The Vista September 24, 1991

Page 1

University of Central Oklahoma

The Student Voice Since 1903

USSA takes stand on Thomas

Teenage ninjas invade Yukon

By Barbara Dewailey Staff Writer

YUKON, Okla. (AP)—Yukon authorities say gang-related activity isn't behind the implementation of curfews at three local parks peppered with vandalism by a group of youths dressed as Ninja warriors. Hayden Karn, parks and recreation director, said the city's parks will be closed each night because they have no athletic facilities that can be used after dark. Police Chief James Huffman said the youths had vandalized park property, written obscenities on signs and trees and cut down trees. Older residents who walk in the parks also have complained they are harassed by the youths, who wear black hoods and clothing, Huffman said.

Pro-animal group charges zoos sell unwanted animals SAN DIEGO (AP)—An international animal protection organization charges that zoos nationwide sell surplus animals to ranches where people hunt them for sport. Lisa Landres, spokeswoman for the Los Angeles-based Friends of Animals, said Tuesday that many zoos have put aside ethics to rid themselves of unwanted animals that aren't members of endangered species. In our opinion, the zoo community, who brought these animals into the world, should be held accountable for their fate," Landres said.

Chained girl fails to file complaint NEW YORK (AP)—Charges were reduced against a couple who said they kept their teen-age daughter in chains because they feared she would kill herself with drugs. Charges against Eliezar and Maria Marrero were reduced Thursday from felony unlawful imprisonment to misdemeanor charges. The case remains under investigation, but if their daughter, Linda does not file a complaint within 90 days, the charges will be dropped. Linda, 15, was routinely chained to a radiator in the family's Bronx apartment, with enough slack to reach the bathroom. Her parents said they did it to keep her off the streets.

See

WORLD WRAP ,

page 11

TUESDAY September 24, 1991

A promise of winter Students braced against record rainfall and cool temperatures with the arrival of fall's first cold front last Wednesday. (Photo by Mark Zimmerman)

The United States Student Association is opposing the confirmation of Judge Clarence Thomas to the U.S. Supreme Court. USSA represents about 3.5 million students at 350 colleges and universities. Peter Regan, University of Central Oklahoma Student Association president, said UCO is not a member of the USSA. Regan said UCO Student Association has not addressed the issue as a body, but he personally sees the Thomas confirmation as a catch 22 situation. "I think'he will be confirmed. Even he is not confirmed, President Bush will not get someone with a different ideology," Regan said. The USSA voted to oppose Thomas' confirmation at their 44th Annual Congress last month. Their president, Tajel Shah, said Thomas has indicated through his writings and speeches he opposes remedies which have been introduced to assist women, the elderly, and the historically disenfranchised. Regan said he does think the nomination of Thomas is a smart political move on Bush's part. Kenneth Haynes, Black Student Association vice president, said he is concerned with the fact Thomas has only been a judge for 18 months and is only 42 years old. "I must say he is very articulate and very knowlegable of the law," Haynes said. USSA is the oldest and largest student organization in the country. Members are organizing postcard and letter writing campaigns in many states opposing Thomas. V

VP and senate elections begin By David LoBaugh Copy Editor

The usual mudslinging that has accompanied most political races has been replaced with mutual admiration in the Student Association vice-presidential elections, currently in progress at the University of Central Oklahoma. "Basically, this is a win-win situation for the student body. We're both capable of doing an excellent job," candidate Terry LaFrance said. Both candidates have the support of a president they must work with closely. "Terry (LaFrance) served as speaker of the senate and gained the confidence of the senators, while Joacquin (Stevens) has done a stellar job as chairman of student activities. Both candidates are loyal, dedicated, full of new ideas and highly qualified," said Student Government Association President Peter Regan. Vice-presidential candidates Stevens and

LaFrance are both experienced student leaders who also share similar platforms. "The things I consider important are the things the students consider important. If I had to narrow it down to one issue, it would have to be parking," Stevens said. LaFrance concurred. "Parking is the major problem on the minds of students at UCO. Something needs to be done to supply students with reasonable parking," LaFrance said. Stevens, a junior with a double major in vocal performance and business, has served as a student senator and student activities chairman four years. He also served on several other committees. He has also worked extensively with National Association of Campus Activities (NACA), including serving as regional conference representative and national conference delegate. He also served on the showcase selection committee. Stevens also served as presenter for the Nigh Institute and the Centennial Banquet, and speaker at Black Student Association and UCO student orientation.

LaFrance, a graduate student with a degree in advertising and also a four-year member of the senate, has served as chairman of the publicity and commuter affairs committees, and served UCO as parlimentarian and, most recently, as speaker of the house. He is also a cadet captain in ROTC and has served as captain on the ranger challenge team and is a member of the National Guard. LaFrance has also served Thatcher Hall as a floor representative and as historian, and as a member of the selection committee for the Journalism Hall of Fame. Elections for senators are being held concurrently with the vice-presidental race. Students can vote today at University Center from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. and 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., or in the business building from 10:40 to 11:40 a.m. and again from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Students may vote in the LA Building Wednesday from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. and Thursday from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. V


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