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- Representative-at-Large-elect Joe Lee, a former Legislative Council member who was elected to serve in 2011-2012, resigned from his position yesterday after pleading no contest for felony charges including grand theft.
The Associated Students conducted official government turnovers at last night’s Legislative Council meeting, swearing in representatives for the five executive offices and 24 council positions amidst multiple resignations and charges against current representatives of supplying alcohol to minors.
Matters Related to Turnover of Elected A.S. Representatives
Six unelected representatives were sworn in to the 2011-2012 Associated Students Legislative Council at last night’s meeting to replace four newly elected representatives involved in an ongoing judicial council case in addition to two representative-elects who have officially resigned.
After pleading no contest to charges of grand theft, unauthorized alteration of a computer data system, felony burglary and receiving stolen property at his preliminary hearing yesterday, Representative-at-Large-elect Joe Lee formally stepped down from his position, citing “idiotic political pressure … roaming around A.S.” Lee, who was replaced by Democratic Process Party representative-at-large Sophia Armen, went on to accuse an unnamed fellow council member of extortion during the meeting’s public forum. Lee is scheduled to appear in court for his next hearing on June 22.
In addition, Open People’s Party On-Campus Representative-elect Pancho Occiano chose to defer his position on next year’s council to D.P.P. On-Campus Representative Christian Hernandez.
Four elected O.P.P. members — Representatives-at-Large Kelly Gandee and Chelsea Parrott and Off-Campus Representatives Lauren Begleiter and Alexa Cover — were charged with supplying alcohol to minors during Spring Elections by A.S. Elections Committee on May 6 and face either disqualification or forced resignation pending Judicial Council’s approval of the case. The four were replaced by D.P.P. Off-Campus Representatives Xenia Mendez and Marlene Moreno and D.P.P. Representatives-at-Large Danielle Stevens and Danielle Bermudez.
Four additional council members — O.P.P. Off-Campus Representatives Danielle Foster, Reena Fram and Drey Liautaud and O.P.P. Representative-at-Large Nathan Walter — were charged with the same infraction but given the option to either resign or serve their terms without receiving honoraria. All four were sworn in last night and plan to remain on the council. Former Legislative Council members Yeni Nguyen and Kellie Hartl were also implicated in the case but may not fall under the purview of Elections Committee as they are no longer student government representatives. O.P.P. Executive Board members President Harrison Weber, Internal Vice President Chloe Stryker, External Vice President of Local Affairs Tim Benson and External Vice President of Statewide Affairs Ahmed Mostafa were also charged and given the option to either resign or serve as planned and complete 45 hours of A.S.-related community service each during the 2011-2012 academic year. All four plan to remain in their newly appointed positions.
Judicial Council is slated to inform the individuals today of its decision to either approve Elections Committee’s recommendations or hear an appeal drafted by the Executive board members on behalf of all 14 implicated students.
According to Benson, Elections Committee — which holds closed meetings only — reached their decision in a manner not consistent with A.S. Legal Code.
“We’re definitely taking [the case] to Judicial Council because we feel that, based on the Legal Code and based on the rules that are in place for the elections committee, they followed them improperly and we were unjustly given pretty harsh punishments,” Benson said. “They never gave me any due process in any of this. I felt that it wasn’t really fair that I was given no chance to explain myself, no chance to explain any of my involvement in what was going on and I was given quite a hefty slap on the wrist.”
Visit dailynexus.com for online updates.
Regular Business
In their final meeting, the 2010-2011 council approved a reallocation of $700 for a planned UC Haiti Initiative and set aside $55,000 — comprised of funding from the budgets of various BCCs — to fund the A.S. Annex, an Isla Vista community center that provide offices for A.S. entities, in the next fiscal year.
Former Off-Campus Representative Joe Lewis said while he supported the allocation, he is concerned the center’s location is not accessible to students in the community.
