Drug usage continues to lurk
By Amanda Seef
NEWS EDITOR
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Illustration By TJ Cordes, STAFF CARTOONIST |
The members of the Brockport Student Government board face many tough decisions, but we as students are the ones whose opinion matters most. Although the board has shown that they have no problem wielding their power, it is our voice that is supposed to be spoken through their votes. But when we refuse to raise our voices, decisions can go in directions that benefit no one.
The vote on transferring funds for the spring concert was a difficult decision for the 12 voting members present at the March 7 board meeting. The transfer meant being able to have the typical spring concert and Brock the Port, or having a downsized version of both — or perhaps not one of the events at all. If the vote had not gone through, BSG would be stuck, looking for ways to bring about funds to keep students happy.
Looking at the faces of our representatives showed the thoughts and worries that they carried into their decision, whether they voted for, or against the plan. Meanwhile, the input of the common student looks to be little more than shrugged shoulders and sung verses of Flo Rida’s big hit song.
Several members of the board presented what their constituents thought about spending such a large amount of money on one event, with varied opinions coming from programming, on- and off-campus students and clubs.
However, the members of the board could only take information from a small percentage of their constituency, leading to a discussion of statistical significance.
What’s really significant is how easy it is to reach your representative. All it takes is an e-mail to your representative, or a visit to the Union during their office hours. While the board sometimes has to go in closed sessions to sort out their big issues, many members of the board have open-door policies.
The board has also worked to bring board meetings to the student body, as Friday’s tough decision came at the Harmon-Gordon lounge. Despite the effort, the attendance at Friday’s meeting was not much larger than at meetings held at the Union.
There was some confusion as to where the meeting would be held, as some announcements for the meeting had the correct location and time listed while others were inaccurate.
The confusion was likely an accident, but we are sure it will be fixed in the future.
One thing that will have to be fixed in the future is the one prominent voice that was not present at Friday’s meeting.
BSG President Darnell Pierce missed the meeting even though it was his actions that forced the board into having to decide whether to transfer the funds or not.
Pierce’s absence was puzzling and disappointing. Hopefully the man who ran on a platform of openess will make good on that promise.
Holding the government accountable is the duty of the free press, but if you want something, be it a concert, club or even a shout-out at the next meeting, let your representatives know.
Not only do they welcome your thoughts, but in times like this they need them.
Editorial: "BSG needs your imput""
Luettger "Easter travel times a necessity for students"
Seef: "Snow troubles make me miserable"
Craddock: "Quasi-famous people dig me"
Jennings: "President Bush loves to torture"
Coke: "Taxes go up while wallets deflate"
Boron: "Procrastinating causes GPA drop"