SGA holds Day at City Hall

In an attempt to bridge the gap between UCF students and the local government, the Student Government Association hosted their first-ever Day at City Hall.

Students were given the opportunity to join members of SGA on a visit to Orlando City Hall Monday where they were given an inside look at local political figures and issues. Day at City Hall was inspired by an annual event that UCF already participates in appropriately titled Day at the Capitol.

"I had a rewarding time visiting the Capitol last year and networking with members of our state government," SGA Community Affairs Specialist Cynthia Florentino said. "When I was chosen for my position with SGA, one of my goals was to create an event like Day at the Capitol locally; I felt that there was a disconnect between local officials and the student body [here at UCF]."

Florentino, along with other SGA staffers, worked hard to plan an event that would allow students to build a working relationship with their city and its elected officials.

"I have knowledge of federal politics already and [I] thought it was a good chance to see what is happening locally," political science graduate student Mike Ubiles said.

Ubiles and 27 other students were given a tour of City Hall including the offices of the city commissioners, two art galleries featuring local artists and the 9th floor conference room, which provided a view of downtown Orlando.

After the tour, students proceeded to the Veteran's Conference Room for a presentation about local government issues by representatives of UCF's current lobbying firm, Gray Robinson.

Christopher Carmody and Robert Stuart Jr. gave the students a synopsis of the current Florida leaders and issues being discussed within the city council as well as explained the responsibilities they have as lobbyists for UCF. They also hinted at what to focus on in 2012 including projected budgets, which could affect tuition rates as well as redistricting and the idea of focusing educational funds on science, technology, engineering and math degrees, which was a major topic of debate.

"I encourage students to engage members and have an open mind; get as much out of it as you can," SGA President Matthew McCann said.

McCann stressed the importance of students absorbing information provided during the event and not being afraid to ask questions.

"I really liked how the lobbyists explained everything we needed to pay attention to," said political science junior Alexandria Washington.

During the lobbying workshop, Mayor Buddy Dyer met with the UCF students and spent some time talking about what he is currently working on in office and how important it is for students to be involved in their community.

"We've had an interesting time in the city. Dr. [John C.] Hitt has done a wonderful job of making UCF the partnership hub," Dyer said. "Orlando is fast becoming a leader in sustainability and we would be very interested in partnering with UCF."

Dyer mentioned while discussing current sustainability programs taking place throughout the city such as the new Amway Center which is the first NBA facility to receive LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

The day ended with an opportunity for the attendees to sit in on a city council meeting, and each student was provided with an agenda.

"People have no idea what's going on around them. I have been meaning to attend a council meeting but just never got around to it until now. I didn't know all of these things were happening," Ubiles said.

Ubiles reviewed the council's agenda which included a proposal to purchase three Nissan Leaf electric cars and other proposals which were all promptly approved during the meeting.

UCF students enjoyed a full day at City Hall and were able to gain valuable experience regarding the inner workings of the local government. Dyer said he was "pleased to have our Knights" at City Hall, and everyone agreed they were pleased to have had the opportunity.

Students who attended the event were given guaranteed prior registration to UCF's Day at the Capitol, which is being held in early February.