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News

SGA looks to fill open positions

Senate fails to meet quorum, considers no legislative bills

By Barrett Goldsmith
Senior Staff Writer

The Student Government Association Senate considered no legislation at its meeting Wednesday, adjourning after only a series of reports by SGA executives and a security update by the UH Police Department Chief of Police Malcolm Davis. 

With a new SGA Constitution still in limbo and with six senate seats still unfilled, the meeting was attended by only 13 senators, two less than the number required for action on any legislation. 

In addition to the vacant seats -- one each from business, liberal arts and social sciences, social work, pharmacy, optometry and an at-large seat -- the SGA is looking for two or three election commissioners and a student representative to sit on the UH System Board of Regents. 

Davis, who replaced former Chief of Police Robert Wilson in May, touted the new security-camera system on campus, which now includes 155 total cameras, including those installed before the current system was implemented. All the cameras are now linked to a computer system that provides 24-hour recording of all activity within range of the cameras.

"The idea is not surveillance, meaning we're not going to be watching you or following you," Davis said. "We will be watching out for you and making sure nobody tries anything on you. The cameras aren't hidden in fire alarms or plants; they're out there so the whole world can see."

The department will participate in Walk in the Dark, an after-dark walkthrough of the campus Sept. 28, which will attempt to highlight areas of potential danger caused by inadequate lighting, lack of camera coverage or other security concerns. Those interested in attending the walk should meet at 9 p.m. at the University Center entrance.

Senators also heard a presentation from architecture sophomore Oliver Sanchez, who is involved in an effort to place an array of high-intensity red lights at the base of Moody Towers, which would bathe the towers in a red glow after every victory for the UH football team.

Students interested in filling vacant senate seats should come by the SGA office, room 57, University Center Underground or call (713) 743-5220.

The SGA Senate will next meet at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 28 in the Mediterranean Room of the University Center Underground.
 

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