice in electing her president," said White. "She’s incredibly committed to students and I know she will do a tremendous job as president."
Wright smiled when asked of her immediate plans.
"Sleep," she smiled. "Then my first project is going to be working on communication. I learned a lot of things when I was campaigning and I got out there and talked to students and that’s going to be one of the things I want to see happen: SU people out there talking to students."