VOLUME 102, ISSUE 33
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wednesday
NOVEMBER 7, 2012
Sweet Success
GO NE ONLI NOW
Lovebaked Cupcakes is the winner of the “Best Dessert” award at the third annual Taste of Hays County competition. For more on Lovebaked Cupcakes, visit UniversityStar.com.
National Election U.S. President* Mitt Romney (R) President Barack Obama (D)
GUERRERO AGAIN
Hays County Election San Marcos Mayor Daniel Guerrero Thom Prentice
203
16.4%
303 *Electoral Votes as of press time
83.6%
U.S. House District 21 (CD-21) Lamar Smith (R) Candace E. Duval (D) John-Henry Liberty (L) Bill Stout (G)
San Marcos City Council Place 5 Ryan Thomason Melissa Derrick
5.55% 39.33%
19.33%
55.12%
80.67%
U.S. House District 35 (CD-35) Susan Narvaiz (R) Lloyd Doggett (D) Ross Lynn Leone (L) Meghan Owen (G) 1.73% 3.14% 39.52% 56.03%
State Election State Board of Education District 5 Ken Mercer (R) Rebecca Bell-Metereau (D) Mark Loewe (L) Irene Meyer Scharf (G) 1.73% 5.68% 43.14%
49.45%
Texas Senate District 21 (SD-21) Grant Rostig (R) Judith Zaffirini (D) Joseph Morse (L) 5.4% 35.08% 59.52%
Texas Senate District 25 (SD-25) Donna Campbell (R) John Courage (D)
40.2%
59.8%
State Representative District 45 Jason Isaac (R) John Adams (D) Jim Duke (L) 3.98% 43.76%
52.26%
Kristen Lefebvre, Staff Photographer
Mayor Daniel Guerrero is congratulated by Michelle Harper and Councilwoman Kim Porterfield, Place 1, Nov. 7 at Guerrero’s watch party at Tres Hermanas Restaurant and Cantina.
Mayoral incumbent gains second term By Adrian Omar Ramirez and Nicole Barrios News Reporters Daniel Guerrero emphatically secured another term as mayor of San Marcos, defeating challenger Thom Prentice with 83.6 percent of the votes. Guerrero ran on a platform of moving forward with San Marcos’ Master Plan, which he said includes development of the city’s housing, infrastructure, water and education. He secured 8,398 votes, while Prentice had 1,647. Guerrero watched the results come in Tuesday evening at Tres Hermanas Restaurant and Cantina surrounded by family, friends and supporters. Early voting showed Guerrero had a large lead. The atmosphere became relaxed as guests dined and listened to music as precincts started to report.
Michelle Hamilton, associate professor of health and human performance, was one of the supporters at Guerrero’s watch party. “I have worked with Daniel on numerous projects involving the city and relationships with Texas State, and I have always been supporting of Daniel’s work and what he’s trying to do in terms of moving the city forward,” Hamilton said. San Marcos resident Michele Burleson was so excited to support Guerrero’s victory she arrived at the watch party holding her six-week-old granddaughter, Brooklyn. “We think Daniel’s good for San Marcos,” Burleson said. “He’s family. So we came out to support him.”
San Marcos City Council Place 6 Shane Scott Greg Frank
40.72%
59.28%
Hays County Commissioner Pct. 1 Mary E. Gonzales (R) Debbie Gonzales Ingalsbe (D)
READ MAYOR, PAGE 2
61.4%
38.6%
Incumbent Thomason wins Place 5 seat By Natalie Berko and Megan Carthel News Reporters Incumbent Ryan Thomason defeated write-in candidate Melissa Derrick for the San Marcos City Council Place 5 seat Tuesday night. Thomason received 80.61 percent of the vote with 6,591 votes, and Derrick earned 19.33 percent, or 1,579. Thomason ran on a platform that supported student housing close to campus and the development and renovation of downtown San Marcos. Derrick supports environmental, river and neighborhood preservation. Thomason’s supporters gathered in the private room Carlos Valdez, Assistant Photo Editor of Palmer’s to await the results of the city council elecCouncilman Ryan Thomason, Place 5, celebrates with support- tion. Approximately 30 people including city council ers Linda Darst (left) and Monica McNabb (right) after re-elecREAD PLACE 5, PAGE 2 tion at his watch party at Palmer’s Restaurant Bar & Courtyard.
