Jared Axelrod begins term on the right foot
…by vetoing a ridiculous special funding request which was approved by the Senate on 5/24. My guess is that Senate will slightly amend the funding request and Axelrod will subsequently approve it, but I guess we’ll see about that. It is worth noting one interesting tidbit from Wilbur’s story:
Axelrod said he’s not pushing for a particular action by the Senate, which will address the event’s funding at Wednesday’s meeting.
One of Axelrod’s complaints during our Executive election interviews was that the Walsh administration often tried to influence the PFC and Senate with the threat of veto. Perhaps he’s attempting to avoid this behavior by not pushing for precise changes to the funding request? Just a thought.
UPDATE: The brand spankin’ new Senate has ended up overriding the veto and approving the Ozomatli request for $16,000 rather than the original $20,000.
Nonetheless, I dont think just because we have a surplus we need to waste money. $16,000 seems a bit much for a band that is marginal at best.
Hey, a “free” concert is more than anybody ever got out of OSPIRG.
Ozomatli’s ability or popularity as a band is really irrelevant. Personally, I’d much rather go see them than Eminem or about 95% of the other groups out there because they play some damn good music, despite whatever political views they hold.
What is relevant, however, is that the Senate is using safety net surplus funds on an “emergency” concert. If I have time later tonight (which is unlikely) I’ll post more about this later along with some quotes from last night’s meeting.
I dont understand why the band Ozomatli is being paid $16,000 for an event. I heard that for $2,000 more the University of Oregon could hire Eminem to come perform. Now, I am not a big fan neccesarily of Eminem, but I think a known name, would be worth the money spent versus some band that I personally have never heard of. Last night I listened to Ozomatli, and I was disgusted by their music. I did a bit of research, and apparently they won an grammy. Since no one directly addresed my question of what the point of bringing this band to UO, I had to find out for myself. If Ozomatli is being paid $16,000 for being diverse and exemplifying a diverse culture that the UO is suppose to support, how will it help diversity here at this school. I think its a bit naive to assume that, and its a bit audacious to bring that band here to UO. If diversity is such a priority, then how can one think that a band is going to solve or help this situation!
Because it is an emergency Ryan. Atleast that was the reason last night.
Can someone please address my question above?
Man, from what I heard that Hughes/Gracie fight was pathetic. Gracie, I think, didn’t take it very seriously, didn’t train that hard, and is almost 40. Hughes seemed stunned in the post-fight interview.
My money is on matt hughes…
Elections would be much more fair if it was a fight to tapout.
Things would be better if they replaced the PFC with the UFC.
I’ll admit that I’d go into hearings with a bit more trepidation.
Things would be better if they replaced the PFC with the UFC.
Ok I bit. I looked at the Ozomatli web site. WTF! Why is any student money being spent on this crap! Oh, goody yet anouther event where republicans will be demonized. What happened to an inclusive campus where all viewpoints can be heard? I’ve certaintly heard enough socialism to last a lifetime. When do I get hear that capitalism is the best damn system that exists and may ever exist. Capitalism is what humans default to, not an imposed system! They can all go Fuck themselves. Damn I’m glad I am graduating from this hell-hole.
What exactly is the point of bringing Ozomatli to the University of Oregon?
Just pointing out, look at the facebook group for Ozomatli. The majority of members in the group are also in the Jared and Julianna campaign group.
Mike- I can assure you that it was something “schemed” up by myself, Juliana, and Madeline (the ASUO Finance Coordinator), who were the three co-authors of the veto – not Ashley. From my perspective, I saw one of two things happening: 1) override the veto and reapprove $20,000 (less likely b/c it needs more votes) or, 2) reapprove an amount other than $20,000 (more likely, cause it only needs a simple majority). The senate took option 2, and we will see where we go from there.
Although, what I dont know is: what did happen at tonights meeting?
The budget request was approved for $16,000, effectively overriding the veto.
