STUDENT SENATE MINUTES
January 31, 1995
The meeting was called to order by Senate President Kevin Mayeux at 7:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Roll call was taken by A&E Chairman Shelton Bridges. Quorum was established with 63 senators present.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Charles Hart, II led the Senate in the pledge of allegiance.
AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA:
Senate Bill 95-1000, which was placed on the agenda in error, was removed.
The agenda was approved as corrected.
AMENDMENTS TO THE MINUTES:
None
PUBLIC DEBATE:
Lyman Duke, President of the Student Council of the DisAbled and coordinator of UF's 1995 Disability Awareness Week, said their request to bring the National Theatre of the Deaf being heard tonight would be an asset to the community. He urged support for the bill.
Laura Brandt, of the Racquetball Club, hoped their request would pass second reading tonight. She said the team hopes to bring back a national championship from the tournament.
Stacy Rosenberg, of the National Broadcasting Society, speaking on behalf of Bruce Gerstenfeld for the Journalism seat, said he is an active member of the Journalism and Communications College Council and should have received the recommendation. She said Kristy Van Vliet, the R&A recommendation, had not attended JCCC meetings, and questioned the recommendation of the committee.
Wil Stewart, of the JCCC also spoke on behalf of Bruce Gerstenfeld. He said the committee should have accepted the endorsement of the JCCC for the open seat.
Tony Billett, President of the National Broadcasting Society, said he had served with Bruce Gerstenfeld for two years. He felt JCCC's decision to select Bruce should be accepted by the Senate.
Senator Portaro, said the Miss UF Pageant is tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. at the Center for the Performing Arts. She announced the IFC/Panhellenic Big Brothers/Big Sisters program being conducted with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Alachua County. They will be working with children six to thirteen years old, requiring one to three hours per week. The program is open to anyone interested. Her associate directors are Senators Imanuel and Hurley. Both have also been accepted into Cicerones.
Carlos Herrera, JCCC representative to BOCC, supported Bruce Gerstenfeld for the Journalism seat. He said Bruce is the current President of JCCC and is endorsed by the council.
Bruce Gerstenfeld said that he had applied for the Journalism seat in order to fill the vacancy as quickly as possible. He said Journalism has had poor representation in Senate, and would like to put in the time and effort necessary to represent his college.
Candace Reistrom, of the Student Advocacy Cabinet, passed out buttons advertising the SG Info Line.
Former Senator Cameron Dezfulian spoke in support of the special request for the Persian Student Association. He said the group has 89 active members, with 200-300 Persian students on campus. The planned event is for the Persian New Year, and is very important to these students.
Michael Grant, Black History Month Public Relations Director, had posters available, and said that all Black History Month events are listed in today's Alligator. He invited everyone to participate in these events.
Telma Lanzas, thanked Budget Chairman Koukos and Senate for the HSA transfer passed in Senate last week. She invited everyone to the Spring Gala being held on Saturday.
Chris Dorworth, from the Speech and Debate Team, said the team had won
both the debate and individual events at the tournament this past weekend. They are the state champions for the fifth year in a row.
Kristy Van Vliet, said that to fill an open Senate seat, you should play by Senate's rules. She had gotten the required signatures and met the constituents. R&A had made their decision in good faith after interviewing both candidates. She felt that being an average student in the College of Journalism qualified her for the seat, and her candidacy should not be questioned.
Senator Niederhausen, announced the "Save Our Schools" Speak-Out on Wednesday, February 8, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on the Plaza of the Americas. There will be speakers, and everyone in the audience is encouraged to speak on some issue. Sign-up sheets for SOS will be available in the Senate office.
Senator Grapski, saying he had not planned to speak tonight, said Senate should not go against the College Council recommendation even though both candidates were very qualified. He also had asked for the applications that had been received for Traffic Court Associate Justice in order to see the applicant pool. From now on he wants to see all applications for any position.
Senator DeAngelo, Journalism Senator and former member of R&A, was very disappointed in the R&A recommendation. She said the JCCC had had problems for the past year, and admired Bruce's willingness to work for the council. She felt he would be an asset to Senate, and that the council recommendation should have been accepted.
Senator Morgan said that ignorance is not an excuse for anything. If you have a closed mind, or choose to ignore, you are missing learning something. Students use computers regularly, and much information is available from your home. If you would like help in learning to use it, just ask.
