In anticipation of the A.S. Council’s vote to adopt a new constitution, councilmembers initiated back-and-forth talks on several key issues, with two former senators even voicing their opinions of the redraft during multiple public input periods.
Former John Muir College Senior Senator Adam Grant showed support during one of three periods.
“I like the new constitution as a whole; the one problem is the senatorial body,” Grant said. “Adding senators is the wrong way to go. If anything, we should be reducing them.”
Commissioner of Enterprise Operations Sydney Goldberg and University Centers Advisory Board Chair Conor O’Rourke presented plans and goals for the Price Center expansion, set to be completed in January 2008, with the support of Assistant Vice Chancellor of Student Life Gary R. Ratcliff.
Thurgood Marshall College Junior Senator Kyle Samia spoke about his involvement in an effort to lower parking fees for UCSD service workers.
Next, Student Affirmative Action Committee Representative LaCandice McCray asked A.S. President Harry Khanna if there would be any student participation in selecting the new vice chancellor of student affairs.
“The answer is yes, but students will make up 25 percent of the input,” Khanna said. “It only makes sense to have a student majority when searching for a vice chancellor of student affairs.”
The debate about the new constitution commenced when Earl Warren College Junior Senator Daniel Palay brought to light whether the redraft would “give officers too much power in contrast with the senators.”
“Our principle is that anyone elected should vote,” Khanna said in defense of the redraft.
Samia also showed support for the new constitution.
“If you have problems with the nuances of [the new constitution] then that shouldn’t stop you from voting on it as a whole,” Samia said. “Please have faith in the amendment process.”
Some councilmembers expressed worry that student apathy could impede the redraft process.
“I talked to a lot of students about the constitution and they don’t care, which shows a need for change,” said Thurgood Marshall College Senior Senator Adam Gardner.
Khanna commented on the change of officer and senator positions.
“Having an all-campus senate will allow us to address the most important issues at large,” Khanna said.
A roll call vote was initiated, set to end Friday at 4 p.m., allowing councilmembers to further contemplate the constitution and absent members to place a vote.
During the meeting, Khanna obtained 17 of the 18 votes needed to get council approval.
If the redraft is approved, the vote will then go to college councils, four-sixths of which have to ratify the constitution in order for it to be finalized.
