Dear Editor,

I’m writing this letter to address multiple articles that have been published in the Student Voice, both in print, and online. As we all know, there are two sides to every story. And I feel it’s time that the students get to see things from another point of view.

The first article I’d like to address is titled “Dispute with OC ASG”. First of all, Anthony was not bullied out of his position as ASG Senator. He violated the ASG Bylaws in several areas; however, the article states that his charges were all about lack of participation. Senator Garnatz was charged with Failure to execute his responsibilities of office, failure to execute responsible leadership, and demonstrating unethical behavior. After a member is presented with a statement of charges they have a week to respond in writing. However, Anthony was given two weeks because the board went to Washington D.C. for an advocacy conference. I believe that Anthony was afraid that the board wouldn’t vote in favor of him so he decided to resign instead, that way he would still be in good standing and be eligible to run for Student Trustee.

The second article I’d like to address is titled “Voicing a point of view from politics to policies”. Though Mr. Machuca doesn’t directly state any names, he does say “Student Government”. He compares student leaders to corrupt politicians that want to stay in power. I think everyone is entitled to their opinion but I don’t appreciate people implying that I’m trying to stay in power and “control” anything. ASG doesn’t have “control” over anything except for ASG. The only thing ASG has is a vote, on several shared governance committees, and on the Region level. If the other students on campus don’t run, and we run to fill the empty slots, then how are we trying to “stay in power”?

The third article is a letter to the editor written by Francine Ruiz. She was quick to defend the unnamed Senator, whom we all know to be Anthony Garnatz, because he’s the only member of ASG that hasn’t performed. But I can’t help but wonder how many events she’s been to? I’m sure, if she’s attended every ASG event since the day Anthony joined she would see that he did not attend them. She’s upset that ASG has their events from 10-2pm, and she wants ASG to be accessible to the night students. But, I wonder if Francine forgets that we are students and people as well. We have class, work, families, and on top of that we still manage to devote countless hours to helping the students. The majority of our student population are night students, and ASG has talked to a numerous amount of them.

One of our concerns at the beginning of this year was “how do we reach the night students”. When we spoke to the night students, many of them let us know that they take classes at night because they’re busy during the day, and they don’t really care for nighttime activities because most of them come for class and then leave. I also can’t help but point out the fact that Francine is quick to concern her disgust with ASG in the Student Voice, but has never once come to an ASG meeting and expressed her concern.

I don’t blame her though because I once felt the same way. I used to think to myself “ASG doesn’t do anything”. It wasn’t until I joined ASG myself that I was able to see the things that they do accomplish. I’m a college student, and I don’t expect anyone to hand me information. As long as its available I will take the initiative to go out and find it for myself.

Sincerely,

Raul Pulido 

Oxnard College ASG Secretary