Another two years for Shane Scott By Karen Zamora and Taylor Tompkins News Reporters Disappointment spread throughout the back room of Taproom Pub & Grub as Greg Frank announced the results of the San Marcos City Council Place 6 election. Four miles south at a congressional watch party, incumbent Shane Scott hovered over an iPad with Councilmember Jude Prather, Place 2, as the final numbers confirmed Scott secured another two years.
Scott, a local business owner, received 59.3 percent of the vote with 5,436 votes, defeating Frank, an ex-marine and Texas State alumnus, who garnered 40.7 percent with 3,737 votes. Frank walked into Taproom 20 minutes after the polls closed. Frank said he felt he did everything he could to secure the vote until results from early voting projected he was behind. Frank started pacing outside the corridor between
READ PLACE 6, PAGE 2
Austin voters opt to reelect Doggett
Hays County Commissioner Pct. 3 Will Conley (R)
100%
Proposition No. 1 Acquisition of park land For Against 75.5% 24.5%
Proposition No. 2 Acquisition of park land power of eminent domain For Against 48.68% 51.32%
By Taylor Tompkins and Paige Lambert News Reporters Lloyd Doggett supporters breathed sighs of relief in Austin Tuesday night, while Susan Narvaiz was consoled with hugs in San Marcos. Doggett, long-time District 25 congressman, defeated former San Marcos mayor Narvaiz in the race for the newly drawn District 35. The district spans from San Antonio to Austin and had 20,794 constituents cast their vote in Hays, Travis, Comal and Guadalupe counties. Doggett took 56 percent of the vote with 11,651
READ CONGRESS, PAGE 2
Proposition No. 3 Acquisition of park land raising property tax For Against 35.29% John Casares, Staff Photographer
James Barnes consoles Susan Narvaiz Nov. 6 at the San Marcos Conference Center.
64.71%
2 | Wednesday November 7, 2012 | The University Star
NEWS
MAYOR
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Kristen Lefebvre, Staff Photographer
Mayor Daniel Guerrero checks the early poll results Nov. 7 at his watch party at Tres Hermanas Restaurant and Cantina. Guerrero was elected for his second two-year term with 83.6 percent of the vote.
Place 6
Place 5
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
John Casares, Staff Photographer
Shane Scott speaks to Jude Prather, city council Place 2, Nov. 6 at the San Marcos Conference Center.
Coffee Pot and Taproom as his “stomach sank.” “These are not the results San Marcos wants,” Frank said. Scott, who was supporting congressional candidate Susan Narvaiz at Embassy Suites Tuesday night, showed up at her watch party after the polls closed and started shaking hands and thanking supporters. “I was busy all day, standing at polling areas and talking to people,” Scott said. “That’s all I did, and my face is red from it. “ Scott said he was happy San Marcos “didn’t fall into that special interest group that was supported by (his) opponent.” After the win, Prather said Scott was discussing issues that will face the city council in his next term, and was optimistic about San Marcos’ future. Frank said all of his supporters live in San Marcos, and every one of Scott’s supporters is a developer or realtor. “Keep that in mind,” Frank said. “It’s scary.” According to a Nov. 1 University Star article, 40 percent of Scott’s campaign donations came from realtors or developers. Frank received significant donations from those opposed to large student housing de-
congress
Guerrero said working with Texas State, San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District and Hays County will “enhance workforce development.” He said the development happens through education. Guerrero said a new comprehensive Master Plan would alleviate some of the major housing issues. “We are probably about four months away from being able to adopt a new Master Plan,” Guerrero said. “That’s going to give us a clearer perspective on where houses can go, where infrastructure can develop and where the ideal locations are going to be for job prospects, commercial development and retail development.” Jessica Torres, geography and environmental studies senior, said she attended Guerrero’s watch party because of his relationship with students. “I think (Guerrero) does a good job,” Torres said. “He always supports the university, even when locals bash it.” Guerrero credited his victory to voters who wanted to maintain the direction the city is going in, additionally referring to local incumbent wins. He said voters are trying to maintain some consistency and continuity of leadership in the city. Guerrero said his electoral success is not only credited to the city council, but is a
velopments next to neighborhoods. Frank said his work is not done yet, and he will seek reelection in the future. Frank said the community needs to protect the San Marcos River and neighborhoods. He said if both are destroyed, residents would look back and be disappointed. “Shane Scott’s style of thinking is part of the problem,” Frank said. Scott said he would continue to represent the entire San Marcos community. “Most of (the voters) had their minds made up, but they were glad to see me,” Scott said. “I have tons of ideas, and I am just trying to do my best for all the citizens of San Marcos like I have always done.” Frank had his watch party alongside Melissa Derrick, Place 5 write-in candidate. Resident Lisa Prewitt said although it was a challenge, both Frank and Derrick learned more about the community and San Marcos politics through the election process. Prather said the day after the election is when politicians come together and plan for the future. “What is important is what happens tomorrow, and that’s from the federal level, to the state level, even down to the city council level,” Prather said.
