Keeping up with the Jones

Melissa Jones joins the ASUC Senate

By Andrew R Quinio
From the February 2006 Print Edition

With the resignation of Student Action Senator Igor Tregub, the ASUC Senate will welcome a member of the Berkeley College Republican Party into the chambers of Eshleman Hall. In the 2005 election, Melissa Jones finished in 21st place, making her the first in line to fill any vacated seat in the senate. Tregub’s departure has cleared the way for Jones to officially become a member of the ASUC’s legislative branch. Jones shared her plans and goals with the Patriot.

California Patriot: What was your initial reaction to the news that you would be joining the senate?

Melissa Jones: I was surprised and excited that it finally happened. What with the close election last spring and in spite of what everyone said about previous years, it seemed like this would be the year no senator would leave office early. But I’m sorry to see Igor go — he would have been great to work with in the senate.

CP: What are your top three goals for the rest of the year?

MJ: First, I would like to focus on campuswide service projects. I think it reflects highly on this campus and its students because it shows that they can pull together and produce such great results. I want to encourage and produce more projects like Ki Hong’s recent food and clothing drive, which was one of my favorite experiences while I’ve been here.

Second, I want to promote student education on identity theft. I was speaking with another senator over the summer about programs that would protect students, one of the largest targets for identity theft, here on campus. I think this would be very worthwhile and beneficial for the student body.

Lastly, I really just want to see waste reduced. Our budget is in such tight straits, and we really can’t afford unnecessary spending while there are so many student needs going unfulfilled.

CP: You will essentially be a one-woman army. The ASUC is overwhelmingly liberal and you come from the Berkeley College Republican Party. How will you prepare yourself for what most likely will be very heated debates?

MJ: I’ve been at Berkeley for two and a half years. I’ve learned how the other side thinks and that will help me consider all sides of the argument and find its weaknesses. My experience has also given me the ability to find ground for compromise.

CP: Are you familiar with some of Igor’s plans and policies?

MJ: Igor and I have talked a great deal and I think he’s done a good job in his long run in the senate. Some things he’s going to continue doing on his own, some I might take on or help with in some capacity, but he’s offered his support and I really appreciate that.

CP: Did he mention to you the Academic Bill of Rights he was working on?

MJ: Yes he did. That is one I definitely want to look into further.

CP: What ASUC projects would you improve?

MJ: I want to see online voting worked out. It has a lot of potential and could give students easier access to their student government, which they deserve from their university.

CP: Any plans for executive office?

MJ: No, the senate is a much better fit for me. I have several goals and would like to make the students and the university my top priorities.

CP: Is there space in the ASUC Senate for the conservative voice? Do you think there is hope of building upon your presence and increasing the conservative representation in the ASUC?

MJ: Well, we’ll have to see. I don’t plan on going in as strictly a conservative. I don’t think that will gain me many allies and I don’t think it does justice to a lot of the big issues. I think that it is first and foremost important to show that, despite the stereotypes and tensions on both sides, there is a way we can find common ground. After that, hopefully we can make room for a more diversified student government.

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