SGA starts off year with new appointments, internal review

The Student Government Association started off the new year on Tuesday with several changes including committee chair and senate appointments along with plans to improve efficiency within the organization.

SGA Vice President Kolby Flowers announced he will begin a series of internal reviews, including revising the budget to cut unnecessary spending and altering the process for and reasons to nominate a senator.

"My goal is to help the SGA run as smoothly as it can." Flowers said. "I will look at other student government operations that are similar to guide me and will then make public suggestions at our meetings to change rules or the SGA constitution. This is something I have really wanted to do and is a big part of my job as Vice President."

Next the senate confirmed new committee and caucus chair appointments and added two senators for the College of Criminal Justice and College of Business Administration.

Among the confirmations were senator Steven Perry as Rules and Regulations Chief, senator Cristian Shamburger as Bearkat All-Paws In Director, senator Cody Hatcher as Sergeant at Arms, and senator Ronnel Walker as Student Affairs Chief.

However, the motion failed to elect Chief of Staff Victoria Towery as Freshman Council Director. Flowers opposed her appointment in senate discussion because he did not believe she would do a good enough job based on his previous experience with her during summer senate.

"I am wary of approving this nomination because over the summer, she really did not contribute much to all of the work [during the summer]." Flowers said.

SGA President Shane Rankin defended Towery during the nomination discussion, pointing out Towery’s commitment to recruitment.

"Victoria is more than qualified and I am backing her 100%." Rankin said. "She is very enthused about this position and is a recruitment queen. I would absolutely like to see her as the Freshman Council Director."

Rankin plans to talk with Flowers and will attempt to cast a revote if no one more qualified comes to light.

Senator Perry also introduced a new SGA program titled "Bearkat Heroes" to recognize community service by students each month.

SGA meetings are held every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. in LSC 320. For more information, visit www.shsu.edu/~org_sga/.