“I think this is a great bill but I drove by and checked out the building, and it seems a bit hidden,” Lewis said. “I’d eventually like to have a sign or notice on that street to attract some attention since I don’t think it’ll get a lot of foot traffic on its own.”
Former Internal Vice President Jake Elwood said the resolution provides that there will be such signs in the surrounding area of the center.
The council reallocated $200 instead of an originally requested $467 for Black Graduation to print graduation programs. Lewis said the funding did not seem necessary as it would benefit only a select number of students.
“I just don’t feel it represents the entire student body as student funds should,” Lewis said. “I feel it’s exclusive to the rest of the student body.”
Off-Campus Representative Tiffany Mayville authored a Green Bill mandating sustainable practices within A.S. buildings, including recycling, composting, avoiding paper and using green cleaning products. The bill was amended to include a mandate that A.S. funds given for group events or meetings may only purchase food that is at least 50 percent sustainable.
While Off-Campus Representative Jason Lopez said the request would be unrealistic for student groups and drive up event costs, Mayville said the bill is intended to set a precedent for the rest of the student body.
“I do recognize it is expensive, but I think a little less food or more costly food is worth it because it is socially and environmentally responsible, and A.S. needs to set an example,” Mayville said.
Internal Vice President Chloe Stryker said the bill’s specificity would make it difficult to enforce.
“Coming from a Finance board perspective, another really tough thing will be how to let groups know about all this,” Stryker said. “It’s going to be hard for groups to follow all of this. Make it more broad so student groups can feasibly follow and understand it.”
However, Off-Campus Representative Stanley Tzankov said the council has the duty to implement progressive policies and student groups have been asked to follow similar rules in the past.
“[Office of Student Life] groups learn so quickly about what our funding policies are,” Tzankov said. “I think it’s important that we do set the precedent and we don’t put this off, but approve it as it is.”
The council eventually passed the bill with an amendment making it applicable to only A.S. entities.
Additionally, the council deliberated over a bill to increase transparency within the group by posting audio recordings of its weekly meetings on the association’s website. However, the bill failed to pass due to expensive software and microphone costs. Tsankov said he recommended that the newly appointed council continue discussion on the measure.
What the hell? These guys are shady as fuck. “Yeah, vote for us! We’ll give you shots!” Truly a beacon of leadership for the next year. And why were all of them charged but only 4 forced to resign?
They are appealing based on “legal code” issues… but they still cheated! shady as fuck. Is there a way to contact judicial people?
WOwwwwwwwwW! Seriously?! I have nothing to do with any party but the fact that these elected representatives can get away with such charges…yea I DO NOT WANT THEM TO SERVE AS EXECS FOR THIS CAMPUS! Clearly, OPP buys their elections.
And can someone explain why only 4 are forced to resign. that’s BULLSHIT!
I CAN NOW UNDERSTAND THE RESULTS.
Open Forum would be a perfect place to voice these concerns. It is at the beginning of Legislative Council Meetings. They are Wednesdays at 5pm in the UCen Flying A room.
Open Forum would be a perfect place to voice these concerns. Anyone can speak about anything they choose. You may issues and ask questions to Legislative Council about whatever concerns you. It is at the beginning of Legislative Council Meetings. They are Wednesdays at 5pm in the UCen Flying A room.
Well you have to understand OPP’s Side because when you have no work to show for the only thing you can do to win is buy people’s votes with alcohol!
OPP was able to get away by saying the the actions of OPP CANDIDATE JOE LEE did not reflect the values of the party. But when 8 other people are found guilty of buying votes through alcohol it’s kind of hard to argue that.
To my extent of knowledge not all of OPP was involved in the solicitation of alcohol, that is why all of them did not resign. I encourage everyone to get informed on issues properly before you slander others calling them cheaters.
I understand giving alcohol to minors is illegal but besides that fact isn’t giving away t-shirts, water bottles, sunglasses etc. considered buying votes as well?