Angela Izzo-Peppe said the "Pixie Miranda Show" will start next week on Cox Cable 8. The Anarchy in the Student Government project with the Armageddon Party will have a "Hootie and the Blowfish" protest. She called the televising of Student Senate MTV--Mayeux TV--because of the editing. She asked if the senators would rather see her or Charlie on TV.
Charles Hart, II, President of College Republicans, spoke on the loss of American pride and the injustice done to the American flag. He cited U.S. Law 94-34-4, the United States Flag Code, in listing University violations of flying the flag in a torn or disrepaired condition, faded, and at night. This is a disgrace to the country. He said everyone must do something, such as a bill supporting the flag. He would like to see Veterans Day observed and honored, as well as an "American History Week" observed on campus. He asked for Senate's help in this fight for American pride.
Senator Cosenza said he will be nominating Senator Morgan for the open I&I seat from the floor because of the work he has been doing, and his computer knowledge which would be an asset to the committee. He spoke on a past Engineering appointment made by R&A and urged Senate to consider the JCCC recommendation for the Journalism seat.
Senator Kostick juggled a bowling bowl, an apple, and a machete to raise support, and funds, for the Save Our Schools Speakout.
Senator Ang announced his resignation from his Senate seat and leadership of the minority members saying it was time for him to focus on other aspects of his life and other ways of serving the university. He said his job had been to serve and protect the interests of the College of Medicine, to serve and protect the interest of the parties and independents under the minority umbrella, and serve the University of Florida. He supported Senator Fallon for Minority Leader and thanked all who had worked with him and supported him.
Senator East thanked Senator Ang for all his work and urged support for the Student Council of the DisAbled special request.
PRESIDENT'S REPORT:
President Mayeux said he had received a petition making Senator Fallon Minority Leader. He also had received resignation letters from Senators McLaughlin and Brown.
Traffic Court Chief Justice Brian Burgoon presented Blake Dowling, William Keener, and Jeremy Susac for approval as Associate Justices. Chairman Carroll reported the Judiciary Committee had approved these appointments. Chief Justice Burgoon stated that Senator Grapski had requested copies of all applications for Associate Justice positions. Mr. Burgoon had provided a list of all applicants, but not copies of applications citing the Buckley Amendment rules on confidentiality. Senator Grapski insisted that information on the applications was public record. Mr. Burgoon responded that anyone could come to his office to see the applications, but he is not required to provide copies. The selection of Associate Justices is the duty of Chief Justice. Senate's duty is to make sure the applicants are qualified to serve, not select the applicants. The candidates were approved as a block. Chief Justice Burgoon went on to report that the top level of the new garage at Norman Hall is now open to all decals except park and ride.
President Mayeux asked that the Jail and Bail pledge sheet he passed around last week be returned to him. He said that Chairman Niederhausen will be reporting on Senate TV during his report.
Senator McNeill, Chairman of the Senate President's Committee on Dead Week and Finals Week, reported that two meeting had been held. Questions had been drafted for their survey of other schools' policies. The committee had consulted a statistician and marketing communications analyst on conducting the survey which should be ready in two weeks. The next meeting will be on Sunday.
Senator Grapski, Chairman of the Senate President's Committee on Quality of Education, said the committee will meet on Thursday at 6:00 p.m. He told Senator Ang he had been a pleasure to work with, and a real asset to the Senate. He said SOS was formed to mobilize student voices, and sign-up sheets will be available in the Senate office.
Senator Cosenza, Chairman of the Senate President's Committee on Alternative Funding, said the column in this week's Senagator is a good representation of the committee. If you are interested in working on this committee, please see him after Senate.
