Jones announced his resignation during the "Let Your
Voice Be Heard" section of the meeting. Jones wished to address some points
to the senate, that were brought to his attention.
However, Jones noted that his remarks were not intended
for anyone to take personally and said he was glad to hear "of good things
happening" in the SGA. The first item on Jones’ list was the constitution,
which he said needs immediate attention.
"It seems inappropriate that this document is the best
that we can do," Jones said. "It is lacking substance, foundation and
coherence because of its many glaring contradictions and piecemeal
organizations."
Secondly, Jones commented on the SGA infighting and its
possible toll on the SGA’s ability to conduct business.
"There is nothing so devastating to a student
organization than to watch its internal structure be demolished from
within," Jones said. "Work together and uphold the desires of the body which
you represent. It is quite discerning to observe the current upheaval that
is taking place … that opposes good order and discipline and prohibits
performing the day-to-day business of the student body."
Jones added that the lack of support and interest in the
SGA is a manifestation of students’ recognition of the "current state of
affairs [which] has gotten out of hand."
In the latter part of his speech, Jones revealed he would
be resigning from his position as a justice in the Student Government
Supreme Court and disclosed his reasons as well as his insights from taking
on the duties of the court.
"The decision was made for several reasons, none of them
concerning items that are facing the court at this time," Jones said. "They
are all personal and were explained to my fellow justices. Friendships,
personal growth and insight in the workings of government have been gained.
All in all, it has been a very productive time of my college career."
Junior marketing major Sam Martinez told the senate about
his problem in attaining a booth for the National Hispanic Association’s
pizza sale during Halloween Havoc.
"Apparently, [the Campus Activities Board] took all the
booths … which I thought was definitely unfair," Martinez said.
Vice President of Administration David Polin said he
would look into the matter and e-mail Martinez.
Additionally, Martinez brought up some ideas for the hand
sanitizer project, which the SGA is sponsoring. He mentioned, however, that
the giveaway of hand sanitizers may take away business from Student Health
Services, which sells the product for $1.
"Were they ordered online?" Martinez asked. "They also
sell them at Sam’s Club. You could avoid that shipping and handling cost and
the whole setup cost."
College of Liberal Arts Senator Sandra Esparza updated
the senate on the Scantron project during her report. She said they had
arrived, but questioned the proposed location of distribution, the Reading
Lab, located in Cardenas Hall North. After a few minutes of discussing other
possible locations, such as the Student Union office, and problems that
would arise with tracking the Scantrons’ distribution, the senate agreed to
approach the SGA Executive Board on the matter.
Freshman Senator Joshua Law informed of his attempts to
contact the Brownsville Urban System regarding the termination of the route
after 1 p.m. to the International Technology, Education and Commerce Center.
Law wanted more information on BUS’ decision.
"The attempts were unsuccessful," Law said. "I got
bounced around a couple of times between phone calls and I left a couple of
voicemails."
Dean of Students Mari Fuentes-Martin, an adviser to the
senate, suggested the formation of an ad hoc committee to review the
dilemma.
"I’d be willing to help those students meet with the
right BUS people and look at the data that has been offered," Fuentes-Martin
said.
The senate approved Resolution 14, which allocates about
$1,500 to provide students without financial means to purchase seasonal flu
and H1N1 vaccines with a voucher. The resolution proposed the distribution
of 100 $10 vouchers for the seasonal flu vaccine and 100 $5 vouchers for the
H1N1 vaccine. Seasonal flu vaccine vouchers are scheduled to be given out
from 1 to 4 p.m. today in front of the Student Health Services office.
Law said no date was provided for the distribution for
the H1N1 vaccine vouchers because Student Health Services does not know when
they will receive the vaccines.
The senate also approved Resolution 15, which informally
appoints government Professor Ronald Lane as faculty adviser for the senate
and Executive Board beginning immediately until the end of Spring 2010.
"It’s basically an extra resource to us and he has
expressed his willingness to serve us and the students," Polin said.
Freshman Senator Hugo Teran was absent from the meeting.
SGA President Ruby de la Fuente was present but sat in the audience.
Asked why she was sitting in the audience, de la Fuente
replied: "David Polin uninvited me to the Student Government meetings. He
basically disallowed me to sit at the Student Government meetings [table]
unless I am part of the ‘Let Your Voice Be Heard’ section."
Polin confirmed it was his decision and not that of the
entire senate’s.
"The senate has not resolved to disallow her from sitting
with us," he said.
Although the vice president of administration presides
over SGA senate meetings, the president is typically invited.
"It’s an extension of respect, really, to invite the
president because the president of SGA is the person who ultimately
represents the whole organization," de la Fuente said.
As the meeting came to a close, Polin asked
Fuentes-Martin about a notice he received regarding de la Fuente’s
impeachment.
"I need to double-check on a couple of things that were expected to be
delivered today," Fuentes-Martin said. "If those things are true, then there
would be a hearing next Thursday. I can’t say 100 percent [sure] but 80
percent. It should be finalized soon."
