THE BG NEWS ESTABLISHED 1920 | An independent student press serving the campus and surrounding community
BALLIN’ IN THE DARK Chi Omega is hosting a glow in the dark moonball tournament Wednesday night at the Stroh Center to raise money for the Make A Wish Foundation. Read more online at BGNEWS.COM.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
VOLUME 92, ISSUE 64
BGNEWS.COM
USG calls back senators to vote on Monday Organization 4 members short to pass initiative first time, conducts recount By Eric Lagatta Assistant Campus Editor
The Undergraduate Student Government passed two pieces of legislation Monday night, but it took two attempts to accomplish. USG began its meeting with enough senators to vote on legislation, but the Senate was four members short when the time to vote. They were able to unanimously pass an endorsement of the Information Technology Services’ Alert BG opt-out initiative and USG election legislation, but only after a break while members called other senators to return. “What got my attention is, it’s not like this is a recurring thing,” said USG President Alex Solis. “That’s what caught us so off guard is I’ve never seen this happen before.” After a long open forum in which time was extended five times, four members had to leave for other organization commitments. In order to vote on any legislation, USG must have quorum, or 51 percent of the senators present and eligible to vote. At Monday’s meeting, the Senate required 18 voters, but only 14 were present at the time of the vote. “Our main goal is to never be a stagnant Senate and that’s why a vote is so important,” Solis said. Speaker Melissa Dzienny called for a five minute break to call upon senators who had left. The four senators left other meetings to return. Senators who leave the meeting before it is over are considered absent unless they are excused beforehand, said Internal Affairs Chair Ben Goldsberry. Members are allowed two unexcused absences a semester. Any further meeting absences requires an internal review of their eligibility to remain a senator, according to USG’s bylaws. “We really never have too many issues with attendance,” Goldsberry said. “It happens at the beginning of the semester because people are getting into their schedule.” However, Goldsberry said senators are still expected to come to the weekly general meetings. “If they’re missing the meeting, they’re not representing their constituents and they’re not doing their job,” Goldsberry said. “You’re sworn in to represent your constituency and that’s what we’re here to do.” There were also three senators at Monday’s meeting who were not eligible to vote because they had not done their office hours for the week, Goldsberry said. Senators are required to do two office hours a week, but if they have a deficit on their hours, they are not eligible to vote
See USG | Page 6
MOLLY MCFADDIN | THE BG NEWS
STEVE GREEN, one of the developers of the proposed strip mall on East Wooster Street, explains to city council on Monday evening why he cannot move back the wall of the buffer zone along shared property lines due to engineering issues. City council kept the buffer the same and passed the zoning ordinance by a 4-3 vote.
Strip mall rezoning approved City council passed ordinance 4-3 Monday night By Alex Alusheff City Editor
Plans to build a strip mall on East Wooster Street are continuing after four months of debate and controversy regarding a zoning change between residents and developers. City council voted 4-3 in favor of approving a zoning change, which would allow the owners of the lot between North Prospect and North Summit streets to construct a strip mall. The building would consist of office spaces or store fronts on the ground floor with efficiency residential apartments on the second floor. “I think we came to different conclusions about how the project will impact Bowling Green,” said Daniel Gordon, first ward council member who voted against the change. “The people who supported [the zoning change] came from a business standpoint for economic development. The residents want economic development, but not if it compromises the integrity of the neighborhood.” This pull between residents’ disapproval and the potential for commercial development led to city council’s split decision. With the passing of the ordinance, developers slated construction on the strip mall for late this summer. The initial B-3 zoning change was requested back in October, but was met with opposition from the area’s surrounding residents. They feared the possibility of later developers constructing a four-story apartment complex, which could lower property values. The community’s reaction prompted city council to create a new zone, B-5, which limits a building to two stories while also
restricting residential space to the second floor, conforming to the developers’ original site plan. The reason a commercial building can be constructed on the block, which consists of mostly residential properties, is because it had already been a commercial zone rather than a residential one. Although the zone was changed, the council’s narrow decision reflected the mixed feelings of the audience. “A huge effort has taken place to make the zoning more palatable for those opposed,” said Robert McOmber, At-Large council member. A few months ago, everyone feared the possibility of a four-story student apartment, but now complaints are focused on the placing of buffers, McOmber said. The council member was referring to the compromises between the city and developers to appease residents in continuing with the project. Rather than hold out for future development, which might come decades from now, McOmber said he would support this development now. East side residents’ staunch opposition is one of the reason’s Gordon voted against the change. “Although some have said that residents opposed to the strip mall are simply ‘afraid of change,’ this is an inaccurate characterization of legitimate expressed concerns,” Gordon said. “Residents merely request that such change is consistent with the residential character and integrity of the neighborhood. That reasonable request guides my vote.” Community members who voiced their concerns about the
See CITY | Page 6
Movie collection explores race issues
GETTING AQUAINTED
Gish Film Theater hosts Reel Black Film Series to entice community discussion By Patrick Pfanner Reporter
MOLLY MCFADDIN | THE BG NEWS
GARY STRAIN, junior, and senior Amy Finkenbine talk about participating in drag queen and king shows and how they identify with their genders during the drag Q & A on Tuesday night in Hanna Hall.
STRUGGLE BUS HUSKIES The Falcons travel to face off with the Northern Illinois Huskies that set an NCAA record for fewest points scored in a half. BG is looking for its second consecutive win. | PAGE 4
The “dream” is still alive, and it’s coming to the big screen in Hanna Hall on Wednesday night. The sixth annual Reel Black Film Series, a collection of films and documentaries, stretches from Feb. 6 to March 12 at the Gish Film Theater. The series addresses social justice and racial issues that plagues society, said Daniel Murphy, graduate assistant for campus activities. The series kicks off tonight at 8 p.m. in room 205 of Hannah Hall with the premier of “Solace,” a film about a couple struggling to survive in a poor economy.
LEARNING ALONG THE WAY Columnist Lydia Scott implores readers to claim their education through participation and hardwork while reminding students to live a full and complete life. | PAGE 3
“Solace” was written and directed by Daniel Williams, a University film professor and director. To help promote the series, several campus organizations became involved such as University Activities Organization. Rob Obey, curator for the series, reached out to UAO to collaborate on the film series, Murphy said. “After careful consideration, UAO found contributing to the series was appropriate,” Murphy said. “The series as a whole will [benefit] the campus community.” The film series is open to the public, and UAO hopes the will audi-
ence take advantage by engaging in discussions with the directors. Directors crave the chance to present their work to a live audience, Williams said. “A live audience is an invaluable tool for receiving critical feedback,” he said. Williams jumped at the chance to show his years of work to an audience. “I couldn’t pass up this opportunity,” Williams said. “This benefits me as an artist and it benefits the audience.” The practice of showing films to a live audience isn’t new to the
See REEL | Page 2
IF YOU HOSTED A FILM SERIES, WHAT MOVIE GENRE WOULD YOU CHOOSE? WHY? “Film Noir because the background narration shows good character development.” Joe Pavlik Junior, Language Education in Latin
Student Open Forums for the new MyBGSU portal and Canvas Fri, Feb. 8, at 10 a.m. 113 Olscamp/1011 CPC Firelands and Thurs, Feb. 21, at 2:30 p.m. 113 Olscamp/1011 CPC Firelands All students encouraged to attend to learn more about these new systems and features B O W L I N G 13IT078 BG NEWS AD OPEN FORUM.indd 1
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