Treasurer Siemienas said he supports the special request for the Student Council of the DisAbled. However, he had reservations about the other two. He questioned why the event planned by the Persian Student Association had not been budgeted through VISA since the event has been held for the past two years. Senate Special Requests are, ideally, for emergency purposes only. Environmental Law Society had previously received funds from BOCC, which would constitute double funding. Chairman Delafield would explain how this would be rectified during the bill presentation. Senator Fallon, BOCC President, explained the separation of funding statute which applies to SG and BOCC. BOCC had given $2000.00 for the conference being held by ELS. Treasurer Siemienas reminded the senators that decisions made in Senate have an impact on many people, from his office through the individual college councils.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
R&A:
Chairman Stadlen said the committee met on Monday, and make the following recommendations: Ryan Jones for District B-approved; John Hopkins for District B-approved; Holly Hall for District D-approved; and Kristy Van Vliet for Journalism. Senator DeAngelo nominated Bruce Gerstenfeld from the floor for Journalism. Floor privilege was given to Former Minority Leader Ang to speak for the committee. Senator Ang said the committee had made its decision in good conscience. He stated that Mr. Gerstenfeld did not have written approval from the JCCC at the time he was interviewed, and had told the committee he had no plans to run for the seat in the Spring election because of his Spring graduation. Mr. Gerstenfeld also had several other obligating positions. Senator Ang said the R&A committee knows what is required, in terms of commitment, to be a good senator. In the meeting Mr. Gerstenfeld had been asked about the hierarchy within the JCCC. Mr. Gerstenfeld had replied that the former President had left for an internship, and the Vice President was currently on broadcast rotations and felt she did not have time for this responsibility. Mr. Ang tried to avoid specific remarks made in the committee interview; however, upon insistence, he stated that Mr. Gerstenfeld had said the Vice President was a "Southern Bell and probably could not do it." Mr. Gerstenfeld said that this was a misrepresentation of what he had said. Senator DeAngelo moved to set format for this election giving her a response time followed by one minute speeches and one question each. This motion failed 25/35. Senator Gordon moved for the same format with R&A given final response. This passed 34/28. Senator DeAngelo spoke on behalf of Mr. Gerstenfeld and the JCCC, saying the council obviously needed help from their senator in making their wishes known. She felt that Mr. Gerstenfeld would also represent the college, and his time constraints were no more than most senators have. As to his comment, only the committee knew what had occurred, and it should not be taken out of context. The council has had internal problems, as could be verified by BOCC President Fallon. The JCCC wishes should be respected. Mr. Gerstenfeld began by clarifying his comments in committee. He said his personal opinion is that Kristy Dukes, the JCCC Vice President, is a "sweet, southern girl", and it has been an honor and a pleasure working with her. He applied for the Senate seat so that it could be filled as quickly as possible, and had the approval of the JCCC. Ms. Van Vliet said that as JCCC President, who else would the council nominate besides Mr. Gerstenfeld. She was unaware she needed the council nomination. In fact, as an average student, she was unaware there was a council. She said that although Mr. Gerstenfeld had told her that petitioning for signatures would not matter, she had gotten the required signatures, interviewed with R&A for the position, and felt the R&A decision should be accepted. She said that if the committee had felt Mr. Gerstenfeld used "sexist" language, then Senate should respect their decision.
Question by Senator Gropper: "How would you separate yourself from the other candidate?"
Answer by Mr. Gerstenfeld: He said he has never held a position in other organizations, but had been elected as JCCC Treasurer at a time when the council was in disarray. When the opportunity arose, he applied for the presidency because someone needed to do it. He applied for the Senate seat for the same reason, but felt his opponent had not applied for this reason.
Answer by Ms. Van Vliet: She said she is an average student, and feels an average student should represent average students. The Senate is a "student" Senate, not a "council" Senate.
Pro Tempore Stadlen, responding for R&A, said he was impressed with the number of JCCC members attending tonight as dedicated students concerned about adequate representation. He stated that Mr. Gerstenfeld did not have the written council approval when he interviewed with R&A. He did have the required signatures, and was interviewed on an equal basis with Ms. Van Vliet. R&A felt Ms. Van Vliet would adequately represent the College of Journalism, and asked Senate to support that decision. Kristy Van Vliet was elected to the Journalism seat with a vote of 37/22. Pro Tempore Stadlen continued with the following committee recommendations: Senator Cosenza for Finance-approved; Senator Aquino for IRO-approved; and Senator Ritzhaupt for I&I. Senator Cosenza moved to waive the rules to open the floor for committee nominations. This motion failed. Senator Ritzhaupt was approved for I&I. Senator McNeill moved to open the floor for nominations for the Hume seat which had been tabled in R&A because the lateness of the meeting caused some candidates to not be heard. This motion failed 29/31 after pro speeches from Senators Niederhausen and Cosenza, and a con speech from Senator Gay. The next meeting will be Sunday at 8:00 p.m.
Open Seats: Family Housing A (1); HHP (1); Hume (1); DN (1); 2,3LS (1); LS (1); MD (1); PH (1)
Committee Seats: Judiciary (1)
BUDGET:
Chairman Koukos said that President Tompkins had asked him to announced that copies of the FSA legislative agenda are available in room 305. President Tompkins and Provost Sorenson have worked to establish an evaluations task force on how to open faculty evaluations to students. They hope to incorporate this with the Student Guide. Chairman Koukos and President Tompkins are working on new recycling bins. He will have more information on this next week. He announced that Special Event Budget Request will be due in 30 days.
