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The University of Maine Student Government granted over $14,000 in allocations at its April 19 meeting and voiced approval of a Bangor referendum question proposing to build a new arena.
In passing the resolution, senate officially endorsed the potential construction of a new arena slated to replace the existing Bangor Auditorium. According to the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Peter Christopher, the current arena is economically unsustainable and replacing it would stimulate the surrounding area.
Bangor will hold a referendum vote May 4 to determine if construction will go ahead.
According to Christopher, the arena’s construction will be a boon to Bangor’s economy and will directly impact UMaine students by attracting entertainment. The arena is expected to pump $26 million annually into the local economy, creating 1,500 new jobs — 400 of which will become permanent, according to official documents.
The estimated cost of the entire plan — which includes an arena, convention center, meeting hall and two sky bridges connecting surrounding buildings — is between $70- and $80 million. All construction costs are slated to be covered by the revenue generated by taxes and y fees from Hollywood Slots.
Sen. Casey Lancaster agreed with Christopher’s assessment of the civic center’s potential impact.
“What’s good for Bangor is good for the University of Maine and Orono,” Lancaster said.
GSS also allocated $14,097 through four allocations.
$6,632 was allocated the Student Government Health Insurance fund to cover UMSG Administrative Aid Susan D’Angelo’s health insurance costs.
The Interfraternity Council was funded $3,620 to host its “Big Jam” barbeque and entertainment event August 28. The event is held annually by Greek Life for incoming freshmen and the campus community and, according to the bill, is Greek Life’s largest recruitment activity.
The allocation will cover two technology managers for setting up equipment ($120); staging, a generator, tables and grills ($400); a reservation fee for the Student Recreation and Fitness Center ($100); and food ($3,000). Sen. Jon Allen, who also serves as president of the IFC, estimated the event typically impacts 30 percent of the campus.
The men’s club rugby team was allocated $1,975 for medical supplies ($200), practice balls ($240), game balls ($180), rucking pads ($1,080) and tournament fees ($275) associated with its upcoming games.
The Panhellenic Council was allocated $1,870 to fund Formal Recruitment, the official recruitment procedure for sororities, from Sept. 6-9. The funding will cover food ($800); the Interactive Collegiate Solutions software, a program that matches prospective freshmen women with a sorority based upon compatibility ($600); and vehicle rentals from university motor pool ($470).
Student Body President Anthony Ortiz presented a finalized UMSG website at the meeting, which was launched April 18. The site includes a message from incoming UMaine President Paul Ferguson, senator biographies, links to bodies’ various subcommittees and a calendar of events.
Students will be able to express opinions in a forum on the website. Its completion comes after nearly five months of delays.
GSS also approved the hiring of Nathan Kinney, a third-year financial economics student, as the new Vice President of Financial Affairs. Current VPFA Giang Vo, who will graduate at the end of the semester, said Kinney was the ideal candidate for the position.
“His communications skills are outstanding — a very important component of the job is to be able to communicate with groups and organizations. From Nate, the thing that stood out from other candidates is his ability to communicate easily,” Vo said. “He has already established a good relationship with the people in here, including the current executives.”
The senate unanimously approved the appointment. According to Ortiz, eight other candidates applied for the position, though none of those belonged to the senate. Kinney will begin his term in September.
The Sustainability Education and Ecological Design (SEED) club received final recognition. According to group representatives, the purpose of the organization is to raise awareness about practical implementation of sustainable practices, focusing on a range of issues from agriculture and building design to sustainable energy.
UMSG Vice President Caleb Rosser announced that senators will travel to the State House to meet with legislators April 25. Senators will have the opportunity to address issues facing the University of Maine System, including student voting rights, tuition and Gov. Paul LePage’s proposed plan to create a fifth year of high school.
Rosser said it would give students a unique opportunity to meet those who influence higher education policy.
“It will give students a glimpse of their legislation as it pertains to education,” he said.
