One of the most influential members of the ASUO Senate resigned Monday, citing conflicts with her studies and concerns about her effectiveness.
Sen. Kate Jones announced her decision in an e-mail sent on ASUO servers. “You deserve someone who is passionate about their position in ASUO and willing to put in the time it takes to achieve excellence,” she wrote.
Jones began serving on the Senate in May 2007, making her one of only two members of this year’s Senate who had prior experience serving on the body. She was vice president of the Department Finance Committee and ombudsperson of the Senate, the third-ranking member of the body.
“I would say one of my biggest achievements is helping with the Constitutional Amendment changes of last year,” Jones said, referring to the measure that split oversight of student groups between four budget committees.
Many in the ASUO said they were sad to see Jones go and expressed appreciation for her contributions. Sen. Tyler Scandalios described her as “a role model.”
“She is one of the most wonderful people I have ever worked with,” said Sen. Hailey Sheldon, who also serves on the DFC. Sheldon said, however, that it was “hard to say” whether Jones’ departure would impact the DFC’s ability to perform its duties.
The ASUO Constitution gives ASUO President Sam Dotters-Katz the responsibility to appoint a replacement for Jones. ASUO Vice President Johnny Delashaw said the ASUO would start advertising the seat vacated by Jones on Wednesday.
Despite leaving her position, Jones expressed a desire to remain involved with the ASUO in some capacity, speaking at a special meeting of the DFC on Tuesday.
“I felt it was important to leave ASAP so that someone else could fill my seat before budget season,” she said.
Jones said she will now focus on studying for graduate degrees in business and law. Her resignation leaves the Senate with two empty seats, hers and that of fellow graduate student Suzie Giacomelli, who resigned in December.
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ASUO Sen. Kate Jones resigns
Daily Emerald
January 6, 2009
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