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Show Tfte Thunderbird Monday December 5, 1983 Page 4 Opwsww ASSUSC violates W I M .ERTrON TEK What a open meeting rights It goes without saying, student government exists to champion the interests of those whom they represent students. They are entrusted by members of the student body-thro- ugh to act in their behalf. This trust popular election does not end when the ballots have been counted. Student officers are always accountable for their actions to the student body The Thunderbird believes student body officers have strained this trust by not insuring student access to their meetings. The State of Utah has some of the most thorough open meetings laws in the country. The Thunderbird believes it is time for student government to review these statutes and abide by them. Adherence to both the letter and spirit of these laws would help them to better serve the interests of all students. The Utah Open Mettings Act states governmental bodies shall give not less than 24 hours' public notice of the agenda, date, time and place of each of its meetings. Student government has failed to meet this responsibility. In the past year one of the student government organizations failed to make public a change in its meeting day, contrary to the sunshine laws. The Thunderbird had even been invited not to attend some sessions of student government. Sunshine laws do indeed contain provisions for closed meetings. However, the law validates few reasons for the closing of a meeting to the public. Furthermore, a meeting can only be closed by a majority vote of the bodys members during an open session. Robert B. Hansen, former Utah attorney general, has suggested that in situations where a close question of law or fact exists as to the applications of these laws, such doubt be resolved in favor of opening the meeting in question. These laws exist to insure that conduct of peoples is conducted in in this case students business business the sunshine of open deliberation. The end result is a benefit to all. e. v,()0 0e Tilt 'Tk'Dfct'.T Ontnderbird NfcWS AND VlkW'. IV M.X THfcRN Volume 78, Number Editor Kent Johnson Associate Editor Tamara Rumbaugh Copy Editor Karen Golberg Photo Editor Anthony Ford Entertainment Editor Kallie Parkinson UTAH l I 1R CTH LHAH 1 1 Sports Editor Paul Husselbee Senior Staff Writer Fletcher Matson Production Manager Lisa Evans Advertising Manager Scott Mitchell Faculty Adviser Larry Baker The Thunderbird is published each Monday of the academic year by and for the student body of Southern Utah State College. The views and opinions expressed m The Thunderbird are the opinions of the publications individual writers and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the institution, faculty, staff or student body in general. The unsigned editorial directly above is the opinion of The Thunderbird as a single entity. Letters to the editor must include the name, student number (if from a student) and phone number. Only the name will be printed. Names will not be withheld under any circumstances and the editor reserves the right to edit letters for length and to preclude libel. Letters must be submitted by noon Friday for inclusion in the following weeks edition. - - The Thunderbird: editorial and advertising offices at 529 West 200 South, Cedar , City, LT 84720. Mail at SUSC Box 384, Cedar City, UT 84720. (801) 7758. Feedback Whats your favorite winter recreation ? I like tobogganing. I like the speed and trying to control the thing. Norm is a junior majoring in physical therapy from Henderson, Norm Gray: Aside from skiing Nevada . Kevin McClary: Besides skiing it would have to be sitting by a fire with some friends. Kevin is a freshman majoring in accounting from Las Vegas, Nevada Joyce Hendricks: Next to skiing and it doesnt take much skill. . I like tubing. Its not hard Joyce is a sophomore majoring in business administration Lake City. from Salt ,:S X., I dont know. I just love everything about winter. I guess I like taking a walk when its quiet and Suzan Maw: peaceful-!- ! Suzan is a Utah. junior majoring in elementary education from Ogden, |