Constitution, textbooks on SGA agenda

Discussion ended on a new constitution, a new chief of justice was instated and new information about the cost of textbooks was discussed during the Nov. 10 Student Government Association (SGA) meeting.

Senate member Anthony Shrock resigned as Chief of Justice. Under the new constitution, the chief of justice no longer has a vote toward any decisions made for SGA.

Vice president Lauren Booe nominated Lacy Gaines for new chief of justice.

Gaines, who recently graduated from A&M-Commerce, teaches a math class. Booe and SGA President Taylor Fore said they thought that having an outside party's input on things will help a lot.

Gaines was voted in as chief of justice, but some senators were concerned as not everyone knew who she was and if she was qualified for the position. Gaines will attend the next meeting to get better acquainted with the senate.

The Chancellor's Student Advisory Board (CSAB), mentioned in previous articles, came up with a proposal regarding high book costs. During fall 2010, a survey of students showed they spent anywhere from $120 to $1500 on textbooks.

They also suggested that a sellback price be listed.

Matthew Pereida and others had some suggestions for bookstores on campus.

"Requiring a receipt of purchase to sell the book back, or stamp a certain amount of books that will be required to be bought back." Pereida said.

The senate is looking over the proposal and will bring back suggestions next week to send to CSAB.

The discussion over whether to vote on the new draft of the SGA constitution ended tonight as well.

The two main issues were the time of meetings and the measure of quorum needed for meetings during winter and summer breaks.

The size of quorum was reduced because of the difficulty of getting people to show up to meetings during these periods.

"Getting a good number of people to meetings was like pulling teeth," Booe said.

Some senators said the new proposed size of quorum was too low and that there could be a possibility of referendums or other issues passed without enough input.

"One-third is reasonable, a half would be good, but people are busy," Senator Adam Haney said.

Fore said he was glad that people want to get involved during these times, while other senators noted that the proposed one-third of quorum is suitable.

Determination of meeting time was put under the standing rules, so if the need for time changes arises they will not have to amend the constitution to do so. Also, legislative authority was reduced during the summer and winter break because there was an unequal balance of power.

Booe mentioned that a blood drive will take place next week on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The blood drive is still in need for volunteers and can count toward community service hours.

Haney brought up a Christmas parade that will be taking place soon. He said the city plans to have a horse-drawn carriage that people can ride around the square. The city asked SGA for a donation of $150 for the carriage, which would include an SGA advertisement on the carriage itself.

"It's a small price to pay for the publicity," Haney said.