“definitive acknowledgment” of the leadership of City Manager Jim Nuse. Guerrero said he hopes to have San Marcos “move forward collectively” during his next term. “We can’t continue to see ourselves in silos of the school district, the university, the city and the county,” Guerrero said. “We have to be willing to look at ourselves as just one San Marcos and one Hays County.” Challenger Thom Prentice was upbeat after the results came in, and said he did not have any regrets when it came to this year’s mayoral election. Prentice said he chose not to have a watch party but was at Zelicks Ice House Tuesday night. “I’m excited,” Prentice said. “I’m thrilled. I have far more friends in San Marcos than I thought.” Prentice said he was glad to get people in San Marcos thinking about global warming and climate change, which were major parts of his platform. Prentice said he was not surprised by the results of the election. “I knew I had my vote and a couple other friends, (and) so I’m thrilled,” Prentice said. Prentice voiced uncertainty as to whether he would run for office again in the future, and likes to take things “one day at a time.”
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
members, family and friends of Thomason had dinner and drinks in the dimly lit room. Television screens projected the presidential and Hays County election results as they were being counted. Derrick held her watch party with Greg Frank, candidate for city council Place 6, at Taproom Pub & Grub. Derrick said she was not as “nervy” as she thought she would be, frequently stepping out to smoke her American Spirits and unwind with a few beers. She was accompanied by her two children and fiancé Mike Potash. Thomason was informed 10 minutes after he arrived at his watch party he had received roughly 80 percent of the votes counted. “I did initially go into it thinking I had a 50-50 chance, and now I am thinking it is statistically impossible to lose at this point,” Thomason said before the race was called. Councilman Jude Prather, Place 2, expressed confidence in Thomason early in the evening. “Given that Ryan’s family business is in funeral homes, I can say with great certainty unless he dies before he swears in, he will be the next city councilman,” Prather said. Thomason said he is relieved the election is over. Thomason said his victory came as a result of his living in San Marcos for the
past six years and being the only name on the ballot. Thomason said one new issue he is ready to tackle is transportation and development. Derrick had a winning attitude at the end of the night. “I’m proud of the impact I made,” Derrick said. “Whether the votes show it or not, I know I made a much larger impact on San Marcos than the votes show.” Derrick and Potash were surprised at the outcome of the race. Derrick chalked some of the results up to the fact she was a writein candidate. Derrick said poll watchers informed her voters were refused help writing in the name at polls. Derrick said she plans on running again. Derrick and Potash halted planning of their wedding to focus on the race, which they will return to now that the election is over. Lisa Prewitt, a supporter of both Derrick and Frank, said they did “great” and was surprised at the final outcome. “They lost a city council race, but I don’t think they’ve lost,” Prewitt said. “I think that their interaction and friendship with the community will only grow.” Derrick had some words of advice for her opponent. “Listen to your citizens and not your pocket book,” Derrick said.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
votes, and Narvaiz trailed with 39.5 percent and 8,218 votes. A packed room greeted Doggett at his watch party at the Driskill Hotel in downtown Austin. Excited Democrats filled the room, along with college students and the candidate’s family. “The campaign process is a huge family business,” said Libby Doggett, the congressman’s wife. “It was great to have family and neighbors involved because we all share the same democratic values.” Doggett has served as the District 25 representative since 2005. He was previously the District 10 representative since 1995. He has served on the House Budget Committee and is a member of the Subcommittee on Human Resources. Doggett’s main focus for the upcoming session will be education, he said. Doggett said he plans to split his Austin office to create a San Antonio hub to better represent the constituents of the new district. He said one good thing that came from the redistricting is that Texas State was kept in one. “It’s going to be a great honor to represent these people on the (Interstate) 35 corridor,” Doggett said. “I will be returning to Washington excited to represent this great capital and half of the Alamo. My plan is to go back to Washington next week and make budget changes.” Alan Cameron arrived at Narvaiz’s watch party with a hat proclaiming himself to be Doggett’s “retirement planner.” Cameron, a volunteer for Narvaiz’s campaign, said when Narvaiz was the mayor of San Marcos she made a promise to him to help veterans fighting in Iraq and Iran. Her
promise resulted in a veteran transition center. “I’ve been there from the start,” Cameron said. “She made a promise to me. I never received a penny for what I did. She kept her promise, and I kept mine.” Rob Roark, who competed in the District 35 Republican primary election, attended Narvaiz’s watch party. “One of the things we said at the start of this campaign was we wanted to make stronger Republicans because we wanted to beat Doggett,” Roark said. “The strongest person won. I am here to see a change in Washington. That’s all that matters.” Narvaiz said she will spend the weekend with her grandchildren before returning to her job as CEO of San Marcos-based Sedona Staffing. “We pledge to work with those who the people elect, and that’s what I will do,” Narvaiz said. “I think that what I am hearing today is ‘Thank you for taking us on this journey.’ I think it is just that I am being honed for something in the future.” Narvaiz said when she entered the race, the district was 44 percent Republican. She said the redistricting represented a challenge. Narvaiz said she enjoyed spreading her faith to voters. Narvaiz thanked her family and the volunteers who had worked on her campaign, visibly overcome with emotion at the end of the night. “People were saying, ‘Are you crazy?’ when we began,” Narvaiz said. “I said, ‘I think I have to go out and try.’ It was a race I was willing to compete in, and that’s what is great about America.”
