SAC elects new officers

This Monday, the Student Activities Commission (SAC) held elections for its liaisons for '04 - '05. Current Executive Board Chair Ben Wardlow noted that there was a "particularly high turn-out for this year's election."

The strong turnout for the General Assembly could be attributed to overall concern with the SAC's performance and the "Red Zone" budget crisis last October. Over two-weeks ago, the SAC allocated $180,544.34 to 66 Class A student groups, a significant decrease in funds allotted last year. Further allocation will take place throughout the year.

The two contested positions of the SAC were the position of Performing Arts and Religious Liasons. In the position of Cultural, Publications, Special Interest and Sports Liaisons, the incumbent officers will return. The positions of Political Interest and Recreation and Hobbies Liaison were not filled, and elections will be held at a later date.

Mike Berman, who was running for Performing Arts Liaison and has been a member of the Vocal Chords for four years, promised to be "available for performing arts groups" and to "promote integrated group performances."

Jamie Spangler, a member of Ketzev and the Choral Society, as well as the Choral Societies Treasurer, said that she has a "good idea of the needs of the groups" and "would be responsive to their needs." She also said that she would keep "groups informed about decisions that the SAC had made that would affect [the groups] directly."

Alethea Duncan, who has been in the SAC for two years, was running for re-election for her position as Religious Liaison. Running against her was Tursina Rashid, a member of the Muslim Students' Association board. During her speech, she promised to work hard to "help the interfaith community."

Spangler and Duncan were elected to their respective positions. Hope Kelaher, who was running for re-election for the position of Special Interest Liaison and has been a member of the SAC for three years, stressed the importance of "maintaining continuity within the SAC."

Kelaher will return as Special Interest Liason, along with the rest of the SAC board. StuCo Treasurer-elect and current Political Action Liaison Grace Gallick will oversee the SAC as its Executive Board Chair for 2004-2005.

A majority of the candidates emphasized the importance of maintaining relationships with student groups while attempting to maintain the SAC's funds to the best of their ability. The results of this election and the Commission's actions over the course of the next school year were said to be crucial to restoring students' faith in the decisions of the SAC.