On Nov. 8, the senate sat through another set of criticism during its open forum session. President Alston, then-Chief Justice Williams, and concerned student Tyler Konarik spent time explaining their opinions of the senate’s performance thus far in the semester.
“I’m not too sure how this happened,” Alston started after greeting the senate, “or why this happened, but I do feel this needs to be addressed: this senate cannot fall apart.
“We are only as strong as the voices we create,” he continued, turning his head to look across the entire room, “and I’m telling you my one voice will not get things accomplished on this campus. It is time to step up, or step out.”
Internal Vice-President Noelle Trotter, Sept. 27, 2012
That same evening, internal vice-president of SGA Noelle Trotter – whose position includes presiding over the senate – assuaged the senators with words of consolation.
“I think this is just a speed bump,” she explained. “I think y’all can take the negative and help turn it into a positive. Say ‘OK, things have been bad, let’s change it. Let’s get back on track, let’s do some good things, let’s just get out of this muck.’”
Nov. 8 wasn’t just a day of criticism. That day, Williams turned in a letter of resignation from his position, one that he said he held proudly until things got “out of hand.”
“I had to go,” he said. “I had to find a voice. I’m very vociferous – I have a lot of ideas. Even in senate meetings, I want to jump up and say something. The supreme court isn’t a platform for that.
“I had to step down and do what’s best for me at that point,” he continued, holding his hands out at his side. “What is best for me right now is to go and advocate for those whose problems I see. I couldn’t do that in the court.”
Williams is expected to be succeeded by Senior Associate Justice Layne Rollo, but Williams’ resignation creates complications for SGA, as the constitution has strict rules lining out executive appointments to the court. The senate may be forced to amend the SGA constitution again to reorganize the court mid-session, but it has made no move to do so yet.
The most recent senate meeting was held Nov. 15, and lasted only 18 minutes. Out of 23 committees and colleges who are responsible for reports, only five were delivered, announcing future meetings of the committees and more freshman involvement. Two pieces of legislation were sent to committee and no discussion was heard on any other legislation.
Despite the unusual, bumpy semester, there is still hope and support for the 48th session, especially among the officers of SGA Internal Vice-President Trotter, on Nov. 8, delivered a public message of support for her senators as – in her own words – the “Senate Mom.”
“I think,” she said, “we can turn things around and make this great. It’s not too late – we have six more meetings next semester.
“We can change it. Just,” she paused, resting a hand on her chest, “please, let’s do it.”
The last meeting of the semester is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 29, at 6 p.m. in Room 353 of the College of Media and Communication. The senate encourages all students and interested parties to attend and participate in open government.
-Anthony Hall
About Anthony Hall
