somethingverbose

ASM Student Election Commission reaches out, but no one's there....

2008-11-18T00:15:00.000-08:00

The ASM Student Election Commission held a forum 2 weeks ago over how to improve election turnout. Bloggers and local media were invited to contribute their thoughts. Ample notice (more than 2 weeks) was given of the meeting and people were contacted multiple times about it. The Cardinal asked the the SEC meet with their editorial board. The Herald unofficially sent someone who did not show up. One other blogger showed up late after he was called. So, is there media bias against ASM? I would argue that this is further evidence that this is so, since no one from either paper and only 2 bloggers, one of whom was late even bothered to show up. In any case, here are some highlights of the discussion:

1) The ASM Student Election Commission is in the unique position of having to run the election and promote it. If turnout is low, they get blamed even if the election itself was run smoothly and cleanly. No one blames the FEC for low turnout; they blame the campaigns or GOTV operations or the candidates themselves. The discussion in this area centered around how to get the candidates to do more work, with ideas including giving each candidate a council member to shadow and a brochure covering policy debates in ASM so candidates can make more informed decisions. Another proposal was as part of the new ASM website (one is coming!!), candidates could be given a page for use during the election rather than just those basic questionnaires. Publicly funded elections were also discussed (give each candidates $100 for campaign materials)

2)The widely panned "theme" of the election is something that has happened for 3 years now. Previous themes were "Your Voice. Your Power" and "Who will stand up for you?" with odd pictures of people (like Britney Spears) implying that if you don't run, some nut job might end up with it. This just happens to be the first year anyone noticed there was a theme.

3)There was talk of how to get the local media more involved, with discussions centering around press releases, appealing to columnists with ASM sympathies, more Letters to the Editor as well as advertising and maybe even some creative shout outs

4) There was supposed to be a polling station with computers set up on Library mall, but they got rained out. Next time, there will be a tent.

5)There was also discussion of possibly changing the bylaws to allow freshman with sophomore standing by credits to run for ASM freshman rep seats.

6)Then there was the chicken or the egg of does ASM have to be relevant for large numbers of people to vote or will a hard fought election make ASM more relevant?

7)Lastly, what are your ideas for things the SEC can do to improve elections. Post them up in the comments section or send them over to Todd Brogan at tbrogan@wisc.edu.

UW and Alcohol in the News

2008-11-16T02:13:00.000-08:00

It's not necessarily what your thinking...

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/16/us/16wisconsin.html?hp

ASM Student Election Commission Reaches out, but few reach back

2008-11-13T11:44:00.000-08:00

Alder Judge Rocks!!!

2008-11-13T11:19:00.000-08:00

Last night, the DRLI passed, making this the *edit* 3rd time that Alder Judge has personally been the driving force behind a new, pro-student ordinance (have you forgotten about the photo and textbook ordinances already??). It really is great to see how much Alder Judge has stuck to the platform he ran on of focusing on local student issues, especially safety, and making himself open and accessible to his constituents. Keep up the awesome work and I hope to god you run for reelection!!!

edit: I just want to make it clear that while this is the 3rd time Eli has been the driving force behind a new, pro-student ordinance, it is hardly the 3rd time Eli has focused on local student issues. Alder Judge was and still is one of the primary people pushing for student concerns on freakfest, he was the main opposition from students to the ALDP, his help was incredible with the SigEp fire, the CNI split; the list just goes on and on.

Missing $900 by any chance?

2008-10-26T12:05:00.000-07:00

This police report was just filed:

On Thursday morning, a husband and wife - both in their early 50's - came to the Central District of the Madison Police Department wishing to turn in some found property. The woman said she was walking along East Wilson Street around 4:45 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon when she spotted something in the street - very near the curb. That something was a bundle of cash. The woman says another passerby had just gone strolled by the stack of 20-dollar bills, but evidently did not see it. She picked up the red rubber band bound wad and took it home to show her husband. They decided they should turn it over to authorities. A Madison Police officer sat down with the couple and counted the bills. There were 45. They looked fairly new. They were crisp. They did not have any dye on them that might indicate they were taken in a bank robbery - anything like that. The officer made the observation that drug money would not typically be in this type of order or condition. He praised the couple for their honesty and high ethical standards in bringing in the $1,000. They have asked to have their identities not made public.

