News

GSS holds first meeting of the year

Posted on Sept. 03, 2009, at 10:25 p.m.

Debate and banter consumed the General Student Senate’s first meeting of the semester Sept. 1. Senate discussed a wide range of topics including possible tuition increases suggested by the Chancellor’s Task Force, the “appropriateness” of a proposed resolution to honor the late Senator Edward Kennedy and funding for the Harambe Jazz Festival sponsored by the Student Heritage Alliance Council.

Board of Trustees Representative Rebecca Dyer discussed two BOT meetings that took place over the summer where the task force’s proposed suggestions were explained.

One of the suggestions would lead to raising the tuition more at UMaine than at other schools in the University of Maine System, Dyer said.

Dyer also noted positive changes for UMaine, including updating the heating and air ventilation systems in Fogler Library, a new art studio to be constructed in the vacant Steward Commons and repaved bike paths.

Sens. Pete Christopher and Ben Goodman proposed a resolution to “Recognize the Contributions of the late U.S. Senator Edward Moore Kennedy” during the new business portion of the meeting.

Several senators discussed the “appropriateness” of the resolution and its reflection on the student body.

“It’s inherently political in nature,” Sen. Zach Jackman said. “I can not support this. It’s just a political thing.”

“What society have we come to if we can’t respect the dead?” Sen. Nelson Carson said. “There’s nothing bad coming from this. You guys are making something out of nothing.”

“We don’t need something like this to immortalize him,” Sen. Richard Luc said.

Sen. Derek Jones discussed the labels that could be placed upon senate because of the resolution. “This is an unneeded stance on national politics,” Jones said. “I don’t like being forced to decide this when I will be labeled something that I am not.”

Sen. Nyssa Gatcombe said, “I do not feel as if it is our place to recognize people outside of the University of Maine System.”

“It doesn’t benefit students on campus. It’s inappropriate,” Sen. Nate Wildes said.

“He was a champion of the little guy,” Goodman said. “He always spent time looking for the next generation. … The fact of the matter is, Sen. Kennedy always believed the most important thing to do was to invest in the next generation.”

The resolution to honor Kennedy passed with a 12-9 vote with five senators abstaining.

Student Heritage Alliance Council (SHAC) representative Sen. Alexander Ortiz discussed funding for SHAC’s Harambe Jazz Festival on September 5.

Questions were raised about SHAC’s total involvement in the event. Ortiz clarified that SHAC “is looking to make this a yearly event.”

The resolution passed without objection and $3,130 were allocated to SHAC.