With UVic Students’ Society (UVSS) campaigning in full swing, the Martlet couldn’t help but notice some of the candidates behaviour was, well, rude. Harsh words, yes. But appropriate, unfortunately. At times, candidates have behaved like kids at recess wearing their parents’ best power suits. These people are hard to take seriously. Although, to be fair, maturity is relative in politics, and behaviour in “grown-up” politics is rarely any better.

By the time this editorial hits print, we’ll have seen a new federal and provincial budget  likely to be the Olympic equivalent of your first credit card bill after Christmas. And surrounding them will doubtlessly be media clouds of rhetoric, lying, some pouting and probably even some foot-stomping.

With those kinds of role models, perhaps it’s a bit unfair to expect more out of our UVSS representatives. Maybe. But the Martlet doesn’t think so. And so we’re going to give some free advice to current and future candidates on how to conduct yourself, both while running and while representing.

First, remember where you are.

When you are on a stage taking part in a candidates’ debate, keep in mind that we, the electorate, can see you. When you respond to another candidate’s answer with puckered lips or rolled eyes, it reflects on your appropriateness for the position your running for.

The whole point of student government, of any Canadian institution of policy really, is consensus building. If you don’t have the courtesy to listen respectfully to your opponent’s response in this public setting, why should we believe you’ll do it behind closed doors or at a board meeting? Why should we believe you’ll listen to us?

Also, remember who you represent.

That’s us. In everything you do. That means if you’re conducting an interview, say with a local television or radio station, try to use your words. Speak clearly and concisely and try to at least sound intelligent. You’re representing us, so try not to come off as a mumbling, bumbling buffoon.

Connected to that, remember to dress appropriate for your position. Sure, you’re still young, but you are now a young adult. And the board deals with seven-digit figures of finance. No one is saying lose your style, or stop being you. But part of the decision making process includes choosing attire that is right for the occasion.

Granted, this doesn’t mean wearing a three-piece suit every day. But your platform is likely to be taken more seriously by your peers if you’re not presenting it while wearing a goofy hat.

And put your tits away. Cleavage is great and certainly has its place in society. The campaign trail just isn’t that place.

Finally, think about what you’re doing.

You’re the face of change — if you use it the right way. Does this mean trash talking your opponents, ripping down posters you don’t like, or staring at the digits behind the job instead of the tasks at hand? We don’t have to tell you, no.

Even if you aren’t in a position of power yet, you should campaign on the basis of how you want your change to impact the student society. This means thinking about how you come across now. Be nice to your fellow candidates, and to your voters  it doesn’t hurt. And if you already have some power, be aware that that power can leave as quickly as it came: so use it well.