Thank you very much for the editorial printed in today’s paper (“ASUO Spending Hasty and Unequal,” Oct. 6). I always encourage people to take action against injustices and this is a perfect example of it. It’s great this piece was printed and it would be even better if the Emerald and other student groups would organize an action against what happened last Wednesday. I encourage you all to tell us why it’s fucked up because, to be honest with you, it was fucked up and it was shady. I appreciate any other criticisms you all have and I encourage you to come to the Senate meetings and voice your opinions because it is something the ASUO Senate and exec needs to hear.
Lidiana Soto
University junior
The circumstances of the over-realized proposals passed at the first senate meeting seem to be unclear. The editorial (“ASUO Spending Hasty and Unequal,” ODE 10/6/08) did not take into account the required expediency that surrounded the fall over-realized process. It also did not fairly articulate the benefit these proposals will have on the entire student body.
When ASUO President Sam Dotters-Katz realized the timetable for which this money had to be spent, he outreached as much as possible. The fact these proposals represented such a wide cross-section of campus is evidence of his efforts. True, these funds weren’t advertised to every student group. However, I can say that every student group that was around was notified. As one of the students who worked on a proposal, I am personally offended because we worked very hard to come up with something that has incredible merit. By framing this process in a way which does not take into account the hard work and benefits of proposals like the Native American Student Union Mothers Day Pow Wow, it does a disservice to all student groups.
There was significant discussion about the timetable and process of which proposals were created. The senate took into account all of these concerns, and with an overwhelming vote decided to continue because it was in the best interests of the student body. The fact the Senate stayed until nearly 4:00 a.m. is proof of the responsibility and diligence of our actions. Not all proposals were passed for the full amount, and not every Senator voted yes to every proposal. There were conversations, questions, and criticisms to go along with every group. This money was not wasted, it was saved.
Carina Miller
Summer Senate Chair
ASUO Student Senate Seat 1
[email protected]