Collegiate Times

It seems to me that SGA just got lazy with the ballots and is now trying to cover up their mistake but Brubaker called them out on it. But it doesn't even matter because the total package will totally win:):):) (cross your fingers!) CSA: PLEASE DO NOT MAKE ELECTIONS BE RE-DONE. That would be insane and pointless waste of effort, we all know that.

Wow, thats real mature. The results may not change, but out of principle, all students need to be given a voice.

A well-written article from the CT. That's awesome! Could this be the start of a new and wonderful trend!?

So now what is CSA supposed to do? Obviously, SGA was in the wrong, as silly as the whole thing is. What actually happens with something like this? I think this is a very reasonable question. Is it worth all of that time and effort to re-hold an entire election because of the ballot write-in section missing?

Do you have any idea how much planning went into the election? Also, the amount of money each campaign spent, plus the countless hours campaigning? Honestly, it is ridiculous to even consider a re-vote. First, many people would not vote a second time, so it wouldn't be a fair assessment of the student body - it would actually weaken the overall opinion. It was so difficult to even have people vote a first time, even though it took only 5-10 seconds. Secondly, the amount of time, marketing, and prepping the entire Student Government did was incredible. Plus, Aaron Bock should be commended, not ridiculed. All the SGA does is try to help the student body, yet the CT and CSA only say negative things about them. Rather than helping the student body, the CT and CSA hurt it by being counterproductive and pushing their own agendas - in this case, the CT wants to make a buck by spewing negative bullcrap and Brubaker wants his 15 minutes of fame...all for the sake of the students....it sickens me.

I agree that the election was apparently very involved and I know 100s to 1000s of students vote. However, with politics even though we aren't talking about the US presidential campaign here and instead, VT SGA, every rule should be followed and nothing, even write in sections, can be overlooked. I do feel bad for SGA but its just one of those things.

CSA has said nothing either way, so you cannot accuse them of saying anything negative or positive for either side of the debate. The way I understand it, the Honor System is not under CSA, they only have a seat on it, but someone please correct me if I am wrong. If there was in fact an oversight in the SGA, then you can't really blame anyone else for that oversight, regardless of the consequences and effort put into the elections. Most of these questions will be answered soon I'm sure by the CSA and whoever else. On that note, does any one know if the CSA meetings are open to the public?

The CT's just reporting a news-worthy story, not pushing an agenda. Chill out. I do agree, though. It's pretty ridiculous to even think about doing everything all over again. If Brubaker wants people to look at him, maybe he should do something productive instead of nit-picking others' hard work. Of course that would take thought and I don't see him going that route any time soon.

CSA meetings are open to all who wish to attend. However, to speak, you must be recognized by a member.

Am I mistaken, or was it not this time last year that the Honor System was so backed up that people who had graduated years ago still had hearings pending? Do these people really have time to dedicate their resources to something completely beyond their scope? If Brubaker wants to investigate this, let him. But he shouldn't be doing it under the cloak of the Honor System. He should be doing this as a concerned undergrad. It's important that Honor System keep our academic integrity in check and stop getting side tracked.

"I've chosen to bring it up, and then blow it up," Brubaker said. "Because it needs to be blown up." Seriously? This guy is clearly trying to be a jerk and find some crack in the system to cause whatever tiny wave he can in this community. Maybe CSA has a point, but with this guy speaking for them, it makes me not even want to hear it.

Reality check, in this article, Aaron Bock says that he interpreted the constitution correctly. As the chief justice, he is most versed sga member on sga policies and the constitution. BRUBAKER ISN'T EVEN IN SGA and is making false allegations, and unfortunately the CT is buying it. Get a life Brubaker. Also notice that the 300+ members of SGA have no problem with the situation? Sounds like someone has a lot of time on their hands.

the article never says that its the honor system thats doing this. "a principle HE, ALONG WITH OTHERS, felt" its just showing that he has equal prominence, because hes a chief justice just like aaron and it happens to be of the honor system.

It looks to me like a couple SGA members are getting fired up about this. It's actually kind of humorous. Ok fine, you worked hard on elections. Ok fine, you messed up the ballot. Ok fine, get over it. Deal with CSA and whatever happens happens. goodness!

Brubaker is not alone. The article says "he, along with others." There are clearly more people in on this and he's just the spokesperson. I do almost want to see this though, where and when will it be? Anyone from CSA want to respond? Is Zenobia gonna be there?

Aaron Bock has been working really hard and around the clock on these elections, to diminish his name and all his effort without doing your research is just sad and wrong! Stop it!

As far as Brubaker reading SGA's constitution, bylaws, and election rules, anyone can do that, that he also happens to be part of the Honor System, which is fully up to speed at this point, is really irrelevant. I also just want to point out that every undergraduate that pays the student activities fee is a member of SGA, not just those that "do stuff" with their office. A CSA meeting hasn't been formally called yet as I understand, but when it is, I'm sure the time and place will be available to everyone.

