La Voz

Media Credit: Chris Marks Members of the new DASB Senate.

The June 6 De Anza Associated Student Body senate meeting ushered in a new round senators, along with new President Robin Claassen and Executive Vice President Rahela Sami.

Former DASB President Tony Suen took his last public comment before swearing in Claassen and stepping down.

Suen told the new senators, "Take advantage of the resources around you ... There's no such thing as a stupid question," and stressed the importance of asking the DASB adviser John Cognetta for guidance. "John really does an incredible job ... and has accumulated a wealth of knowledge."

The Vice President of Student Services and Institutional Research, Robert Griffin, introduced the new dean of Student Development, Michele LeBleu-Burns.

After various issues were raised in the meeting, 29 new members of the senate were sworn in, including nine junior senators. The tenth spot is open due to a tie between Rishvika Kumai and Cory Williams.

Vice President of Student Rights and Campus Relations Alexander Lin told the senate to "make sure you talk to students, and make sure you get your face out there and the DASB out there."

Former Vice President of Administration Rehana Rehman said, "definitely ask questions ... you guys are at a transition period and the best time to learn is the summertime."

Outgoing Executive Vice President Yessenia Ramirez said to the senate, "You're going to fall to a pressure to vote a certain way, don't feel the pressure to vote that way, when you're casting a vote that's 900 people saying yes or no."

During the meeting, disqualified DASB President- elect Monica Pen announced her plans to run for the vacant Vice President of Adminstration position. Pen was disqualified from the position over claims of violations concerning campaigning to close to the voting polls.

Pen previously had expressed a desire to serve De Anza in another venue. "I will find another way to make a difference," she said. "I still want to work with the students."

If Pen is not elected in the position, she is eligible to become a junior senator if she attends three senate meetings, fills out the designated paperwork, and is approved by the senate.

"Monica will be a valuable asset to the DASB senate whether she's chosen as VP of Administration or decides to take on a different role," said Senator Dan Sealana. "Those who think she was guilty of cheating during the presidential election should forgive her, and those who thought she was innocent should encourage her to pursue a position within the senate." When asked, Sealana said the senate hasn't decided what process will be used to fill the position.

After the speeches, the senate performed a team building exercise, in which they summarized the goals they hope to achieve. The meeting was ended with the introduction of prospective Junior Senators Joseph Chen, Monica Pen, Weng Ong and Tommy Agustina. Editor's note: The writer of this article is a prospective junior senator.

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