New legislation grants Freshman Council vote in Senate
Jay Baker
Issue date: 11/27/07 Section: Campus News
The Freshman Council now has a vote in the SGA senate as of Thursday, Nov 15 when the Freshman Council Vote bill passed to applause in the UC Legislative Chambers.
"You guys have a voice, we just want a whisper," said Trenton Woodley, Freshman Council member during discussion of the bill.
There was much discussion and even some criticism for the bill, which was almost tabled for another two weeks. Freshman Council members are not elected by students but appointed by SGA members each fall because of the SGA voting schedule. Because elections happen in the spring semester, incoming Freshman do not hav
e an opportunity to vote.
"I agree with what both of your guys have said, but I think you should speak with SGA if your voice is not being heard," said Lucas Goodman, senator.
Both the lack of representation for freshmen an the fact that the Freshman Council is not elected brought the ire of senators and council members.
"Freshman represent approximately a fourth of the student body and as of now we have zero impact ... The Freshman Council president is supposed to act as a liaison between the freshman and SGA. This would help that," said Phil Masengill, Freshman Council President. "All we ask for is to have a single vote for a fourth of the entire student body."
Senator Lewis moved to table the bill citing a lack of understanding amongst senators and the importance of the issue.
"I just don't want to go into this not understanding everything totally," said Lewis.
The motion was defeated and when the bill was brought to a vote it passed with only one dissenting vote.
Freshman Council President Masengill was elated.
"I have to say I'm extremely excited and optimistic about the passage of this legislation. This gives the freshman council a greater opportunity to be actively involved and become part of the legislative process of student government at UTM. I would like to thank everyone who is willing to put faith in the Freshman Council and make this a reality," said Masengill.
"You guys have a voice, we just want a whisper," said Trenton Woodley, Freshman Council member during discussion of the bill.
There was much discussion and even some criticism for the bill, which was almost tabled for another two weeks. Freshman Council members are not elected by students but appointed by SGA members each fall because of the SGA voting schedule. Because elections happen in the spring semester, incoming Freshman do not hav
e an opportunity to vote.
"I agree with what both of your guys have said, but I think you should speak with SGA if your voice is not being heard," said Lucas Goodman, senator.
Both the lack of representation for freshmen an the fact that the Freshman Council is not elected brought the ire of senators and council members.
"Freshman represent approximately a fourth of the student body and as of now we have zero impact ... The Freshman Council president is supposed to act as a liaison between the freshman and SGA. This would help that," said Phil Masengill, Freshman Council President. "All we ask for is to have a single vote for a fourth of the entire student body."
Senator Lewis moved to table the bill citing a lack of understanding amongst senators and the importance of the issue.
"I just don't want to go into this not understanding everything totally," said Lewis.
The motion was defeated and when the bill was brought to a vote it passed with only one dissenting vote.
Freshman Council President Masengill was elated.
"I have to say I'm extremely excited and optimistic about the passage of this legislation. This gives the freshman council a greater opportunity to be actively involved and become part of the legislative process of student government at UTM. I would like to thank everyone who is willing to put faith in the Freshman Council and make this a reality," said Masengill.
Be the first to comment on this story