So if you lost 45 $20 bills, go the MPD to claim it. The one thing I am left wondering is if there were 45 $20 bills, why does the report refer to them bringing in $1,000?

This is why Greeks claim there is a double standard...

2008-10-21T23:08:00.000-07:00

The Badger Herald vs. Daily Cardinal fall football game is a great annual tradition. Who doesn't love a little friendly football competition...and some drinking? Chancellor Martin attended.

Wow, I never thought I would ever see Smathers without his headphones. But, I guess he had to take them off to do a keg stand.

Who doesn't love a great game of flip cup?

Boy, it looks like they had a great time. I am sure they did. The Cardinal Bragged about it, saying:

"In an attempt to save face, the Herald challenged the Cardinal to a post-game flip-cup contest, but, alas, were again outmatched and fell 4-2."

Were the Badger Herald a Greek Organization, Tom Schalmo would be going to Greek Judicial Board for this event and so would Alex Morrell (he would recieve a similar notice to the one below). Violations of this nature would likely garner a harsh punishment. Below is what would be called a "notice to appear", listing all of the bylaws that have been broken, when/where/how to present their case, and what the description of the case is:

NOTICE TO APPEAR

10/21/2008

Tom Schalmo, Editor in Chief

The Badger Herald

326 W. Gorham St.

Madison, WI 53703

Please be advised that a complaint has been filed with the Greek Judicial Board against your newspaper. A copy is at the bottom for your review. On October 10^th, 2008, your newspaper allegedly violated University of Wisconsin-Madison Interfraternity Council bylaws that state:

ARTICLE IV

ALCOHOL AND PARTY POLICY

Section 1

Legal Issues

The possession, use, sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages, while on the premises of a member organization, or in any event or situation sponsored or endorsed by a member organization, regardless of location, must be in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations city, county, state, university and federal. This includes, but is not limited to underage drinking, using illegal drugs, serving to intoxicated individuals, having open containers in public, and the sale of alcoholic beverages. All required permits from government agencies must be obtained with copies delivered to the IFC and PHA office 4 days prior to the event.

Section 2

Classification

A party is defined as any event endorsed or sponsored by a fraternity or sorority which if there are more than 20 participants that are not members of the host organization.
An invite party shall include any party in which non-members are individually invited and who appear on a typed guest list at the entrance. This guest list is to remain at the entrance for the duration of the party and is to be the document determining admission by party monitors.

Section 3

Presiding Policy

All social functions involving fraternities or sororities shall subscribe to the IFC/PHA social policy. The policy includes but is not limited the following:

OPEN PARTIES ARE PROHIBITED. All guests must be on a guest list to enter.

Section 4

Agreements

Fraternities and sororities shall file Social Contracts for every function it participates in. Each social function shall consist of a Social Contract. Each form shall follow in accord with this document and the rules governing it.

All Social Contracts must be turned in to the IFC/PHA office by 5:00pm on the preceding Wednesday.

Section 5

Monitoring Parties

Fraternities and sororities must maintain sober monitors at each entrance to a party. These monitors will be responsible for the following:

Party Preparation:

a. Entrance to all regulated parties shall be allowed through one main entrance only.

b. All other exits should be maintained as emergency exits.

c. Posted Signs informing persons of these community services:

1. Two different licensed taxi services (phone number)

2. Police (phone number)

3. Fire Department (phone number)

4. Safe Walk (phone number)

Service of non-alcoholic beverages, water and unsalted foods in a manner and quality which will assure that they are available to all guests who desire them throughout the party in a easily visible location.
At least 3 party monitors will be assigned from the host organization.
Admission:

University of Wisconsin-Madison student identification must be presented for admission to all regulated parties. A chapter list of chapter members and guests must be at the entrance of an event.
Guests must present a form of identification identifying legal age.
Wristbands or unique hand stamps must be used at the main entrance to identify and label individuals 21 years of age.
Monitors must deny admittance to persons neither possessing a valid University of Wisconsin-Madison identification card nor identified on the guest list as out of town.

