The ASUO Over-Realized Committee allotted money last term to build flagpoles to surround the amphitheater that would showcase flags from every Native American tribe in Oregon. The poles were supposed to be constructed as soon as possible, but the plans have reached a snag.
According to ASUO Sen. Lindy Mabuya, who was just alerted to the problem and has starting working with the group, there is hesitation because the poles could be considered capital construction, and that makes the process more complicated. However she also thinks it has to do with the possibility that the EMU could be renovated if the referendum is passed next fall. Mabuya doesn’t believe the poles would interfere with the construction.
“I know there have been discussions about having the poles put into concrete blocks making them easy to take down and put back up again,” she said. “The current architectural plan leaves the amphitheater untouched, thus my assumption would be that the poles would not interfere.”
There has been some frustration among the group members because some are seniors and would like to see the poles constructed before they leave.
“It is also time-sensitive because the members of the group would like to have a tribal ceremony at the construction,” Mabuya said.
Mabuya will be working with the ASUO professional staff, the group, administration and people possibly involved with the construction to find a way to construct the flag poles sooner.