I don't think the number of people that do and do not have a problem with this incident matters. If there was in fact an infraction against the SGA election rules (no matter what document they're in), then there was an infraction, and it doesn't matter if 20 thousand people don't like it, its still an infraction.

The point is this: there is no infraction. Bock did everything under the constitution and if CSA or Brubacker are mad, they won't be able to change anything. Bock did everything right - the CSA can't declare an infraction against a constitution interpreted by the chief Justice of SGA himself. That is like saying that in the US, when a Supreme Court judge interprets the constitution that he can be judged and overturned by a third party. Nope, it isn't going to work and this article was written just to cause a stir amongst the students. Again, the CT is being counterproductive in changing this University for the better.

Bock cannot single handedly decide all of these matters, in order to amend the SGA constitution, CSA must approve it. This is nothing like a Supreme Court judge being over-ruled. In the structure at Tech, SGA reports to CSA, thus, Bock is not the highest authority. None of this seems like an attack on Bock, just an inquiry to see what, if any wrong doing did occur. We can argue what we think all we want, but the decision rendered by CSA and by Dr. Hikes will be final, and as much as we may not agree with the outcome, they do oversee SGA, and have the power to do whatever they are going to do.

Dr. Hikes, or any administrator making decisions about STUDENT government elections is LUDICROUS. I think that is pretty blatantly obvious.

SGA and any other UCSO does not report to CSA. Study your University Governance. We have a seat on that Commission. CSA has no jurisdiction over our organization other than to make recommendations and suggestions.

Exactly. Basically, Bock acted within the guidelines of the SGA and whatever CSA decides does not have to be implemented by the Student Government Association.

I dont really think the "Honor System" is attacking or bringing it up because thats not what the article says...i just think its brubaker being a concerned student who happens to be in the honor system. I mean if it was Joe Shmoe in the Whatever club, youd be screaming saying it was coming from that club...when its not. Brubaker being a concerned student is legit and if this happened it should be looked into, dont know if its a big deal or not, but it should at least be looked into..which it is, yall need to relax

Just a thought: the write-in option should not be removed from any election, even if a majority of write-in votes are for Mickey Mouse or Donald Duck. But as a reasonable compromise, why not ask SGA to assure students that all future elections will provide the write-in option and let this election stand?

Why is this person suddently protesting AFTER the elections have already been complete? Where were they with their objections before people spent countless hours campaigning around the clock on campus to ensure students get their voices heard? If this can be blocked by one person whose organization is still backed up from years of other cases, then how can they call the SGA out on their write in ballot. It's a shame. It makes it seem as though this person has an agenda against who the winners may end up being. It's sad that it has come to this.

Those who are attacking the CT for reporting this news about election irregularities are doing the typical trick of blaming the messenger when they don't like the news. The CT is simply reporting the news. Why not address the real issues, like SGA officials who can't follow the rules and never pass any actual legislation on behalf of student needs? The story in the CT recently about GSA legislation passed to advocate on behalf of their constituents starkly shows the differences between a governance body that is doing its job (GSA) and one that has decided that its role in raising funds for worthy events is the main focus of all energies instead of actual GOVERNANCE.We don't need an SGA to raise funds - we have other groups who do that. We need an SGA that considers and passes LEGISLATION on behalf of undergraduate students.

Make whatever excuses you like, the SGA, or as not to blame the whole org., whoever decided to remove the write-in screwed up. Keep this election, no need to revote as the amount of voters will decrease, but in the future don't remove a students right to a write-in. Removing students rights doesn't really seem like an SGA that I want representing me.

Hey PJ, do some research before you respond. There was justlegislation passed yesterday in the senate (READ THE OTHER ARTICLE).

Are you referring to legislation advocating trampling on other students' right of free speech with the lie in? How about legislation pertaining to having enough faculty and classes so that people can complete their degrees in 4 years? How about legislation regarding campus recycling? How about legislation about the maintainence of aging buildings that can become hazardous to their occupants? Or even, how about SGA posts minutes and agendas to their meetings on their website so anyone knows what they are doing? Except for some meaningless statements by two SGA "officials," 'their website has nothing but "coming soon" on it. How could any student know what they're doing anyway?

Just because the CT doesn't report what the SGA legislature's does doesn't mean it's doing nothing. There have been resolutions passed about the 24-hour lockdown, the Math Emporium, recycling and a lot more. And that's just what has made it to the floor as legislation so far. If you have issues that you want addressed, find out who your senator or representative is and ask them to bring it up. Or better yet, show up yourself and ask the body to address it. Oh and one last thing: the university is currently renovating old buildings, which you would know if you simple ASK.

all SGAs web site ever says is COMING SOON. soon as in end of the school year?

