SES exec board undergoes change
Lizz Matyas
Issue date: 11/20/09 Section: News
Smith, upset by the decision to remove him under such circumstances, and through a loophole in the SES constitution, believes the situation to be coincidental. Collier also stated the committee had the right to do what was done, but regrets Smith was not present for the decision.
A push for the removal of Smith from Hurley's chair came after last week, when a $500 bill for upcoming acts was proposed to Hurley's assembly.
The way in which deciding upon campus events relies on a political voting system. Anyone in SES can present a bill for an act to come to campus; the bill is considered and then voted on based on the best interests of the campus and the facility.
After the bill for Smith's proposed acts were denied twice, it was noted that Smith would not be present at the following weekend's SES events. This left members in charge of running tech equipment they were unfamiliar with.
Smith denies allegations of leaving the organization high and dry for the weekend that had an "Open Jam" event and another even scheduled for the 14 of November. Smith held a half-hour long workshop to teach SES members how to run soundboard equipment, but the organization claims Smith was unhelpful in his "10 minute session."
Smith, although removed from his position, remains proud of the work he accomplished as Hurley's chair, in particular the spike in event attendance during his time.
The future for Hurley's is uncertain at this point. While Smith has been removed from his position of Hurley's chair, he also willingly stepped down from his position as Publicity Committee chair. Tara Bonhon, SES Vice President, is currently acting as chair in the absence of the Hurley's Chair to ensure events run smoothly.
SES members, including senior communications major, Brandon Horishny, remain optimistic for the future of Hurley's: "While Hurley's might go through a rough patch, I believe that it will run smoother as a venue, as well as offer a more diverse selection of entertainment."
A push for the removal of Smith from Hurley's chair came after last week, when a $500 bill for upcoming acts was proposed to Hurley's assembly.
The way in which deciding upon campus events relies on a political voting system. Anyone in SES can present a bill for an act to come to campus; the bill is considered and then voted on based on the best interests of the campus and the facility.
After the bill for Smith's proposed acts were denied twice, it was noted that Smith would not be present at the following weekend's SES events. This left members in charge of running tech equipment they were unfamiliar with.
Smith denies allegations of leaving the organization high and dry for the weekend that had an "Open Jam" event and another even scheduled for the 14 of November. Smith held a half-hour long workshop to teach SES members how to run soundboard equipment, but the organization claims Smith was unhelpful in his "10 minute session."
Smith, although removed from his position, remains proud of the work he accomplished as Hurley's chair, in particular the spike in event attendance during his time.
The future for Hurley's is uncertain at this point. While Smith has been removed from his position of Hurley's chair, he also willingly stepped down from his position as Publicity Committee chair. Tara Bonhon, SES Vice President, is currently acting as chair in the absence of the Hurley's Chair to ensure events run smoothly.
SES members, including senior communications major, Brandon Horishny, remain optimistic for the future of Hurley's: "While Hurley's might go through a rough patch, I believe that it will run smoother as a venue, as well as offer a more diverse selection of entertainment."
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 36
Hoppy
posted 11/19/09 @ 10:55 PM EST
It sounds to me like the policies and loopholes in SES need to be revised, and those on the board should question their practices and the motives of those who launched this campaign against Smith. (Continued…)
Former SESer
posted 11/20/09 @ 11:42 AM EST
Smith had done a large amount of work contributing to the record attendance in Hurley's recently. All of the talk of more diverse acts is a complete contradiction to goal of Hurley's and SES. (Continued…)
Potsdam student
posted 11/20/09 @ 11:50 AM EST
A friend of mine is in the SES at Potsdam, and they had planned on bringing this up that week without the knowledge that Smith would not at the meeting. (Continued…)
Potsdam Grad
Phil Thompson
posted 11/20/09 @ 12:42 PM EST
Is this a news article or a feel sorry for Ben article? There are many facts missing from this story that might shed some light on the history of Ben's involvement in the organization, and the reasons for his removal. (Continued…)
SES Member
posted 11/20/09 @ 12:44 PM EST
I don't think it should be said that "The future for Hurley's is uncertain at this point..." especially given how it was only a chairperson replacement. (Continued…)
A Student
posted 11/20/09 @ 1:37 PM EST
I think the removal of Ben as chair of Hurley's was a mistake. The reasons for his dismissal simply don't add up. "After the bill for Smith's proposed acts were denied twice, it was noted that Smith would not be present at the following weekend's SES events. (Continued…)
Another SES Member
posted 11/20/09 @ 2:48 PM EST
First, I would like to point out that the exec board of SES hasn't changed. The President, Vice President, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, and Secretary have remained the same since the removal of Ben O'Brien Smith. (Continued…)
Hurley's Girl
posted 11/20/09 @ 3:20 PM EST
This topic sparked alot of feelings all over campus, but people were not aware of all of the things that have happened/were happening. As a member of the committee, I can say that what we did was thought out and carried out for the good of this campus. (Continued…)
Alice Sorensen
posted 11/20/09 @ 4:16 PM EST
SES has really done it this time. Not only have they managed to insult and alienate one of their most devoted and hardworking members, but they've also started down the path of the gross exaggeration of fact. (Continued…)
Another Potsdam Student
posted 11/20/09 @ 6:13 PM EST
I am nothing short of ecstatic about this change. Maybe now Hurley's will better advertise Coffeehouse and book some decent weekend acts.
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