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The University Star | Wednesday November 7, 2012 | 3
TRENDS
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Local food trailer enjoys taste of success
Texas State Alumna By Sarah Stephens Trends Reporter Alumna Ebony Porter has a broad range of artistic interests, but her paintings have been turning heads recently. Since graduating from Texas State in 2005, the Australian native has been working hard in Houston to establish herself as an artist. Besides art, she enjoys writing and designing jewelry, and she balances motherhood along the way. With the Hunting Prize under her belt and her artwork being featured in various exhibits, Porter is on her way to accomplishing her goals. The University Star spoke to Porter about her past, present and what’s next on her list of accomplishments.
Kristen Lefebvre, Staff Photographer
India Moore, co-owner of Lovebaked Cupcakes, applies frosting to a fresh batch of cupcakes. The bakery was awarded “Best Dessert” at the Taste of Hays County competition. By Sarah Stephens Trends Reporter Fondant flowers and thick frosting cover Lovebaked Cupcakes’ confections, whose unique flavors are becoming a favorite among San Marcos residents. The gourmet cupcake and cookie food trailer was established in June in San Marcos by Celena McGuill and India Moore. The two had always dreamed of starting up their own business and took a leap of faith this past summer to see if their desserts could pass the taste test. The test seemed to be passed when the bakery won the title of “Best Dessert” at the third annual Taste of Hays County competition. McGuill and Moore competed against an array of different local restaurants and had attendees sample their baked goods throughout the event. “Me and India were extremely excited to win and take home that title,” said McGuill,
co-owner of the bakery. “It was great to know that the community voted and supported us, and I think it proved to those who haven’t tried our cupcakes just how good our desserts are.” Lovebaked’s winning dessert was the mimosa cupcake, an orange cake filled with champagne pastry cream and finished off with a champagne buttercream. That cupcake and many other flavors are included on the bakery’s menu. The menu features cupcakes offering an assortment of zest, ranging from a vanilla bean latte flavor to the Senorita, which has a Mexican chocolate cake and cinnamon cream cheese frosting. “We usually rotate out flavors every couple of months,” McGuill said. “We try to pay attention to what our customers like and switch out the flavors that don’t seem to be as popular as the others.” The company relies on its Facebook page for much of its other feedback. Every day its page is updated to allow cus-
tomers to know what new flavors are being offered and what the cupcake of the day is. “The Lovebaked Cupcakes Facebook page is used as a tool to communicate with their customers and to keep them informed about upcoming specials and events to look out for,” said Jessica Bodine, the company’s public relations director. “There have been times when customers would win a free cupcake as a giveaway gifted from going onto their webpage.” McGuill and Moore are currently planning and creating new treats to come out for the approaching holiday season. However, they still appreciate how much their business has grown in its five months of existence. “We’re so appreciative for our customers and the ones who go out and spread the word about our cupcakes,” McGuill said. “We seem to be growing every month, and hopefully someday soon, we can expand into a storefront location.”
