The Letter of Statement that came before the rules commitee needed amending as I recall, since the figures on it concerning Hergert were not sourced or verified on the document. I don’t remember who wrote it initially, but in any case, it hasn’t been submitted again. Besides, the issue was largely a moot point; a “Letter of Statement” expresses the opinion of the senate (as a representative body). If 99% of students think it is nice to have sunshine, I’d be happy to pass that bill too, for all it’d be worth. If in some metaphysical world not expressing outrage is a moral sin, then we have clearly done you wrong. Would expressing one’s outrage on a website after the issue is passed make any constituents feel better?

Keep up the good work, but don’t expect it to be taken all that seriously. It’s a cool blog, but then… it’s just a blog. Mr. Chrisman hit the nail on the head.

~~~~Joe Sund~~~~~

I think the real issue here has not been addressed. Truthfully the whole issue has been clouded by a few people. What I intend to do in this article is expose the whole issue for what it is. People who have been following this issue know this all comes back to Martha Stewart and her sale of yellow bedspreads at K-Mart. Since Doug Hergert is obviously partial to blue bedspreads, this has become a problem. Martha is seriously angry about this because if Doug will not buy her yellow spreads, what does that mean about his constituency. I think that this is really an evil plot by corporate America to undermine the freedom of choice. I don’t claim that what Doug is doing isn’t wrong, but what about Martha? Can she really impose her will on the rest of us. As for me and my house I say, “Give me the color of bedspread I want, or give me Death!” Also I like to say, “Down with Martha, Down with Doug, Down with slow microprocessors as well!” If anyone would like to debate me on this issue, don’t bother. This is the first and last time I will ever visit this blog. If you don’t like it, go buy a yellow bedspread because its a free country and you can buy them on the black market anyway. Also I just bought some sea monkeys and they are slightly more entertaining than this issue.

Thank you for your willingness to participate in this forum. It does shows loyalty to your constituents. Unfortunately, it has not shown much in the way of understanding about what’s really at issue here, falling back on hypotheticals and straw men to justify the student senate’s indefensible inaction.

While one can debate whether the ADC was correct in settling with Hergert out of court (Hergert paying a RECORD fine in the process), putting blame on anyone’s shoulders other than Hergert is simple misdirection. Ultimately, he is responsible for his own actions….not the ADC and not the Attorney General’s office (who continue their investigation of his misconduct).

Hergert broke the law, violating every expectation of honesty, decency, and fair play that the University of Nebraska expects from its students and its employees. As a Regent, Hergert has the ultimate responsibility for upholding these standards. His actions prove him entirely unsuitable and unable to represent and lead the University in this capacity. His very presence on the Board calls into question the integrity of the entire body, endangering the good name the University system is always attempting to build for itself.

For these reasons alone, it is entirely reasonable and, in fact, the obligation of our student senates to stand up on principle and for the good of the University in calling for Hergert’s resignation. Such proclamation would be little more than a call for decency and humility on the part of Hergert that he has thus far shown no evidence of. Saving the state a costly impeachment hearing - both financially and morally - makes it even more clear that Hergert ought to resign for the reprehensible actions that helped win an election but tainted the office and made mockery of our democracy in the process.

This is not a witch hunt. This is about doing the right thing. While Miss Kraemer may not have much legislative authority, she has nevertheless spoken out against ASUNs actions and, like you, shamelessly questioned their motives. For that, she is rightfully deserving of criticism for her failure to represent the interests of the UNO student body, particularly because she herself serves on the Board of Regents.

As for the Rules Committee, if they are truly the ones standing in the way of this commonsense declaration of outrage, I repeat, THEY should be ashamed. Ignorance of the law and the facts of this case are not an excuse. To remain silent in the face of Hergert’s violation of the people’s trust is a betrayal of students both current and future, not to mention a horrendous failure of leadership.

I have been polite, I am not defending anyone. I would like to make it clear that I am not your enemy. I am not the one who voted the issue down in Rules Committee. I have spent many hours researching what I can about the issue. I just want everyone to be informed as to what I know already. I would encourage you when the new senate is elected after Oct 5th to pursue a resolution that is more clear than the last.

It is a question not of whether Hergert should be dismissed but who is at fault: Hergert the corrupt politician or the ADC as you said passed down the judgment? Are we approaching this in the right manner calling for a resignation without a correction in the rules.

Honestly, I am impressed of your knowledge regarding the issue and would like to meet with you. But I don’t think you want to question my loyalty to my constituents because that is one area you are not familiar with. Moreover, to familiarize you and since you are a constituent lets meet in the student government office soon to discuss the issue. I promise you that you wont be disappointed in my diligence on these issues.

I do not believe Elizabeth Kraemer is not at fault here. She has nothing to do with initiated legislation. The President-Regent cannot even write legislation. This is totally undeserved and unwarranted political pressure towards her. Even if you could change her mind she has no legislative power.

Senate is the group you need to address. I hope that you will take me up on the chance to meet.

email: agilliland@mail.unomaha.edu
ph: 554-2620

Hergert’s violations of state election laws were not “the same” as those of other Regents (Ferlic and Miller…all 3 Republicans). In Ferlic’s election, he more exploited a loophole, as opposed to Hergert’s flagrant breaking of the law. Furthermore, Hergert’s actions showed more evidence of being committed with ill-intent, hence the incredible $33,000 fine imposed by the state’s Accountability and Disclosure Committee.

ASUN said nothing about Hergert breaking the rules until the ADCs investigation closed and the legislature voted UNANIMOUSLY in May calling for his resignation and warning of possible impeachment. But as soon as UNLs senators returned to campus, they got to the business of standing up for integrity and honesty on their campus. What’s you excuse? This is only about politics so far as it is about good government and fair elections. If you and the students of UNO do not support these, you have served your constituents well. Otherwise, you should be ashamed.

Here is the BOR District Map link:
http://www.nebraska.edu/board/members_map.shtml

Here is the BOR Minutes link:
http://www.nebraska.edu/board/board_minutes.shtml