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Troubled SGA OKs two bills

By Nikie Johnson
Senior Staff Writer

The 39th SGA administration managed to conduct business as usual at its last meeting despite mounting tensions within the Senate over fraud allegations directed at its president, Dawona Miller.

Miller swore in the 40th administration of the Student Government Association Senate Wednesday night after the 39th administration finished its business, which included passing two bills.

The first would create a new University-wide Liberty Committee, which would ensure "that (UH) maintains an adherence to (the) founding documents of the nation," namely the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.

"Liberty is something that, now more than ever, we here at the University of Houston need to be aware of," the billis author, Sen. Monica Granger, said.

The other piece of legislation would extend the amount of time students have to appeal parking tickets to 31 days from 21. Both bills will go to UH President Arthur K. Smith for approval.

During the open forum, the incoming student regent, Laura Salinas, spoke fervently about remaining professional when e-mailing other SGA senators.

"I was very appalled by the e-mails I received," she said. "I thought of this organization as a professional one."

The content of the e-mails had to do with the investigations into accusations that President Miller forged a document about where she got money for campaign materials. The Dean of Students Office is investigating that, and the Department of Campus Activities is investigating charges that she tried to order a $400 Palm Pilot without authorization. 

Salinas told fellow senators that she thought the investigation "is not our problem," and that they should remember the job they were elected to do. Her comments came at the Senateis first meeting since the charges were made public March 26.

"Out in the real world, you donit switch from a Democrat to a Republican just because something went wrong," she said. She said the proper forum to address those concerns is in Senate meetings, not in e-mails.

At the end of the meeting, Sen. Ola Kareem said senators have the right to know about and discuss the investigation.

"Youire a student governor," she said. "If somethingis going on in student government, itis your business."

Kareem also called on Miller to hold a meeting about the investigation, saying she thought senators have been left out.

"We should not be receiving our information from the media (first)," she said.

Sen. Ivan Yagolnikov agreed with Salinas that e-mails need to be more professional, but also echoed Kareemis opinion that Miller should be more open with senators so they could tell students what is going on. "We would like some sort of explanation from our president."

Miller did not address the subject specifically, saying only that she would be available to talk to senators about it any time.

She did talk about the planned Walk in the Dark program, which was supposed to happen before the meeting. Senators were supposed to walk around campus with UH police officers to determine safety concerns on campus. It was too light outside, though, so the walk was rescheduled for next week.

Miller asked all senators to come and invited the general public. The walk will start at 9:30 p.m. at the SGA office in the UC Underground.

Miller also encouraged senators to work hard next year, calling on those who now have a yearis experience to really get the ball rolling. "Weire going to rock this year," she told them.

The 40th administration will hold its first meeting Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.
 

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