I agree not all OPPers did wrong and in fact I voted for many of them but as the Nexus reported there are still 4 people in there that have not resigned and were asked too. Isn’t that fucked up?
the difference is that the ppl who were involved in this had laptops out when they got votes. When you’re giving away swag and encouraging people to vote for a party, that’s TOTALLY DIFFERENT then giving them shots and standing by them as those VOTE VIA LAPTOP. Not cool at all. And yeah, you’re right. Not all of OPP was involved. Just the following 12 folks: Danielle Foster, Reena Fram, Drey Liautaud, Nathan Walter, Kelly Gandee, Chelsea Parrott, Lauren Begleiter, Alexa Cover, Executive Board members President Harrison Weber, Internal Vice President Chloe Stryker, External Vice President of Local Affairs Tim… Read more »
I’ve been informed more on the topic. Thanks. With that being the votes that were illegally obtained should be void and then votes should be recounted. If people felt forced to vote and came forth then they should have there votes voided or given to the person they voluntarily choose. I’m a firm believer in second chances. People make mistakes and as it is known no one is perfect. The people involved are still willing to serve with out honoraria that shows commitment to their candidacy statements and a commitment to UCSB’s students. All in all get informed before making… Read more »
I completely agree with you. Giving out shirts, bottles, pencils…whatever is completely different then standing by someone with their laptops open as they are given jello shots. The severity of this issue is immense and many people fail to see that. These positions are meant to help students, to inform them, to represent them, and when you vote for someone I would be hoping that people would make educated votes. Look up the legal code of A.S. and see the power that these student representatives and execs have. Do you want that kind of power in the wrong hands? I… Read more »
Do you know if the EXECs knew? Do you know they PHYSICALLY went with laptops and jello shots? As a matter of fact, did you take a jello shot and tasted the alleged alcohol? if yes to any of the Qs, please present the evidence to everyone. Transparent and making informed decisions right? Well did you talk to those involved about the matter? if not then you are not making an informed decision and relying on speculations. If you have no actual proof then you are relying on speculations. If you have proof, which has not been revealed, then you… Read more »
From this article: “O.P.P. Executive Board members President Harrison Weber, Internal Vice President Chloe Stryker, External Vice President of Local Affairs Tim Benson and External Vice President of Statewide Affairs Ahmed Mostafa were also charged and given the option to either resign or serve as planned and complete 45 hours of A.S.-related community service each during the 2011-2012 academic year. All four plan to remain in their newly appointed positions.”
You should also ready this:
http://thebottomline.as.ucsb.edu/2011/05/opp-candidates-disqualified-from-holding-office
Just because the execs were charged does not mean they were out giving jello shots to people. Also, there was no alcohol in those shots.
In the same context, soliciting propaganda and merchadise to advertise one’s cause is the same as soliciting alcohol. But its got to be seen through an ethical stand point, ESPECIALLY from student leaders of our campus.
I echo the exact sentiments of what has been expressed here, and i think the best way to react to this is 1: submitting an OP Ed to the nexus TOMORROW! (Direct follow up is the way to go) and 2: Showing up to Legislative Council’s OPEN FORUM next Wednesday at 5pm in the FLYING A ROOM OF THE UCEN and HOLD YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ACCOUNTABLE! This is NOT A NEW THING FOR THESE FOLKS! And WE as students shouldn’t have to fucking deal with this kind of bullshit or nonsense. I am BEYOND INFURIATED! But this anger will only carry… Read more »
Judicial Council knows what they’re doing, if not all the candidates “involved” were forced to resign it’s because the case must not be as severe as it sounds in this article. The people judging them are not OPP biased so take that into consideration before y’all get all rallied up. No one actually traded alcohol for votes. The situation was a little more complicated than that which is why the appeals court hasn’t made a decision yet.
Thank you for clarifying. I wish we could all have more info too though. Maybe Judicial Council could make a statement but I don’t know how all this works I am assuming they are like a court or something for the school?
