Newly elected members of the undergraduate student government waited late into the night to take office, as outgoing councilmembers shared their reflections on the past year during their final meeting.
After midnight, the incoming council was sworn in and held its first meeting, during which they made several appointments.
For the outgoing council, the focus was not so much on the business of the meeting as on the chance to say some final words before their terms came to an end.
During the final portion of the first meeting, councilmembers stayed quite positive despite a history of conflict this year on a council with equal numbers of Bruins United and Students First! members.
A number of councilmembers took turns speaking and recalled their experiences and impressions of each person at the table.
These comments ranged from respectful acknowledgments of differences among councilmembers who often disagreed, to thanks and appreciation for close friendships formed on council.
Certain members, however, said they had more difficulty not taking attacks personally.
“As I’ve been reflecting throughout the year on what has happened and the discussions at the table, I have found myself at the center of a lot of different conflicts and controversies without really understanding how I got in the middle of it. … I found a lot of meddling in what I do as (external vice president),” said the outgoing External Vice President Tina Park, citing as an example the Judicial Board case that was brought against her earlier this year.
Outgoing councilmembers, as well as guest speakers from the public comment list, also offered advice for the incoming council.
They repeatedly emphasized that new councilmembers should attempt to overcome petty differences and the divisiveness of slate politics.
“Both platforms are legitimate and both sides agree to disagree. Every person has different priorities. The ideal government would be where both parties come together on the best platforms, instead of being Bruins Divided or Some Students First!” said Salomon Hossein, a first-year undeclared student who was part of the staff of General Representative Samer Araabi.
Some said this is particularly important because Bruins United will have a strong majority on council next year, having won eight of the 13 seats.
“In taking eight of the council seats in the election, Bruins United recognizes that there is a huge population on this campus that didn’t vote for us, and we have a responsibility to represent their needs and take their issues seriously,” incoming Internal Vice President Dianne Tanjuaquio said.
Students First! members said that despite having only two members on council, they hope to continue doing the work they believe is important. They encouraged all new councilmembers, no matter what their slate affiliation, to keep in mind all students’ needs and priorities.
“Access to education, affordability and campus safety are issues that affect all students, and I pledge to continue my advocacy on these issues and fight in the continuous struggle,” said Greg Cendana, the outgoing internal vice president and Students First! presidential candidate who was defeated by Bruins United candidate Gabe Rose.
He also said that next year he plans to support the work of new Students First! councilmembers Sanobar Sajan and Bernice Shaw, as well as serve on the board of Samahang Pilipino.
After hours of reflection, nostalgia and shared memories, outgoing councilmembers adjourned their meeting and the incoming council was sworn in.
This second portion of the meeting was brief since it began after midnight and only consisted of appointments of councilmembers to the Budget Review Committee, Appointments Review Committee, Constitutional Review Committee and the USAC/ASUCLA Programming Fund Committee.