ASUA sets high goals for spring semester

Last month, ASUA members were faced with a city parking plan that would sell permits for previously free parking on the UA campus.

ASUA contacted city officials in November to oppose the plan. Two weeks later, the UA reached a tentative compromise with the city that returned control of cam-pus core spaces to the UA.

Associated Students President Tara Taylor said the parking compromise was a major accomplishment for ASUA.

"The city parking was a strong step," Taylor said. "Now that we've battled the city, it's time to go on to the university."

ASUA Sen. JosuŽeacute; Limon said student input will play a role in the parking issue next semester.

"Parking definitely made an impact," Limon said. "But that chapter isn't closed, either. I'd like to see those doors open to student feedback."

Limon predicted a more seasoned, aggressive Senate for the coming year.

"We're going to jump right into the second semester," Limon said. "Our first semester was really a training ground for most of us."

The "training ground" began in September when the senators passed a resolution denouncing the Arizona Daily Wildcat for printing a cartoon depicting insects performing what they termed a violent homophobic act.

Although Limon has no regrets about the resolution, he said it could have been handled differently.

"This way, it wouldn't have been the Senate attacking the Wildcat," he said. "I'd like to see that followed up on."

Also in September, senators approved $20,000 to bring O.J. Simpson defense attorney Johnnie Cochran to speak at the UA. Cochran's visit was later postponed because of scheduling conflicts.

Senators took issue with library printing fees in October, meeting with UA Dean of Libraries Carla Stoffle to discuss alternatives. Stoffle told senators she saw no immediate solution to the fees, and they were implemented despite ASUA objections.

Student senators voted in October to oppose tearing down Gallagher Theatre, which may be replaced when the Memorial Student Union is renovated.

October brought a visit from UA President Peter Likins, who discussed the possibility of a child-care facility on the UA campus. Several student parents attended the meeting to appeal to Likins and the ASUA Senate, but no specific plans were made.

"We made some strides with child care," Taylor said. "We've opened the door, and that's the first step."

Controversy arose earlier that month when the first-ever recall petition was announced against Administrative Vice President Ryan Rosensteel.

The recall was initiated by economics sophomore Travis Klein, who alleged Rosensteel "disrespected his constituents" and used questionable campaign practices. The recall drive forced senators to approve emergency election procedures.

Klein must gather 3,432 signatures - 10 percent of the student body - before February in order to force a recall election.

Klein, who has collected about 450 signatures so far, was uncertain about the petition drive's outcome.

"We may or may not get it," Klein said yesterday. "I have no idea how many people are helping anymore. I may be the ringleader, but it's pretty much out of my hands."

ASUA Sen. Ty Trujillo said he was pleased with the semester, and praised his fellow senators.

"The communication has been outstanding," Trujillo said. "We're actually trying to get things done."

Trujillo said the Senate's goals for next semester are to "keep going on the right track," but there are still improvements to be made.

"Personally, I think we could have gone to the students more," he said.

Taylor said ASUA will approach specific issues next semester, including academic advising and Student Union renovation.

She said officials and senators will work on becoming more accessible to all campus groups.

"We can all be better at communicating with a wide variety of students," she said.

Erin Mahoney can be reached via e-mail at Erin.Mahoney@wildcat.arizona.edu.