Party Supervision:

Monitor potential overcrowding of the party at the door in compliance with the city fire ordinance.
Stop those leaving a party from taking any visible alcoholic beverages with them. If people are outside, fences should enclose the party.
Monitors from all participating organizations will be available throughout the party to escort guests home.

Section 6

Alcohol Policy Revisions (Fall 1997)

Distribution:

The person or persons distributing alcohol must be a sober monitor of one of the member organizations sponsoring the event.
All alcohol must be stored behind a bar or barrier such that only the acting bartender may access the alcohol. A bar is defined as any structure that is enclosed on three sides.
No glass may be distributed or leave the bar area.
All beverages must be individual portions.

Alcohol Policy Revisions

Insurance policies must be filed and pre-approved with the IFC for member organizations who are permitted to use beer kegs.

Section 7

Exiting a Party

All social functions of fraternities and sororities must be closed in the following manner:

All members of the participating organizations must leave the party.
In the event that all members of a participating organization leave the party they are still liable to the Social Agreement.

In accordance with Panhellenic Association & Interfraternity Council Judicial Board Bylaws, your presence is requested at a Judicial Board Hearing that has been scheduled for

October 26th, 2008 at 4:30 PM Red Gym, Mezzanine A/B

Please be prepared to testify regarding your knowledge of the incidents related in the complaint. You are expected to produce any and all information and evidence your chapter may have with regard to the incident. Three (3) undergraduate chapter members may attend the hearing; please limit these witnesses to persons with direct knowledge of the incidents in question. A Chapter Advisor may also be present, although his or her role will be strictly limited to that of an advisory capacity, and will not have the opportunity to speak on behalf of the chapter. If you do not wish to attend the hearing, you may submit a written statement which includes any and all relevant information.

If you have any questions, please contact me at (555) 555 - 5555. (I am not giving you his #)

On behalf of the Greek Judicial Board,

Marshall Snow

Chief Justice

Enclosure

CC: Jeremy Reich, Interfraternity Council President

Lauren Ringel, Panhellenic Association President

Barb Kautz, Student Involvement Coordinator

Jeff Benson, Fraternity and Sorority Program Advisor

Incident Report:

Date of Incident: 10-10-08 

Location of Incident: Vilas Park Fields

Time: 5pm

Houses Involved: The Badger Herald

Incident Description: I recently attended a social hosted by the badger herald during the annual herald-cardinal fall football game. There were a lot of people there, including Chancellor Biddy Martin. It wasn't really in a specifically defined area. People just kind of relaxed around the keg. Even though I wasn't 21, I was given a cup and able to get beer from the keg. No one watched it the whole time, except for when we did keg stands. Flip Cup games were played and replayed. I attached some pictures. (this is a fake description I wrote based on the pictures and what I have heard of the event. )

Free Pizza!

2008-10-20T19:56:00.000-07:00

And with a few day's notice...

There's a new blogger in town....

2008-10-19T15:26:00.000-07:00

New ASM Chair Brittany Wiegand is reaching out to bloggers...by becoming one of them. She just sent off this note to the blogging community:

I have started a blog--www.asmchair.wordpress.com. I actually started it a few weeks ago, but hadn't decided how I would like to use it so I didn't tell many people about it. Initially I wanted it to be informational, and I'd post topics of discussion for upcoming meetings, etc. However, I also may try to use it to solicit opinions before proposals are voted upon. I haven't been great about posting information, but I'll post more content in the next few weeks. The next few weeks will be a trial run to see how this goes.

I created a position yesterday, the campus safety initiatives coordinator. The job description is on my blog. I don't know if you are interested, but if you are I'd love you hear your opinion.

It remains to be seen how well this blog will do, but I agree that the coming weeks are definitely crucial. Will it be full of regular updates, explanations of actions, and impending decisions that students should voice their opinions on? Will it essentially be minutes from ASM meetings? Will it just be advertisements for things? It all remains to be decided, but the ASM Chair as a blogger will definitely be interesting to watch in the coming weeks and hopefully much longer.

Just Excellent!