Jeff, rumors often have basis in true. It was likely something schemed up by Ashley Rees. If you thought a bit more broad Jeff, you would see that no one need override the veto but rather change the amount (the stunt the PFC pulled earlier this year) and pass it with 8 (its currently a majority! lucky us…). Come on Jared, Ashley, or whoever you are… I mean Jeff, get with the program!
MIke- As you say, it was a rumor. Jared knew that he didnt have enough votes from slate members who were on senate (8) to override his veto (11). He would have had to rely on some returners or other new senators to help him sustain his veto. Although, what I dont know is: what did happen at tonights meeting?
It is great to see that no growth was granted to groups during this year’s PFC process but that the Senate can give 16,000 dollars to someone who wants to throw a concert. I admit the idea is cool and will benefit students, but the only reason it ever came before the Senate was because they thought the Surplus was going to rollover and it was a use it or lose it situation. They group proposing the concert even said that to the Senate. When it was discovered the surplus was safe, the concert still went forward. I think next year we should have Cher come to create a good campus enviornment? Any other ideas? Celine Dion?
Rumor has it that Jared vetoed the concert request because he knew the slate would override it. Did they?
Thanks! You are swell too!
Hey thanks Nate buddy, you’re a gem.
Don’t ever change.
King Solomon incarnate,basically…
And just becasue he trusts Ashley’s experince and wisdom does not mean she controls him. Jared is an indendent man and can make his own decisions.
I must say I am incredibly surprised, but nonetheless impressed with this veto. There may be hope for the University for next year….probably not though…
Nate:
So, which is it? Is Axlerod King Solomon incarnate or is he the weak-wristed tool of Ashley Rees? I don’t see how you can have it both ways… not that you really had any credibility to start with.
I guess I’m just curious… A big fuck-you to the MCC was not what I had expected from this Executive. Of course, thats just what it looks like now… my guess is that this concert isn’t over, but hopefully the funding will be shifted away from the student fee candy jar.
“A nate divided against himself cannot stand.”
“Nate, I
Talking away
I don’t know what I’m to say
I’ll say it anyway
today’s another day to find you
Shying away
I’ll be coming for you love O.K.
Take on me
Take me on
I’ll be gone
in a day or two
So needless to say I’m odds and ends
But that’s me, stumbling away
Slowly learning that life is O.K.
Say after me
It’s no better to be safe than sorry.
Take on me
Take me on
I’ll be gone
in a day or two.
The things that you say
Is it live or just to play
My worries away
You’re all the things I’ve got to remember
You shying away
I’ll be coming for you anyway
Take on me
Take me on
I’ll be gone
in a day or two
It’s not a joke.
Alright, I know this is a bitchy thing to call someone on, but seriously, Miles Rost already posted that a-ha comment on the Student Senate thread from last Wednesday. While a bad joke itself isn’t pathetic, its repitition certainly is.
Yeah, the “they” is very ambiguous. It should be promptly retracted for some kind of made-up pronoun. It would be much more politically correct.
“Adam Walsh and Kyla Coy’s responsibility with student funds garnered widespread praise, they say”
I thought that adding “they say” was a highly appropriate tag line for this article. Was I too busy arguing about the Insurgent to hear this widespread praise they received?
I am looking forward to good things this next year and I don’t think Jared will let us down if this is any indicator.
Nate, I’m beginning to like you. Thanks for breaking from the script to admit that the object of your adulation is actually maneuvering to produce false appearances about his real priorities– the Machiavellian player we’ve been expecting all this time. I knew you had it in you, Nate. Get a registered account, already, okay?
I’d rather have A-ha come to campus.
Jared is not opposed to our vote per se… he just wants to make it look like he is financially responsible when stepping into office. Ashley Rhees is really the driving force behind the veto… which we will end up amending and passing at the next senate meeting.
In other words Ian this post was a waiste of time.
Holla!