Two bylaw referendums proposed

Associated Students Inc. discussed two proposed bylaw referendums at its first semester working board meeting this afternoon.

One proposed referendum stated that students would be ineligible to run for office or be appointed to any vacancy on the ASI Board of Directors if in the previous 12 months they were removed, voluntarily resigned or did not take office once elected to the ASI Board.

ASI bylaws currently state that five percent of the general board membership must vote in a general election to make the election results valid. However, the bylaws do not designate procedures for an election that results in a tie.

Curtis Grima, vice president of Academic Affairs, also proposed a referendum to handle elections resulting in a tie. If passed, the referendum would require 50 percent of the number of individuals who voted for the candidates to vote in the runoff election.

“We’re not going to flip a coin,” Grima said.

Both referendums will be up for preliminary approval at an ASI board meeting on Feb. 13. A two-thirds vote of the ASI board and a vote of the membership are required for the referendums to be approved.

White boards and water bottles

Walter Wallace, vice president of University Affairs, discussed two pieces of legislation that will benefit Sacramento State students and will be voted on at ASI’s Feb. 13 board meeting.

Wallace proposed that ASI purchase dry erase markers for the AIRC white boards for use by all Sac State students. He said he hopes students will appreciate the act and not steal the dry erase markers if they are provided.

Jessica Dooley, director of education, supported the idea because it would be easier for students to use a white board instead of a notebook, and many students do not carry around a white board marker.

The board also expressed support in purchasing approximately 2,016 reusable water bottles for distribution at any ASI event having an environmental theme.

“(The aim is to) reduce the use of non-reusable products, and contribute to the promotion of sustainability on campus,” Wallace’s legislation said.

Online host for elections

ASI President Christina Romero proposed legislation for approval of Student Voice as the online host for the spring general elections taking place on April 29 and 30.

Pat Worley, executive director of ASI, said Student Voice was used for the last general election and has the capability to manage online elections across the nation at no cost to ASI.

Personal assistant

Wallace also discussed and withdrew legislation requesting a personal assistant be hired for his position.

Worley discussed history of hiring personal assistants to the vice president and said ASI did not see the level of outcome accepted for the budget that was used to fund the position.

Romero asked Wallace to speak with her about the position’s difficulties and requested they look for a solution internally before hiring another person.

Ashley Downton can be reached at [email protected]