Newest Developments

First off, I'd like to give a shout out to Rese for some amazing work. Definitely check out her blog for more detailed info about the happenings of ERC and PIRGIM.
Second of all, I'd like to weigh in on the whole Ryan Bates controversy. Basically, an MSA member (originally 2 MSA members) wants an investigative committee formed b/c he feels that Bates acted improperly in publicizing the non-partisan buses to D.C. It is mostly based on the phrase "mean old man" being used to characterize the President, and the target of the e-mail (which no one knows-it was blind carbon-copied). I think this is ridiculous. Yes, the terms of the email were a little shady, but he has the right to phrase the personal email in any way he wants, and I don't think we need a committe to properly investigate this manner. It is also worth noting that the person pushing for the committee is also the lone member to vote against funding the buses.
In other, less controversial news, we passed the Frieze Resolution. Strong step towards forcing more responsibility of student housing on the administration. They have been negligent for too long.
Also, Rese and I will be meeting with VP Wilbanks soon. So I"m excited about that. We're trying to kick as much ass as possible, and get the most stuff done. Yeah, that wasn't very eloquent, but I'm a politician, and eloquence loses elections. We'll be having our next ERC meeting at 2 pm this Friday at the MSA chambers, so please come!!!
And finally, I met with a couple of SOLE members today to talk about their "KillerCoke" Campaign. At first I was very hesitant to sign on, but after some research, it appears that the actions of Coca-Cola (and its subsidiaries) demand action, and the University can set the tone for other large public universities to follow. The contract with Coke is not even that large, and I think it would be a small step in the right direction if the U does not renew their contract with Coke. So keep on an eye on this, I have a feeling it is going to be a contentious issue soon.