FINANCE:
Chairman Delafield said the committee met twice last week and have three new bills being heard tonight.
A&E:
Chairman Bridges said the committee met and have the following absence recommendations: Senators Imanuel and Aquino one-half absence on 1/31 for Preview interviews excused; Senator Gordon one-half absence on 1/24 for the BOR Task Force excused; Senator Gropper on 1/10 for sickness excused; Senator Bracken on 12/6 excused with verification from the college council;
Senator Moran on 1/31 for Miss UF rehearsal unexcused; Senator Tarquinio on 1/17 and 1/24 stricken due to registration problems; Senator Hall on 1/31 for surgery excused. Senator Fuller asked that the committee vote be included in the report. The recommendations were approved as a block.
Judiciary:
Chairman Carroll said the committee will meet on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. in room B72 and again on Sunday at 4:00 p.m. in room 316. Please apply for the open seat if you can make the time commitment.
I&I:
Chairman Niederhausen welcomed Senator Ritzhaupt to the committee. He was disappointed that Senator Morgan was not recommended for the seat because of the computer ability he could lend the committee for including our Student Government on the World Wide Web. SOS has a "home page" on the World Wide Web. The housing channel will be broadcasting Senate on Thursday from 5:00-7:00 p.m. and again from 8:00-9:00 p.m. He announced that Senator Herzog will be the committee Vice Chair. The next meeting will be Thursday in the Orange & Brew.
IRO:
Chairman Wotocek announced a social at Bennigan's on Wednesday, February 8, at 9:30 p.m. She said a sign-up sheet is available for shirt preferences.
SECOND READING:
95-1010 Special Request-Racquetball Club $862.50 - This request for hotel expense and entry fee for the Intercollegiate Championship in Nashville, Tennessee passed 56/1 with no debate.
FIRST READING:
95-1005 Amend SBS 324.1 - This bill, authored by Senators East and Cosenza would add section 3 to clarify that housing senators representing two campus housing areas would be required to fill half their constituency requirements in each area. The bill passed 57/2 with no debate.
95-1011 Special Request-Student Council of the DisAbled $3808.00 - This request is to fund a performance by the National Theatre of the Deaf for Disability Awareness Week. The performance will be held in the Center for the Performing Arts on February 26. The bill passed 66/0.
95-1012 Special Request-Persian Student Association $500.00 - This request to fund the band Kambiz and Ramtin for a the Norouz Celebration (Persian New Year) passed 60/4.
95-1013 Special Request-Environmental Law Society $3498.00 - This request is to fund the First Annual Public Interest Environmental Law Conference March 3-4. The request had been delayed in committee while problems of double funding between SG and BOCC and been addressed. BOCC had previously committed $2000.00. Chairman Delafield said he would have a recommendation from Treasurer Siemienas before the bill is heard on second reading. The funds would cover honoraria for three speakers, advertising, and printing. The representatives were questioned as to any lobbying involvement and outside funding commitments. Senator Bondi, speaking con, said the request was extravagant. Senator Cosenza moved to table the bill, but withdrew him motion. Senators Fallon, Grapski, and Galloway, all speaking pro, felt the conference had been well planned, and would be beneficial to the university. The bill passed 61/5.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1. Senator Morgan will be assisting the Senate in advertising on the World Wide Webb.
2. Habitat for Humanity will be working on a house at SE 2nd Avenue and SE 9th Street on Friday and Saturday. Volunteers are needed.
3. Thanks to Senator Ang for all his work.
4. Regal Cruises has trips to Mexico for $274.00 for six days available for Spring Break. Call Senator East if you are interested.
5. Family Housing needs a senator.
6. Happy Chinese and Vietnamese New Year. The Vietnamese New Year's Bash will be February 25 in the Ballroom.
7. SOS Speakout will be Wednesday.
8. Dance Marathon will be March 25. Applications are in the IFC office.
Proceeds go to the Children's Miracle Network.
9. Engineers' Fair will March 30.
10. If you are interested in working with Tie and Tails, see Senator Cosenza.
11. Gator Christian Life's topic for this semester is wisdom. They meet on Sundays in Little Hall.
12. Thanks to Senator Kostick for his performance.
13. Do something good for the student body this week.
ROLL CALL:
MEETING ADJOURNED: 10:45 p.m.