Tobey Veenstra
The Broadside

The Associated Students of Central Oregon Community College’s student relations coordinator Travis Peden resigned after “a strong moral conflict with the actions and choices of certain members of this council,” according to his official reason for resignation.

Peden particularly disagreed with the ASCOCC’s use of student fees.

“That was the main reason,” said Peden. “I don’t agree with the hiring of a lawyer or a [Public Relations] representative … I didn’t think it was a proper use of the student fees.”

The ASCOCC has been using student fees to pay While the ASCOCC does have term limits stated in their constitution, they only apply to the titles of the members.

“Council members may not hold the same title for more than two consecutive years,” according to their constitution.
The low number of credits required to be a member was another concern for Peden.

“I could take a yoga class and be a member,” said Peden.

According to the constitution, “All council members must be members of the ASCOCC thereby maintaining a minimum one credit hour at COCC.”

Peden began working as a general council member at the beginning of fall term last year. The ASCOCC accepted his resignation on Jan. 5, 2010.

The vacant position was advertised until Friday last week. The ASCOCC has 30 days to fill the position, according to their constitution.

Brenda Pierce, ASCOCC’s marketing and advertising coordinator, said “quite a few people have applied” for Peden’s position.

“Some people’s personalities might just work better with them (ASCOCC members),” said Peden about the applicants for the position. He described various current members as “very hostile” when working with them.

“We didn’t see eye to eye,” said Peden. “It was pretty much always like that.”

In response to Peden’s resignation, Pierce said, “My official response is that we wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.”