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Western Carolinian Volume 61 Number 20

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  • 14 Western Carolinian March 28,1996 Editorials Stray Cats, Blue Lights Reply Dear Editor, I have been serving as a Senator in Student Government for close to four years and never witnessed the type of reaction that was expressed in last week's editorial from Mr. Henson. However, I feel a personal obligation to the 6,000+ students of this University that I represent, to let them know thc truth. In the Spring of 1990, a number of students requested that emergency call phones be installed on this campus. In order to address this issue, I responded by submitting Senate Resolutions 1352, 1510, and 1611 in an attempt to get thc University to install a number of emergency call boxes on campus in strategic locations. While I am willing to stipulate, that despite the University's recent instillation of emergency call boxes, more are still needed. I am not willing to go so far as to say that the current location of said boxes is inappropriate. The primary reason behind the blue light phones being in both Freshmen lots has to do with the fact that said locations arc some of thc most isolated areas on campus. Every day and/or night Freshmen students have to walk considerable distances from these lots. Thc more time they have to travel, the higher thc potential exists for them to be a victim of crime. At thc library wc have a similar but unique situation. Due to the fact that thc library is open fairly late at night, thc propensity for persons going to and/or leaving the library, is somewhat high relative to other locations on campus. In addition, the location of the emergency call box adjacent to thc Old Student Union can be justified by thc fact, that a number of individuals work extremely late hours putting together our newspaper every week. Second, I was previously involved with the Stray Cat Security rape and assault prevention escort service for three semesters. During thc course of my service with Stray Cats, the utilization of one's position with the group for obtaining dates was strictly prohibited. It was my intention, that had thc program been brought back, to ensure that this policy was continued. As it was set up at thc time of operation, Stray Cat Security personnel worked during scheduled shifts on specified nights. In addition, each person was assigned an area of campus that they were responsible for or they worked as dispatchers. I will admit that there were some nights that were very slow, however I can personally recall nights when each person working as an escort, escorted at least 10 students a night. Thc vast majority of students who utilized thc service, did not call thc dispatcher, but instead approached our escorts who were stationed at strategic points on campus. I have been questioned regarding thc amount of persons who arc women whose names appeared on the petition to reinstate Stray Cat Security. I have not thus far wasted my time to find out, for it is my belief that as a public servant, I have an obligation to treat everyone's needs and concerns with thc utmost respect, without regard to their age, race, sex, religion, etc. Stray Cat Security was defeated, but because of thc fact that certain individuals placed their own personal agendas above the needs of thc students of this University. In the American legislative tradition, certain rules of procedure have been developed and adhered to for in excess of 200 years. Our student legislative branch is modeled after that of thc U.S. Congress and the N.C. General Assembly, both of which utilize Robert's Rules of Order. I realize that the British Parliament permits the Prime Minister to participate in debate. However, thc British system is vastly different than our own in that the head of the legislative branch is in fact elected from the House of Commons membership. Even in thc British parliamentary system certain parliamentary rules and traditions arc adhered to. In the case of our Student legislative branch, we are bound to follow Robert's Rules of Order by the laws which we have previously established. If anything, Robert's Rules promotes democratic ideals, it does not take them away. I would like to say that it is indeed refreshing to hear student concerns. However, this does not mean that no one cares. In my four years as a Senator I have submitted around 140 separate pieces of legislation on behalf of the students of this University. This legislation did not come about because of apathy, but because of the willingness of the students to let their voice(s) be heard. As I have stated before, if anyone has any ideas or suggestions, just let me know and I will do what I can to help you. I would like to take this opportunity to encourage all of the students of this University to come out and vote in the forthcoming SGA Presidential and Vice- Presidential elections. There will be a referendum on the ballot dealing with 24- hour visitation hours. Regardless of what your opinion is on the issue, please let your voice be heard by voting. Sincerely, Bob Hodges, Senator-At-Large WCU SGA RE-EUEC1 SGA President ir Commitment Jessica Laverty Experience Dedication * 1994-1995 WCU 8GA Outstanding Senator of the Year y Board of Directors, UNC Assoc, of Student Government * WCU Board of Trustees * 1995-1996 WCU SGA Pres. Bmmm & >IW Fon Student Activities Student Response Student Issues" Student Body SGA President
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