To all the negative comments - You all are missing the entire point of the article. It wasn't so Brubaker can get his 15 minutes in the spotlight or to be googled, it was to show that SGA made a decision that was not based on the students it was based on the amount of time they DON'T want to take on counting ballots that show write in's whether they are real or unrealistic characters. How difficult is it to disregard a ballot that says Mickey Mouse? I completely agree with the comment asking "what happened to Free Speech?" If a student wants to vote for Mickey, they have the right to. What I want to know is, how many of the write in's actually have a students name written on them? Regardless of if they are serious or not, as Americans we have the ability and right to vote for whomever we want; how many people voted for Mickey during the Presidential election because they didn't like the candidates listed? Bottom line - SGA needs to follow the Constitution and they didn't. As for the people who feel insulting a student for standing up and having a voice, shame on you for not doing the same thing. He is standing up for the rights of the students, if he didn't who would?

I am confused over what the issue is? It seems as though the SGA and those who support the SGA leadership are taking Brubaker's allegations as personal attacks on them. When after reading CT's articles, I discovered that the SGA made changes to the elections without the student body buy in. I'm glad we have people like Brubaker around! At least someone is watching out for the student body as a whole and not pushing his own agenda. As I read it, the SGA constitution says you can't change the election process on a whim. If the write in option is a joke, then change it the proper way - not just because you think you have the right to without asking the students. Last I heard we live in a democracy not a monarchy!!

Looks to me like a call for the removal of all SGA authorities is a good idea. Far as I can tell, they haven't done anything for me! FURTHERMORE -I'd like to see the whole SGA dissolved and replaced with a body of students that are there to support the STUDENTS - NOT to build their resume. If Aaron Bock or whatever his name is wants to build his resume, he picked the WRONG school. We're a land grant University built for us simple folk. If you think you're so high and mighty - head on over to somewhere else. We're all equals here. Let's have a new election and put Brubaker in the write-in spot - He's about the only one that's got any sense! Have a Blessed Day!!!!!!

The change that was made was allowed by the SGA Constitution. The write-in option was removed to make the ballot less confusing. Billy Brubaker is just bitter that his friend, Ryan Smith, lost last year's election and has had a vendetta ever since. He would have looked for a way to attack the legislation, regardless of the write-in option. This is personal, not for SGA, but for Brubaker.

"election" in place of "legislation".

My first problem with people in this post is that they insist on change, but don't take any initiative themselves to seek that change. If you are so passionate about having this change become a reality, or want it so bad, why not do it yourself. The SGA's House of Representatives allows membership to all student organizations on this campus. Just over 80 out of those 300+ organizations have House Reps registered. Where are those other 220+ organizations and their House Reps? 80 some odd people can only do so much, so why not find out if any of the organizations you are in have a Rep, and if they don't then take the initiative. This University is willing to change, but will only change if the students want it to. This is where VOICE IN NUMBERS plays a HUGE roll.

To address those others that want to say that SGA is only about fundraising, guess what, your misinformed once again. Yes SGA does do fundraising, but that fundraising is to help supplement their operating costs. SGA runs many campaigns to help and facilitate the needs of students ranging from help with Off-Campus Housing, Voicing Student's Opinions on Campus, Giving Students Opportunities to get involved in the Political Process, and many more great things. I would advise anyone that reads this to take the time and initiative themselves to go out and see what SGA really does for the University, stop by the SGA Office, it is always open and people are always more than happy to talk to you. Relying in a new source that has no accountability what so ever isn't the best way to find that information out. With all that say, I will close with this. I challenge every student on VT's campus that wants to see change to go out and try to make that change, join SGA, there are always many opportunities to get involved and to make that change. You will learn that SGA already is making changes and really cares about the student body, and well most certainly doesn't HIDE behind the walls of 321 Squires.

"make the ballot less confusing?" are you kidding? Something is seriously wrong if students who have been accepted to Virginia Tech can not deal with a blank line and the words "Write In". We have it on local, state and national ballots and even non-VT folks can figure it out. DUH! That is a lousy excuse for doing something they had no right to do and is wrong in principle as well.

If you really think that the SGA has some hidden agenda and is all about their resumes, actually do some research. All of the work we do is volunteer and for the betterment of this university.

The above link is not the SGA's Constitution but in fact the SGA's Elections Rules. If you would like to see the SGA's Constitution & Bylaws they are located here: http://www.sga.vt.edu/constbylaws.htm Hey CT, think you could correct the above link some how?

I really think no matter what happens, someone has to put it down. Whether good or bad. First of all, if you have a problem with SGA and think they should change, get off your butt and run for office. It's not that hard to at least get on Senate. I did it my freshman year and did it by writing in my name. SGA is a volunteer service, a service that a lot of people have spent many hours in the day doing, to make our Student Government one of the top organizations in the Nation. Now I don't agree with cancelling the write in vote, but this isn't your chance to put down every little thing you have agaisnt the SGA. We have 30,000 students, of course not everyone is going to like who we have in office. And of course it seems the ones who don't like SGA speak out more. But like I said before, unless you've actually ran for a spot and didn't get it, you have no right to talk until you do so. Because what you want isn't going to happen if you just sit on your butt and complain about it on a computer all day.