Why should I go and clarify these things with those who cheated, even if I went to them directly I’m sure they would just lie to my face. Yes I will make snap judgments when there are so many being accused plus that Joe Lee guy. What does that say about their ethics? They sure have guts for sticking around even though they are asked to resigned. Do any of them have shame?
You’re going to make snap judgements on people you don’t know? Ethics? Shows your character and Ethics.
Ok YA’LL… YA’LL keep running your mouths without an insider’s opinion. I have friends who were in ALL parties. So let me tell YA’LL something because i’m tired of my friends being attacked. 1. There was NO alcohol in those shots. They practically went broke putting their money up for promo and stuff. There was NO money for alcohol. And even if there was money for it, they still wouldn’t have done it. Get to know people before you judge them. 2. Why were other parties calling the people of color in OPP “tokens for the Execs to ride on?”… Read more »
This is beautiful. A big thing that applies in all aspects of life is getting FULL stories before you freak out and make radical suggestions for everyone to drop. We all know the media cannot/does not mention everything for various reasons. And p.s, sore losers are not AT ALL any better than the OPP members who are being accused. If one cannot accept a defeat and use it as empowerment to get involved in other (and sometimes even more significant) ways.. then frankly, you don’t deserve the spot on the association. This is going to be a VERY tough year… Read more »
Why did people say tokenizing the people of color in their slate? Because one of the OPP executives told my Girl Friend “Ahmed got slated because no one else applied for that position and he brings the brown vote”
Anti all parties you seem like you are biased too from what I read as much as the other people. But then again I really don’t much about this stuff, does anyone know if parties can just be removed completely from elections? if so I recommend for next year!
I agree 100% the party system just messes things up. They all want to better UCSB, therefore they should all collectively run or run individually. The only reason why there is so much drama is cause one party “swept”.
there should be wayyy more transparency with this issue. that way when students like myself who don’t gaf about politics but are curious as to what our school leaders are up to, we can understand everything. correct me if i’m wrong, but isn’t the goal to create a more engaging and welcoming environment? cus all i see is hostility and dishonesty. some food for thought, “it’s time to take our focus off the puppets and redirect it onto the puppet masters” and what’s up with that implementation?! as is already tight with their money, and now student groups who ask… Read more »
yeah I voted for opp and they gave me a shirt no one else came up to me during elections and i wish they would have given me alcohol id rather take that but i doubt they made a thousand jello shots. they won because they are more popular and better qualified according to the nexus endorsements(which tons of people base their votes on). I bet all the people writing on here lost and are bitter lol just let it go its life you dont get elected by 800-200 people because you are a hard worker. Maybe 1 or 2… Read more »
SO many bitter people in this thread on both sides of the debate.
Fact 1: OPP does shady shit during elections.
Fact 2: Minors drink all the time in Isla Vista and every party has its fair share of underage drinking.
This “investigation” while perhaps not politically motivated certainly smells of a degree of political retribution.
Whole mess is a shame for everyone involved.
Fact 1: Lollerblades = hilarious
Question 1: What the fuck is going on with our student reps? Grand theft, extortion, legal battles, politically motivated backlash? I guess it’s a primer for real world politics, but I thought college students were supposed to be idealists…
Seriously if these people had any honor (which is doubtful given their dirty campaigning tactics) they would just resign and not shame our school more by pretending to give a shit about “representing students.” Maybe they should take away all that free tuiton from the execs and see who actually sticks around.
It sucks that people are sore losers. Accept the fact that you didn’t win. It’s okay to lose. Rather you feel the winners are good or not its your opinion and I respect that. I google the elections results and the people who were elected won by a lot of votes. The students voted. RESPECT the students. I personally voted for people in all 3 parties. I didn’t receive any alcohol from any of the parties. I felt that the people I voted for are qualified and I’m sure others feel the same. So people need to stop complaining about… Read more »