2008 Woodie Awards
SGA debates election deadlines
Tonya Tomory
Issue date: 2/28/08 Section: Campus Life
The Student Government Association meeting Wednesday night was marked by discussion and disagreement. The most debate rose when Analia Saldivar, community affairs director, proposed to move SGA candidate orientation dates from 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, and 2 p.m. Thursday, March 6, to the same times on Monday, March 10, and Tuesday, March 11.
Saldivar's reasoning was to give students more time to decide on running for SGA positions. During this period, candidates are required to get 50 signatures of support from PSU students.
"It's not hard to find 50 signatures in three days," Saldivar said.
Senators Jared Smith and Landis Tompkins expressed opposition to the idea, saying the dates should remain as originally planned.
"I think if we're going to vote for those dates, we should push back the other dates too," Smith said. "Then, you start pushing the whole thing."
Sen. Timi Myers suggested changing dates so that those running will have adequate time for a more successful campaign.
"The future of SGA is dependent upon a week," Myers said. "We need more than a week to secure the å of student government."
Sen. Sam Heady agreed with Myers and Saldivar, saying the extra time would attract more dedicated candidates.
"That's the difference between the number of people who show up and want to run and the number of people who show up and want to run without quality," Heady said.
"This isn't a decision that you take lightly ... I think you need more time."
Smith moved to strike the resolution and was backed by the majority of SGA, who voted against it.
In other business:
- During student opinion time, three students from Hispanics of Today proposed that PSU recognize Cesar Chavez Day. The presentation, led by Cindy Perez, included facts about Chavez, who was an advocate for equality and nonviolent measures for equality.
"Chavez sought importance and dignity of all workers," Perez said.
The resolution will be voted on at the next meeting.
- Ananda Jayawardhana, associate professor in mathematics, spoke to senators about increasing diversity on campus by collaborating with the Tilford Group, a diversity-driven group composed of 40 faculty members. Many senators had suggestions for Jayawardhana, such as talking to teachers and bringing the Tilford Group to the attention of other diversity clubs on campus. The resolution will be voted on at the next meeting.
The next SGA meeting will be at 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday in the Balkans Room of the Overman Student Center. Anyone needing to address a campus issue is in invited.
Saldivar's reasoning was to give students more time to decide on running for SGA positions. During this period, candidates are required to get 50 signatures of support from PSU students.
"It's not hard to find 50 signatures in three days," Saldivar said.
Senators Jared Smith and Landis Tompkins expressed opposition to the idea, saying the dates should remain as originally planned.
"I think if we're going to vote for those dates, we should push back the other dates too," Smith said. "Then, you start pushing the whole thing."
Sen. Timi Myers suggested changing dates so that those running will have adequate time for a more successful campaign.
"The future of SGA is dependent upon a week," Myers said. "We need more than a week to secure the å of student government."
Sen. Sam Heady agreed with Myers and Saldivar, saying the extra time would attract more dedicated candidates.
"That's the difference between the number of people who show up and want to run and the number of people who show up and want to run without quality," Heady said.
"This isn't a decision that you take lightly ... I think you need more time."
Smith moved to strike the resolution and was backed by the majority of SGA, who voted against it.
In other business:
- During student opinion time, three students from Hispanics of Today proposed that PSU recognize Cesar Chavez Day. The presentation, led by Cindy Perez, included facts about Chavez, who was an advocate for equality and nonviolent measures for equality.
"Chavez sought importance and dignity of all workers," Perez said.
The resolution will be voted on at the next meeting.
- Ananda Jayawardhana, associate professor in mathematics, spoke to senators about increasing diversity on campus by collaborating with the Tilford Group, a diversity-driven group composed of 40 faculty members. Many senators had suggestions for Jayawardhana, such as talking to teachers and bringing the Tilford Group to the attention of other diversity clubs on campus. The resolution will be voted on at the next meeting.
The next SGA meeting will be at 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday in the Balkans Room of the Overman Student Center. Anyone needing to address a campus issue is in invited.
Be the first to comment on this story