SS: What inspired you to become an artist? EP: I grew up in a very creative family with my grandfather in Australia being an oil painter, so I was around fine art from an early age. That helped contribute to my liking for art. In high school I spent a lot of my free time at art museums in Houston, but I didn’t know much about the history or development of art. It wasn’t until I came to Texas State and started studying art and majoring in art history that I became a lot more serious about my passion. I traveled a lot during college and saw a lot of great art in museums across the United States and overseas. I saw so many different paintings, installations and exhibitions that kept me in awe and changed the person I was becoming and how I responded to the world around me. I soon felt that I needed to create work that could do the same thing for other people. I’ve never been the same since. SS: What inspires you to create a collection? EP: A lot of what inspires me isn’t really tangible to the
Photo courtesy of Ebony Porter
human eye. Love, innocence, connection, nostalgia, beauty, family and friendship are the sorts of things that my paintings and films are about. I’m not interested in the negative aspects of our history or the human condition or about politics. I feel there is enough negativity in the world, especially in the media, and that it is my calling to create something that takes us into a more positive space. SS: How did Texas State help improve your skills as an artist? EP: There is a lot I took from my education and time in San Marcos that still directs my career to this day. I was a teacher’s assistant to James Housefield in the art history department. That job exposed me to a broad range of scholarly research. It allowed me to learn even more about fragments of art history that perhaps I didn’t delve into with my classes. I also wrote for the University Star, predominantly about art. That got me out into the community to interview people and talk about contemporary art. SS: What advice would you give to aspiring artists? EP: Know your art history. Know your modern art and get into it. Learn what has been done already over the course of the past 150 years and then challenge yourself to make something that is unique and contemporary. Oftentimes I see ideas recycled, and I can point it back to something from the past. It’s true that nothing is original, but I do believe you can make it your own.
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4 | Wednesday November 7, 2012 | The University Star
OPINIONS
For more viewpoints or letters to the editor, e-mail staropinions@txstate.edu
Compromise needed for future student, resident housing
Emmanuel Ramirez, Star Illustrator
S
an Marcos officials must find ways to balance the housing needs of long-time residents and university students, even if both sides have to make compromises to achieve change. City leaders have consistently struggled to give equal care and consideration to both families who have resided in the area for years and a growing campus population of more than 34,000 students. With 36.9 percent of the total population living under the poverty line, San Marcos has to appeal to lower-income permanent residents as well as students with affordable, quality housing options. The University Star recently endorsed Ryan Thomason for Place 5 on the San Marcos City Council. Thomason believes constructing housing developments closer to campus is positive for the city. Despite his position, Thomason only represents one point of view in this matter. There are groups of people in the city who share differing beliefs on the issue as well. This year, some city council candidates, including Melissa Derrick for Place 5, made housing and development a main issue of their campaigns. Derrick is opposed to multi-family neighborhoods. Organized factions within the city have spoken out about the divide between students and permanent residents at local meetings and functions. Time after time,
this has been a huge issue of contention for the city. The Planning and Zoning Commission outlines specific tracts of land for single-family and multi-family neighborhoods. Developers then observe the plans and purchase property around the city based on the zoning areas. An increase in the student population attracts developers to the town, which in turn boosts the economy. As freshman classes continue to grow, there will likely be continued growth around San Marcos. Long-time residents have to accept the fact that students will play a significant part in the community for years to come. There are, however, many solutions that can help ease the transition and bridge the gap between those groups. Older complexes like Comanche Hill Apartments, Lindsay Oaks and Clear Springs Apartments can be renovated through special developer projects. This could help keep building and rent costs lower than prices that may be charged to students in brand new apartments. The university can also work with the city to attract builders who can develop apartment complexes with close proximity to campus,and those developers can avoid venturing into or near single-family neighborhoods. In addition, builders may construct more multi-family neighborhoods that could welcome students with affordable rent or purchase options. Long-time residents deserve to have peace and quiet when they go to sleep at night, and they should not have to hear thumping party music from next-door students in the
area. It is important that compromises are made so both parties feel safe and comfortable in the community. Some students may have to decide whether it is more beneficial to live closer to campus instead of finding homes in singlefamily neighborhoods on the outskirts of the city. If zoning laws are enforced more rigorously, city officials will be able to keep rowdy college students from entering single-family neighborhoods. This is a large concern of many permanent residents, especially those who have actively voiced their opinions at local events. Achieving Community Together, an important city initiative, can unite students and permanent residents under a common mission. According to the Texas State website, the A.C.T. program aims “to educate student and non-student residents about making this a great community in which to live.” With appropriate collaboration and help from programs such as A.C.T., positive relationships and respect between both groups can be sustained throughout the community. The Main Point is the opinion of the newspaper’s editorial board. Columns are the opinions of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the full staff, Texas State University-San Marcos Student Media, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication or Texas State University-San Marcos.
