Ohio University Student Senate held its first town hall meeting last night and fielded constituents' questions on a variety of topics.
The discussion, attended by about 20 students, ranged from student trustee voting rights to campus safety and budget transparency. Both Senate President Robert Leary and Vice President Emily Bacha expressed disappointment that the meeting did not attract a larger crowd.
There were less at the meeting than expected
but that's partly our responsibility Bacha said, adding that the Senate will do more to publicize future meetings.
The issue of voting rights for student trustees dominated the night. Students in the audience expressed concern that Leary's current collaboration with state representatives to push a bill through the Ohio house might not be successful.
I haven't thought of a plan B to be honest with you Leary said. He suggested that even if his current action were not successful, he would encourage future senate presidents to pursue voting rights, citing that, from their conception, student trustees were eventually intended to have voting rights.
The intent was that they would have voting rights someday
Leary said.
Pressed on how they would approach the issue of opening the Budget Planning Council meetings, Leary said the issue had not been brought up in the Senate directly, but that could change in the future.
We have no plans about that right now
but it's definitely a conversation that needs to happen
he said.
We'll be moving forward with some kind of action on that
Bacha said.
Women's Affairs Commissioner Liz Herron discussed the future of the Blue Light system, acknowledging that the future of the program was a very complicated issue and asking for input.
Treasurer Emily Shuki suggested eliminating the Blue Light system in favor of reviving the Security Aide program, increasing the number of student volunteers who patrol campus at night.
(Security Aides) are more beneficial than the Blue Light Phones in my opinion
Shuki said.
Leary and Bacha agreed that the meeting was ultimately helpful. The Senate will have four more town hall meetings this year, with the next scheduled for Jan. 21.
It's good to have that constructive dialogue
Bacha said.
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