So the online voting turned out to be a success. Voter turnout ended up coming out to be a little over two times the number of voters from last year’s elections. Now what?
As the current SGA body ends their reign and helps to usher in the recently elected delegation. The Rip can’t help but wonder what is in store for next year.
Here are a list of things we would like to see happen.
First and foremost, put a cap on the number of term limits an SGA member can collect a stipend.
We would like to see stipends allowed for one term of service only.
If an SGA member chooses to run for another SGA position the following term they should do so for the experience and non-financial rewards of participation.
For example: Current SGA President Ash West has been serving on the SGA (formerly ASBC) since 2003. According to a budget provided to The Rip during the fall 2005 semester, West had received well over $3,000 dollars in stipend money from when he started in student government to the Nov. 1, 2005 budget update.
We are not against stipends.
However, we do feel that SGA members who plan to continue participating in SGA after their first term should work for the students they represent, and motivations other than financial gain.
For this reason we support a one-term-only stipend policy.
If term limits are made for stipends this will not only leave more money to use for other SGA spending, but will also reassure students that returning members are working for the improvement of BC and its students, not just in it for the money.
The Rip would also like to see the new SGA participate more actively in gathering information and collecting signatures for the Community College Governance, Funding Stabilization, and Student Fee Reduction Act.
This needs to be pursued immediately.
There are only three weeks left in the spring semester and the June primary election is rapidly approaching.
If the Community College League of California is shuffling its feet with organization and execution, then the BC SGA should exercise their alleged “leadership skills” acquired at the ASGA conferences to network with other schools to make the ballot initiative a reality.
Another recommendation would be to interact in a more direct manner with students.
Step outside of what the SGA clique thinks is cool or would be good for students.
Spend an entire day walking around campus and asking students what changes they would like to see happen for them.
Walking around campus and directly interacting will more than likely yield opinions from a higher number of students than indirect surveys of the 617 students who decided to vote.
The student lounge is a great example of what SGA can do for students and The Rip commends them on their efforts with that project.
We would like to see more activities on campus such as a homecoming bonfire or perhaps an overnight camp-out for BC students in the free-speech area.
Maybe even set up some sort of intramural sports program to encourage students to engage in a healthier lifestyle.
Whether our suggestions are accepted or not, The Rip congratulates the newly elected SGA members and wishes them a successful year.