2008-10-16T13:04:00.000-07:00

http://badgerherald.com/oped/2008/10/16/progressive_dane_mus.php

Give 'em a break

2008-10-15T12:00:00.000-07:00

ASM is not having a good day today. They have two strikes on the CB (What happens if they get 3?!) They are being lambasted in the comments section too and then there is this not so favorable article about last night's listening session.

I say, we add two points to the positive column for ASM.

Point number one:

Todd Brogan and Brad Silber, Student Election Commission members write in with a letter to the editor concerning the ongoing ASM elections. This is something that ASM should be expected to do anyway, but with how low ASM has set the bar, positive steps should be pointed out too. Also, don't forget to vote. My prediction on CB is 9.2%, so I need a lot of you to vote for me to win.

Point number two:

Sure, criticize increasing stipends. There is definitely an argument for both sides here. But, don't people realize how great it is that this editorial was written? In previous years, if ASM wanted to increase its stipends, it would be put on the agenda, which would be hung outside the office on the 5th floor of Memorial Union for a few days. Since it was publicly posted, students were informed. Anyone could then go and speak at open forum at the beginning. That way, ASM informed students and allowed them to voice their opinions. After open forum, the measure would go up for discussion and a vote. It would likely be passed. Bloggers and the campus papers would likely find out about it the next day and rage filled posts, articles, editorials, comments, etc would follow.

Instead, the ASM chair recognized this as a sensitive issue. She layed out the arguments in favor of increasing stipends rather than just saying its on the agenda next week. She put it in the most public forum I can think of. Why? It's a trial balloon. It's putting the idea out there for people to think about and react to. The next ASM meeting is a week from today. It is at 6:30pm TITU as it always is. I have no idea if stipend increases will be on the agenda or not(if Finance committee passed them, they should be on the agenda for student council to approve or reject). Regardless, any student can go and voice their opinion at open forum. Get there early (6:15pm, 6:20pm) as the open forum list is usually closed at the beginning of the session(6:30pm, so arriving at 6:30pm on the dot means you will likely not get to speak). Chair Wiegand has put this out there as something she wants to do. If you support it, go tell the whole student council next wednesday. If you think its a bad idea, go tell the whole student council next wednesday. Either way, thank Chair Wiegand for giving you the opportunity to voice your opinion in a way that could actually affect the policy rather than just leaving you to respond to what the new policy is. Recognize what a huge step that is for this organization.

*Update*

I have contacted Chair Wiegand and await her response.

*Update*

Add another point to the positive column today; Chair Wiegand responded in less than 5 hours to my request:

Nice article--I don't have much to add. You were correct in that this was a way to inform students, this is a big issue to think about and too often the campus has no idea what we are doing. If students would be vehemently against raising stipends, I would love to hear it.

The finance committee did go with my recommendation, but they changed my list of priorities a bit. I had prioritized direct services to student organizations (operations, events, and travel grantsl in that order) over raises. Finance Committee switched it and put stipends and salaries first. Their resolution will go to Student Council next week, so the Council will debate the priorities then. We're doing our budget differently this year in that we are forcing ourselves to decide on what our priorities are as an organization and establishing a cap before going through and putting in numbers. We used to do this crap of looking at each line item and saying "increase" "decrease" or "keep sufficient", but I think that is a thoughtless way of budgeting. It never forced us to cut everything, and it led to a mentality that if we supported something we would throw money at it.

I don't have much to add after my comment on the CB earlier today. I don't think that the timing was that bad. I may agree that I shouldn't have done it on the last day of our elections... but still, it was the last day of our elections. I doubt that it was a distraction. Ideally, this would spur the candidates to choose a position on the issue. If we would have had a reporter at the meeting, they could have contacted the candidates and gotten their stance on the issue.

The argument that the timing was poor due to the reform with the constitution is irrelevant. Constitutional reform will be occuring all year, even beyond the February election. It's a year long process, because after the Constitution is approved (assuming it does) we'll have to advertise the positions and hold info sessions so that people know what the job entails. We'll also have several things to do to aid in the transition, including transfer the budget over... probably by writing one for the new government and having Student Council approve it.

If you have any other questions, please let me know.