LBJ legacy deserves balanced view Students frequently exploited
By Jose R. Gonzalez Opinions Columnist
U
niversity officials should recognize the 50th anniversary of President Lyndon Baines Johnson’s inauguration with proper restraint to better honor both his good and bad impacts on the country. Nov. 22 will mark 49 years since Johnson, a Texas State alumnus, was inaugurated as president. Later this month, Texas State officials will likely begin gearing up for ceremonies to celebrate the historic half-century event next year. In doing so, university officials must be careful to avoid indulging in fanfare that will display Johnson as a mere cult of personality status on campus. Festivities and events must also include criticism Johnson received when he was president and resounding feelings that continue to linger on today. Johnson had many monumental achievements during his presidential term, perhaps more than any other president during the past 60 years. Some of these have had longlasting positive outcomes, and others have been categorically determined as catastrophic for the United States. Event organizers at the university should strive to focus on more than one aspect of Johnson’s presidency without giving greater attention to positive moments over any negative ones. The major pieces of legislation Johnson enacted fueled many great initiatives for the country. Without dispute, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 helped strengthen American democracy. However, it is important to recognize that many negative outcomes also resulted from actions taken by Johnson. As president, Johnson escalated U.S. involvement in the failed Vietnam War. Throughout the years, university officials have dedicated large amounts of time and resources to promoting a sanitized image of the school’s most famous alumnus. On March 19, Texas State’s LBJ Library Leadership Series hosted a panel featuring the director of the library, who also wrote a book
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about Johnson’s presidency, and officials from Johnson’s presidential administration. Some of these panelists have a conflict of interest and lack the necessary objectivity to properly present all sides of Johnson’s presidency. Question and answer panels that include opposing views on Johnson’s policies should be part of any future commemoration events. The university could also invite more presidential historians and political journalists who are both sympathetic and unsympathetic to Johnson. This would be the most conducive method to opening a dialogue on Johnson’s ultimate legacy as president. The problem is not that Johnson’s presidency lacks serious criticism. James David Barber, late political scientist and author of “The Presidential Character,” designated Johnson an “active-negative” president. According to information from Regis University, Barber defined this type of president as having a “problem managing aggression.” Robert Caro, a Johnson biographer with four published books, has likewise expressed a less rose-colored perspective on the late president’s political and personal life. According to an article in the May 2012 issue of the Smithsonian Magazine, Caro said that until the 1957 civil rights bill, “the strongest force in Lyndon Johnson’s life (was) ambition. It (was) always ambition, it (was) not compassion.” These are some of the viewpoints potential commemoration organizers need to take into account in order to evenhandedly express both the positives and negatives of the Johnson presidency. Additionally, there are too many landmarks displayed on the Texas State campus with Johnson’s namesake. The university is at risk of pigeonholing itself by honoring only one graduate as the most significant figure. These gestures also oppose Johnson’s seemingly unpretentious personality. During future commemoration events, officials would be wise to pass on erecting additional on-campus structures or naming more facilities to venerate Johnson further. Johnson once aptly described himself as a cross between a Baptist preacher and a cowboy. A man as richly complex as Johnson deserves close examination with both his greatest achievements and failures fully explored.
by unpaid internships
By Savannah Wingo Assistant Opinions Editor
T
he trend of students taking on unpaid internships in order to get a foot in the door of a chosen industry is not new, but hopefully the tendency will die out soon. Many people believe students should take any internship they can get, even unpaid ones, in order to get the invaluable experience they will need to land a professional job after graduation. The problem with this so-called wisdom is that it does not take into account the overwhelming financial burdens students consistently handle. With tuition, room and board fees already straining student wallets, the additional stress of working a full-time job without receiving compensation is too much for some to bear. Especially with the current state of the economy, students who have significant support from savings or relatives are some of the only ones who can afford to take on an unpaid internship. The primary issue is many students hear from professionals that without prior experience, they will likely never be able to land the job they want later in life. The best way to get this experience is presented in the form of internships. According to a May 2 TIME Business & Money article, however, an estimated one-third to one-half of these 1.5 million U.S. internships are unpaid. Internships are becoming an increasingly important part of a college student’s resume. The particular students who are able to afford taking on unpaid internships may be more likely to succeed where others without the extra experience will not. The current system only reinforces long-standing class barriers by acting as —Jose R. Gonzalez is a mass communication a glass ceiling to those who may not be senior.
