THE BG NEWS
DISNEY INTERNSHIP: Students are now able to apply for internships at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Read the full story on PAGE 2.
ESTABLISHED 1920 | An independent student press serving the campus and surrounding community
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
VOLUME 94, ISSUE 73
USG opposes Ohio Senate Bill 4 Student government majority sees flaws in tuition cut plan By William Channell Managing Editor
The University Undergraduate Student Government [USG] voted 29 to five Monday night to pass a resolution formally opposing Ohio Senate Bill 4. Ohio Senate Bill 4 was proposed by Ohio Senate President Keith Faber. It
would require Ohio public universities to lower the cost of in-state attendance by five percent by the 2016-17 academic year. This largely means lowering tuition. Concerns expressed through the resolution largely deal with fears that lowering tuition would result in the University cutting services like
the Counseling Center or Student Legal Services. Internal Affairs Chair Jeff Devereaux said during the meeting that while he agrees with the goal of the bill, the plan outlined in it is flawed. “We’re not saying we don’t want college to be affordable,” he said. “[But] a mandated tuition decrease is not the way.” Senator Avery Dowell, who voted in favor of the resolution, said while he agrees with it, it wasn’t developed as much as it could have been.
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As a student, he said, he’s in favor of lowering tuition, but as senator he said he tried to be realistic. USG President Brian Kochheiser said he agrees with what the state legislation is trying to achieve, but “that goal cannot be achieved by harming academic quality.” Much of Kochheiser’s concern comes from the possible lack of state funding to help make up the difference when costs are cut. This bill comes around the same
See USG | Page 5
A Visiting Diplomat
Diplomat in residence informs students of foreign service opportunities By Amber Hage-Ali Reporter
Diplomat in Residence Michelle Jones spoke with students who are interested in a foreign service career at the University on Tuesday. Students met at the Career Center from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. to hear Jones describe her journey, the responsibilities of her job and the recruiting process. At the end of the discussion students had the opportunity to ask Jones questions. “I knew from meeting her at the career fair that it would be more basic information, but it is still good to hear it,” said graduate student Bradley McDonald. “She gave
some information about certain things to read before taking the test.” Jones was informative and detailed. She discussed the qualities one needs to work in her field, stating that strong writing skills and composure are essential. “Being a good writer is very important, we write all the time, everyday — speeches and talking points and press releases. So being able to put together a good argument is really important,” said Jones. “Keeping your head when you’re under stress is very important too.” Jones has worked with the foreign services for about 15 years. She started out as
See JONES | Page 5
ERIC BURGASSER | THE BG NEWS
MICHELLE JONES has served as a cultural affairs officer in the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan.
City council discusses towing cars, use of vacant lot By Seth Weber Reporter
Although Sunday’s snow emergency only lasted a few hours, cars blocking streets for snow plows continued to be a problem. “We ended up with too many people who just didn’t understand,” Municipal Administrator John Fawcett said. 32 vehicles were ticketed and 15 of those were towed, he said. The city attempts to reach out to residents through email and social media, Fawcett said. Resident Dallas Black was unhappy with the city’s practice of ticketing because he claimed to have been ticketed before enough snow was on the ground. “I don’t know if I want to live in a town that tickets and tows the way we do,” he said.
John Fawcett
Wood County Municipal Administrator He was also upset that the city did not take credit cards for payment of tickets and called it “extortion.” At-large council member Bruce Jeffers highlighted the importance of clearing streets. “A very important point here is that we need to keep our snow streets clear,” he said. “It’s unfortunate when someone gets a ticket or gets towed.” Council also touched upon the vacant lot located on the former junior high school. The city had an open forum before the council meeting about what to do with the lot.
“I’m glad with the amount of people that turned out tonight,” said at-large council member Sandy Rowland. Council President Michael Aspacher said there are multiple ideas about what to do with the space, but finances still need to be addressed. No money has officially been dedicated to the project, but it will be addressed, Aspacher said. Resident Steve Doyle suggested that the council could consider a public trust or private funding to finance the space. Aspacher said “all options are on the table.” Fawcett announced his retirement from municipal administrator, effective July 1. “Lord knows you’ve dedicated many years of service,” Aspacher said to Fawcett. “I just wanted to publicly thank you for your service.”
LATE GAME LOSS Despite 29 points from Richaun Holmes and a 77-72 lead late in the game, the Falcons give up a 9-0 run in a loss to Kent State. | PAGE 3
Kasich plans to increase tax on natural gas fracking By Michele Mathis Copy Chief
In early February, Gov. John Kasich attempted to produce a reform package that would lower individual income taxes on the tobacco business while increasing taxes on the oil and natural gas industry. Kasich tried to pass similar legislation in March of 2014, but when administration was attempting to push it through the Ohio Senate, it was tabled. Cleveland.com reported in early February that Kasich is again attempting to raise a severance tax on fracking; however, this time with an increase from the original 2.75 percent to 6.5 percent. Severance tax occurs when nonrenewable resources are extracted from respective locations within a taxing jurisdiction. Within Kasich’s budget plan, this new tax raise will John bring $260 million Kasich of revenue over the Governor next two years. of Ohio Kasich and his administration are planning to give 20 percent of the state’s severance tax to go to local governments in eastern Ohio, where there is a flux of energy companies that are horizontal drilling and fracking. He is quoted on Cleveland.com saying, “It’s time for them to step up,” in reference to the oil and gas industry. Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, is the process of drilling and injecting fluid into the ground at high pressure. This fluid is a mix of water and chemicals to break open, or fracture, the shale rock to release the natural gases that it holds. According to dangersoffracking.com, about 40,000 gallons of chemicals are used in this process. These chemicals have been known to contaminate ground water, spreading pollution. In the past 10 years, there have been 1,000 documented cases of contaminated water that leave behind neurological, respiratory and sensory damage to the human body. Andrew Chris Zielger, an assistant professor in the political science department, said that fracking raises a lot of environmental issues in regards to water regulation and oil spills. “Fracking
See FRACKING | Page 2
AN URGE FOR EQUALITY
MICHELE MATHIS | THE BG NEWS
ALLIE LAHEY leads prospective interns for URGE [Unite for Reproductive and Gender Equity.]
READING CHALLENGE
Columnist Bryan Eberly criticizes a challenge among the writing community that urges readers to only read work written by marginalized persons. He provides a solution to the problems it poses. | PAGE 4
WHY WOULD YOU INTERN AT DISNEY? “I would get to put a smile on someone’s face.” Maya Crabtree Freshman, Applied Health Science