New DASB Senate begins meetings

The DASB senate voted to delay the midterm election at their meeting Wednesday, April 27. There are five seats still open after last quarter’s election.

Several of the senators said they did not have to fill all of the remaining seats and recommended not filling all of them. John Cognetta, director of college life, warned that there might be resignations in the future.

DASB President Matthew Zarate said the senators will have more experience to deal with the budget if the midterm election is held this quarter.

Senators decided there is no need to rush and there is still time to research and explore who the best candidates are to fill the remaining seats.

The DASB Senate then voted against holding the election this spring. The motion failed five yes votes to 18 no votes. Senators recommended holding the election during the fall quarter.

Student employees who work as tutors voiced their displeasure with the current unit cap.

Currently, student tutors have their employment terminated if they have completed more than 180 units. Senators and the student employees voiced their support for increasing the unit cap to 225 units.

Student Trustee Arjun Gadkari said some of the Foothill-De Anza District’s funds are under the control of Santa Clara County which invests in fossil fuel. Gadkari encouraged support for divestment from these funds.

In the meeting on April 20, an argument broke out between senators over taking a break during the meeting. The vote was tied with one senator undecided.

Several senators tried to compel the undecided senator to vote, but were told that forcing the vote would be in violation of rules and policies.

The senate approved $1,562 from the EcoFund to promote use of aluminum water bottles instead of plastic ones.

The water bottles will be $7.18 plus tax and will be marketed toward students who buy plastic, disposable water bottles.

The senate approved $1,588 for the Ad Hoc Job & Internship Fair as an urgent item. The motion passed unanimously