Editor In Chief................................................Beth Brown, stareditor@txstate.edu Managing Editor............................Lee Moran, starmanagingeditor@txstate.edu Letters..................................................................................starletters@txstate.edu News Editor...................................................Caitlin Clark, starnews@txstate.edu Trends Editor............................Hollie O’Connor, starentertainment@txstate.edu Opinions Editor..........................................Liza Winkler, staropinion@txstate.edu Photo Editor.......................................Austin Humphreys, starphoto@txstate.edu Sports Editor..........................................Cameron Irvine, starsports@txstate.edu Copy Desk Chief......................Thomas Glasebrook, starcopychief@txstate.edu Web Editor............................................Karyn Kittlitz, starwebeditor@txstate.edu
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able to afford an unpaid internship. Additionally, unpaid internships can violate federal labor laws. The Department of Labor’s guidelines for unpaid internships indicate in order for unpaid internships to be legal they must resemble vocational training, be for the intern’s benefit, be held under close supervision and must not be used as a substitute for a regular employee or be of immediate benefit to the employer. Oftentimes, employers of unpaid interns do not follow these guidelines at all, and some may use their interns instead to do menial tasks and errands. However, many interns do not report violations for fear of being blacklisted in their industry of choice. According to a New York Times Economix blog post, the unemployment rate for persons aged 20 to 24 is at a high of 13.2 percent. Because of this inflated unemployment rate, many students may take unpaid internships because they don’t have any other options, with hopes to get a job out of the experience. These desperate students are often unlikely to report any violations in their internships, and some may try to grin and bear it until a job comes along. Unfortunately, this attitude only allows the cycle of exploitation to continue. According to a May 5 New York Times article, the Department of Labor rarely cracks down on offending companies, and they cite a lack of resources and intern complaints as the reason. Perhaps if more interns who experience unfair policies speak out, change could truly impact the current internship model. Intern labor deserves at least minimum wage payment. For years, several students have been told the only way to make it in their industry is to intern for free, and obey their boss’ orders. However, many students are left struggling to enter their career field due to a lack of funds, and some interns are being illegally exploited as free labor. It is time to take a stand against the flawed and corrupt internship system. —Savannah Wingo is a mass communication sophomore.
The University Star is the student newspaper of Texas State University-San Marcos and is published every other Wednesday in the summer semesters. It is distributed on campus and throughout San Marcos at 8 a.m. on publication days with a distribution of 6,000. Printing and distribution is by the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung. Copyright Wednesday, November , 2012. All copy, photographs and graphics appearing in The University Star are the exclusive property of The University Star and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the editor in chief. The first five issues of each edition of the paper are free. Additional copies of the paper can be purchased at 50¢ per copy. Contact The University Star office at (512) 245-3487 to purchase additional copies.
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The University Star | Wednesday November 7, 2012 | 5
SPORTS
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INSIDE THE LINES Andy Erickson Small but reliable receiver becomes big contributor fearless, willing to catch the ball with people beaming down on you. He is a great asset to us in the punt return game.” The 5-foot-10-inch, 170-pound slot receiver has never had an advantage of size, something he said is asked about all the time. “(Erickson) is an A-1, top notch, high class individual,” said Coach Dennis Franchione. “You can count on him. He works hard every day, and he does what he is supposed to do. I trust Andy Erickson on anything. He is always going to be in the right place. He may miss an assignment or two, but it isn’t because a lack of effort.” Making up for the lack of size, Erickson spends a lot of time watching film, digesting the playbook and absorbing as much coaching as possible. Erickson started making waves with his football ability around junior year at Lake Travis High School, a football program synonymous with prestige and competing for state titles year in and out. He was named to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football 2009 AllTexas High School football team after gaining close to 3,000 all-purpose yards and 41 touchdowns senior year. Erickson made a commitment to Rice University and was about to embark on his college football career. He caught one pass for eight yards and became the Owls’ starting punt returner. Then the Austin native felt it was best for himself to move back home and continue eligibility at a nearby campus—Texas State. “I always have liked Texas State,” Erickson said. “Out of high school I wanted to play football for a bigger school. What brought me here after Rice was being from (near) here. Two coaches from Rice, Coach (Craig) Naivar and Coach (Jason) Washington came here and they recruited me
Sonja Burton, Staff Photographer
