Ohio University’s student government kicked off Winter Quarter with a visit from a different kind of senator.
Ohio state Sen. Troy Balderson, R-20th, came to senate’s first 2012 meeting and answered questions regarding the Enterprise University System as well as a bill that would regulate keeping wild animals as pets.
“We’re very fortunate to have the senator here taking time out of his busy schedule to talk to us,” Student Senate President Kyle Triplett said.
Balderson, who spent three years in the Ohio House of Representatives before replacing Jimmy Stewart as state senator last summer, began by giving senate his career history.
“We’ve had a tough year,” Balderson said. “We had to make some very tough decisions.”
One event that helped create the stressful legislative environment was the Oct. 18 killing of 49 wild animals set loose on a Zanesville wildlife preserve.
Balderson updated senate on a bill regarding the rights to keep wild animals at home, saying it will be drafted next week.
“The number-one story in the history of Ohio is the wild animals in Zanesville,” said Balderson, a native of Muskingum County and graduate of Zanesville High School. “There’s a strong, strong passion that people (have about losing) their animals.”
Triplett asked Balderson how the Enterprise University System will affect OU. The plan, which would free Ohio universities of some state oversight in return for less funding, could see results as soon as this school year’s end, Balderson said.
“The governor really wants higher-educational facilities to work together,” Balderson added. “We are completely changing the way we normally do things, and we need to change things for you guys.”
Triplett said he was unaware of any specifics concerning the Enterprise University System’s impact. He added that he believes the Statehouse has mostly developed its plan but is keeping quiet for now.
Student Senate Vice President Roger Jones said he appreciated having a state senator visit and show that he is willing to talk to constituents.
“It’s nice to have somebody on the inside that is willing to talk to students and willing to answer questions,” Jones said.
Balderson ended his presentation by thanking the senate for having him.
“I love Ohio University,” he said. “You guys are a greater influence on the changes that are to take place in government.”
tl674710@ohiou.edu
