February 13. 2012 Evening
To Clear The Air

There has been a lot of buzz over the past two weeks about my outdoor signs… as well as a blog post. I want to let everyone know first hand about them. As I have made it very apparent throughout the campaign period, I am an environmental science student and have a strong environmental focus in my campaign. Some students have been concerned about the outdoor signs, stating that they are un-environmentally friendly… Which if bought as new and painted, I may have to agree with. Lumber has a much larger impact on the environment than paper signs or no signs at all. However, all of the plywood I used to make my outdoor signs is recycled wood that was donated. It was originally used in a factory as pallets for transporting paint. The plywood was heading for a landfill. However, since I had put the word out that I was looking for reclaimed wood to use in my campaign, they were donated to me for campaign sign use. Furthermore, we only painted one side of the plywood. I have a cottage on an island with 30 other cottages and we are going to be making fire boxes out of the plywood that will hold buckets, shovels and a pump, in case of a fire (as it takes rescue boats a long time to respond!). In short, the wood is recycled so that it will be used three times over.

To address my budget in regards to the cost of my outdoor signs; I had to account for the cost of the wood at fair market value in my budget so that I wouldn’t have an unfair advantage over other candidates. This however means, that no money from my budget (ie. Student’s money) was spent on the plywood for my signs. For the budget we assessed the wood at the fair market value of the plywood, with a discount applied as set by elections committee. Other costs associated with the outdoor signs were: the wood used to build the frames, the paint, the sharpie markers and screws. In total, our signs were reported in our budget at a cost of $126.24. However, in actuality, the signs only cost $82.85 when excluding the cost of the donated plywood set at fair market value. This is only 1/10 of the overall budget spent on outdoor signs.

Research shows that outdoor signs are the most visible and affordable way to reach voters. It has been proven that yard signs increase name recognition and more importantly are a factor in getting out the vote because they let people know that an election is happening. Outdoor signs can be seen by anyone during any hour of the day that suits them regardless of whether they listen to CHRW, watch BPC or connect to online info.

I stand behind my signs and I hope that after reading this that you realize WHAT I stand for as well!

February 13. 2012 Afternoon
Calling All Sophs

I hear you… Over this campaign period, there have been many concerns about the future of O-Week. Many Sophs have voiced their opinions about recent changes to faculty and Ivey Sophs. I have said throughout this campaign period that I want to be your voice and that above all, I care.

With this all in mind, I have sat down and advocated for what YOU believe in. I have taken what you have said and have met with Andrew Forgione and current USC Executives to find a solution. In combination with the drive of all Sophs at Western, this would not have been possible.

Through strong relationships and constructive discussions progress has been made. I am excited to announce that the new policy regarding the 2012 Orientation Program has been delayed!

What does this mean to you? It means that ALL Sophs can Soph next year! It means that the new policy will not come into effect until the following year. I promise to continue this O-Week centered dialogue. This was possible because it takes positive communication from someone who can represent you and your vision of Western.

Continue to have your voice heard! Remember to Vote for Logan Ross Feb 14th and 15th, ensure more positive outcomes next year.

February 13. 2012 Morning
Transparency

In this presidential election transparency is a buzz word that has been thrown around by all candidates (myself included). I asked myself what would prove to students that a candidate will indeed make transparency in budget a priority? I not only want all students to be informed about what the USC offers them, I want students to know where the USC is spending money. I want to be a president that makes transparency in the USC budget a priority, and I also want to be a candidate that makes my election budget transparent.
So here it is! The breakdown of my $809.30 budget.

• Outdoor Signs: $126.24 (breakdown explained in sign post)
• Scarves: $47.46
• Tattoos: $100.00
• Tattoo Application: $5.00 (Spray bottles and wash cloths)
• Posters and Bag Tags: $144.56
• Banner Paper: $5.64
• Cookies: $22.00 (Home made by Momma Ross)
• Ribbon and Bags for Packaging cookies: $7.19
• Table Cloth: $5.65
• Video: $53.75
• Website: $42.00
• Misc: $25.00 (zip ties, markers and tape)
• TOTAL: $584.49

The campaign budget is allotted to each candidate by the USC. The expenditures listed above were used for of our campaigning efforts. I felt as though it was not in the best interest of the students to use the full amount ($809.30) I will continue with this approach as president to inform students of where and how their money is being spent and to make sure that it is spent wisely.

February 9th. 2012
Check out the platform page to see my updated platform.

Also, come see Politically Incorrect with Andrew Forgione and BPC today at 1pm in the spoke, and the Affiliate Debate at Huron's Great Hall tonight at 7pm!

After Week One
I would just like to thank everyone for all their support during my first week of campaigning. I have had an amazing time spending time with the volunteers at my booth in the University Community Centre! I have also had the opportunity to meet students from all walks of life in residences, on affiliate campuses and throughout the Western community. Your voice and ideas as a student are what drives me to become your USC President. I'm currently looking into the feasibility of every single idea that was sent through LoganRoss.ca, Twitter and expressed to me during the first week of campaigning.

My first debate on Wednesday was such an amazing experience and a stepping stone in this campaign to become your next USC President. The questions that were asked really helped me understand in even more depth what students want to see at Western. I cannot wait for even more opportunities to answer your questions in the final debates during the last week of campaigning.

My first two-on-one interview with Big Purple Couch and my radio advertisement through our campus radio, CHRW radio were such great experiences. It reminded me of what I was already fully aware of, Western students are talented!

Once again I would like to thank all of my supporters, my team, the volunteers at my booth and most of all the students of Western for remaining so positive during this election period. I know that my updated platform will represent your concerns and suggestions more in depth and I cannot wait for everyone to read it. 

Please come out to the Politically Incorrect with BPC and Andrew Forgione in the Spoke at 1pm on Thursday and the Affiliate Debate at the Great Hall at Huron on Thursday at 7pm.

Thank you once again.
Logan