Andy Erickson, wide receiver, leads the team in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. By Jordan Brewer Assistant Sports Editor In the second quarter against San Jose State University, junior wide receiver Andy Erickson fielded a punt inside his own five-yard line, normally considered a risk by a punt returner. After making several Spartans miss, Erickson dazzled the crowd with a 54yard return. The Bobcats ultimately lost the game that day, but what won’t be lost is the memory of the playmaking ability of Erickson. “(Erickson) is a difference maker,” said Wide Receiver Coach Jason Johnson. “Sometimes I am watching with my mouth wide open. The one he had vs. San Jose (State) was pretty remarkable. He is a special guy. He’s
BY THE NUMBERS
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out of high school originally.” In Erickson’s first year as a Bobcat, his contributions have been mainly made on punt returns and other special teams units. Erickson made his mark in the 2012 Maroon and Gold game, leading the team with five passes for 119 yards, including a 70-yard reception from Tyler Arndt. Erickson simply gives the best amount of effort and makes his noise on the field. “It kind of has been (a whirlwind),” Erickson said. “I had a good couple of games. I am enjoying the season, playing my part and doing my best for the team. I guess I had quite a few yards in the spring game, but around here it’s just another day. No one treats me different. I’ve just been the guy a couple of times.” Erickson started to let his true abilities show after catching two receptions for a total of 14 yards in his first two games of the 2012 season. In the next four contests, he caught 22 receptions for 318 yards and three touchdowns. Erickson added his share of punt returns during that time, including five returns for 76 yards against Idaho University. Erickson still has one season left in his college eligibility and would love to take the next step forward as a player and member of the Bobcat football program. He is relishing in current happenings, not putting too much emphasis on what will occur down the line in the future. “I’d like to stick around Austin,” Erickson said. “I’ll find my own job or start my own business. I don’t know. I don’t really have any plans right now. I’m just going to make it through these next couple of years, get my degree and take it from there.”
Hm E L L O y name is...
Caylin Mahoney Volleyball sophomore se tter
How did you end up at Texas State after playing at Cincinnati? I just wanted to be closer to home. That was the biggest reason. Do you have any siblings? Yeah, I have one sister. She played volleyball at (The University of) Tennessee. We’re really close and tell each other everything. What would you say your favorite food is? Probably Chinese food. I like Pei Wei and Panda Express and stuff like that. Favorite subject in school? Probably math just because I’m really good at it. It’s not that hard for me. Any volleyball plans after college? No, I don’t want to play volleyball afterward. I want to get a job in the real world. What would your dream vacation be? Probably something all-inclusive to somewhere tropical like Maui or the Bahamas. Do you have any pets? No, I do not. I’ve never had a pet. My parents don’t like to take care of animals. I definitely want a dog after college and volleyball are over. I don’t know what I’d name it yet though. After college is over where do you plan on living? Probably move back up to the North Texas area. I’m from Fort Worth so I want to live somewhere in (Dallas/Fort Worth).
Twitter: @jbrewer32
Erickson has 15 more receptions than any other wide receiver on the Bobcats’ roster this season. Erickson’s 30 receptions and 401 receiving yards leads the team in both categories. Erickson has three of the four touchdowns thrown to wide receivers this season.
Erickson averages 18.5 per punt returns and leads the nation in punt average, among players with at least 12 punt returns.
Stock Report WAC Football
5’10’’
Despite leading the team in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns, Erickson is the shortest wide receiver on the team, standing 5 feet 10 inches tall.
Stock up: San Jose State
San Jose State (7-2, 3-1) is having its best football season since 1987 when the team began 8-1. The Spartans had two losses this season. The first was a 20-17 loss to now #14 Stanford. The second was against Utah State, who’s 8-1 and received votes in the latest AP poll released last Monday. The Spartans will move up to the Mountain West Conference next season but have a 2012 conference worst and 122nd worst in the nation 9,228 attendance average.
Stock down: Texas State recruiting
The Bobcats lost a key three star recruit this past week following their 38-7 loss to Utah State on the road. Sam Wren, a 6-foot-3-inch, 260 pound defensive end has decommitted from the Bobcats, according to the Bobcat Report. Texas State, last in the nation with just six sacks, could have used a solid defensive line recruit to bolster the nation’s 112th worst defense.
Stock down most: FBS future independents Stock up most: Louisiana Tech offense
The Bulldogs’ stock is at an all time high and they hold the 19th spot in the AP poll in a two-way tie with Texas. Louisiana Tech ranks in the top 12 in the country in rushing, passing, total and scoring offensive categories. The Bulldogs come to San Marcos averaging 52.44 points per game.
New Mexico State and Idaho, who don’t have a conference to play in for football in 2013, have chosen to play as independents in the FBS in the future. Both programs are struggling this year, both 1-8, both with bottom 15 offenses in the country. The Aggies and Vandals have struggling attendances. Idaho has a 13,470 attendance average. New Mexico State has a 15,947 attendance. Texas State is 97th in the nation in average attendance in 2012, averaging 20,344, according to ncaa.com.
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